Migrant shelter in Chicago closes after months of operation

In Chicago, a migrant shelter that was operational at a former Super 8 motel located at 7300 N. Sheridan Rd. closed over the weekend. This shelter had started welcoming asylum seekers in July 2023, taking on the role after the motel, which opened in 1959, had previously served as accommodation for men facing homelessness. Notably, Forgotten Chicago highlighted that the motel was known for its unique amenities such as 'wake-up coffee in every room' and a rooftop sun deck. The closure of this shelter in Rogers Park is part of a larger trend, as other migrant shelters in the area are also shutting down, including the former Inn of Chicago Hotel at 162 E. Ohio St. and a shelter at 526 N. Western Ave. in Ukrainian Village. While these closures take place, the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois continue to operate nine migrant shelters, providing a home for approximately 3,700 migrants currently. The shifts in shelter availability reflect the ongoing changes in Chicago's response to the migrant crisis. The former Super 8 motel’s transition from a hospitality establishment to a shelter demonstrates the city's efforts to accommodate an increasing number of asylum seekers that have arrived in the region. However, the recent closures may raise concerns about the continuity of support for those who are still in need of shelter. As of now, the future uses for the closed motel have not been disclosed. The challenges faced by different shelters indicate a need for an adaptable solution in response to the fluctuating number of migrants in Chicago, raising questions about how the city will continue to address the needs of this community moving forward.