How We Spend Your Money - The Migrant Ministry would not be possible without the incredible support of the larger community, manifested through volunteer time, in-kind donations, and financial contributions. We are grateful for the small and large, one-time and monthly monetary donations. How is this money spent?

The Migrant Ministry Leadership Team makes the financial decisions. Here are some examples:

• Six months’ initial rent and monthly stipend for the families we are accompanying towards resettlement and independence. There are 26 families in the accompaniment program, 21 who are now financially independent. We continue to accompany them as they navigate life in the United States.
• Emergency rental and utility payments for families not in our accompaniment program who are experiencing financial stress for a variety of reasons.
• Monthly rent to Saint Luke and Saint Bernardine Parish for the use of six classrooms in the former school.
• Work permit fee ($560) for one member of a family with connections to the Migrant Ministry. (We are promoting this assistance as a mutual aid fund, asking that the migrant pay back the loan.)
• Purchase of NEW UNDERWEAR AND SOCKS (LOTS!) as we don’t accept used.
• Purchase of coats at the Goodwill Outlet - pay by the pound! 60 coats for $200!
• Ministry Morning expenses such as kitchen trash bags for migrants to carry donated items.
• Ventra cards for migrants unable to cover transportation needs.
• Contributions to the inmate accounts for a migrant detained in a federal facility in Kentucky. Ministry volunteers are accompanying the family and making local connections for legal assistance.

Thank you for making our work possible! Clothing and bedding donations are accepted on Monday mornings at the former Saint Bernardine School. Starting March 1, we are only accepting spring and warm weather clothing.

Questions? Email us at [email protected].

We couldn’t do what we do without your support. MIL GRACIAS, Catholic Communities of Oak Park!