Serving the underprivileged and neglected
with affordable housing, social services,
and workforce development.
Phase 2
Exciting news from Unity Initiative Chicago! Pastor John Zayas shares updates as we transition into Phase 2, deepening our commitment to support new arrivals, unhoused, underprivileged, and neglected. From providing essential services to focusing on development and mental health, we're stepping up to make a bigger impact. Join us on this journey to uplift our community.
Phase 1
Helping migrants move from emergency to sufficiency.
Chicago has experienced an unprecedented wave of migration. Asylum Seekers have found themselves transported to our city and the Unity Initiative stepped up to provide wraparound services.
From November 2023 to April of 2024, The Unity Initiative has helped over 250 migrants with emergency housing, legal clinics, social services, and wraparound care. Made possible with support from nearly a dozen faith based organizations that transformed their spaces into temporary shelters.
The Unity Initiative is a partnership between the City of Chicago and a Group of Leaders from Chicago’s faith community to combine resources to quickly intervene during this current migrant crisis.
Phase 2
Serving the underprivileged and neglected with affordable housing, social services, and workforce development.
With 35k+ new arrivals in Chicago, the biggest impact in their future here is the ability to work legally. Partnerships with LISC, HUD, and other companies in need of workers provide opportunities for migrants, unhoused, and underprivileged.
We will continue to provide essential social services for those in need that include:
Providing shelter
Medical appointments, SNAP, Social Services
Legal Clinics
Homeless Outreach
Choice Store - Food Bank
Mental Health
Addiction Services (Rehab, Detox)
Providing affordable housing is a key priority for Phase 2. We are currently pursuing the option of tiny home program alongside wraparound services such as financial literacy and credit building to ensure success.
Impact
Workforce Development
The economic impact of connecting the permitted migrants and unhoused community with jobs is big. If all of the new arrivals were permitted to work the income taxes alone for one year amounts to over $50M.
Affordable Housing
The average monthly rent in Chicago is over $2,200 and yet the average income is $40k. We are working to provide realistic options that help those in need build better lives.
Social Services
Homeless outreach, addiction services, and mental health services are among the most powerful resources for those in need.
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