In December 2023, a coalition of community members, advocates, and organizations came together with a singular purpose: to ensure that more than 200 newly arrived migrants facing the phase-out of the Oak Park village shelter would be spared from returning to the Chicago shelter system.
Guided by the Community of Congregations, serving as a fiscal agent, the Resettlement Task Force collaborated with the village, county, various churches, and the wider community. This alliance sought to ensure stable housing, comprehensive social services, and vital resources. These support systems empowered individuals and families to concentrate on securing legal status and work permits, helping them establish their place in the community.
As we draw near to April 30 — the date marking the conclusion of the final leases secured through this initiative — we pause to contemplate the profound impact of this collective endeavor. For the majority of the cohort, this milestone signifies an entire year of housing stability — a year that has afforded them the opportunity to establish credit, secure employment, enroll their children in local schools, and reclaim authority over their lives.
The data underscores the success of this initiative:
• 223 individuals secured mid- to long-term shelter
• 57 leases were signed with landlords
• Utilities were established in residents’ names, enhancing their financial and identification records
• Community fundraising of more than $250,000 played a critical role in this effort
• Legal service clinics and appointments were organized in partnership with local nonprofit organizations
However, the numbers only tell part of the story. The heart of this effort lies in the rich tapestry of the lived experiences of those who have been resettled. To clarify, the task force was not instituted as a mechanism for monitoring or managing these individuals; rather, it was formed to empower them with choices regarding their futures. Many have since relocated or pursued new opportunities. A number have remained in Oak Park, where they now hold leases in their own names, work within the community, and have children enrolled in local schools (districts 97, 90, and 200).
As I reflect on this profound work, I am filled with joy and hope. This is a moment for celebration! But it’s also an inflection point. Even as I acknowledge the success of this past year, I also recognize the broader context in which this work occurred. Across the country, immigrants continue to be targeted and scapegoated; lies and fear abound. Yet, my experience affirms a simple truth: when given an opportunity, people will flourish.
The Resettlement Task Force was a response to an acute situation – but it speaks to what is possible when a community comes together with compassion, urgency, and a commitment to justice. My hope is that this model becomes the rule, not an exception.
Rev. Colin Knapp is senior pastor of Pilgrim Congregational Church.