Haitian Family Update and How to Support Them

Dear St. John XXIII parishioners,

Much has happened since we received a request from the Archdiocesan Pastoral Migratoria to accompany a Haitian family of 4 seeking asylum here in Evanston. We received this request because of our vibrant Haitian community. As you know there are hundreds of families seeking asylum. The family we are sponsoring is a Haitian mom, dad with 2 toddler sons, Miguel and Jean who are now being housed in a hotel with cooking facilities in Skokie. This is due to the rapid response of our pastor Fr. Jean-Philippe who designated the Holy Thursday collection to help. Our Haitian parishioners have stepped up locating the hotel and providing the family with food, diapers and other necessities. Some have given financial assistance. Our parishioners are truly Easter people! We are following what the early Christians did, giving witness to their belief in the Risen Christ. It continues to amaze!

However, we are just beginning…the ongoing needs are great, finding an apartment, helping with rent and utilities for 3 to 6 months, furnishings, food, diapers and clothing etc. Mauro Pineda at the Archdiocese has helped greatly, connecting them to benefits they are eligible to receive. We will continue to look for sources of funding. Many of you have expressed the desire to help financially, therefore a fund is being established with our Peace & Justice Committee. They will receive donations and dispense them as needed for this family and any subsequent refugee/asylum seekers.

If you wish to help financially, please make checks out to St. John XXIII parish/ Peace and Justice Committee (Mary Doucette treasurer) write in the memo assisting refugees/asylum seekers. Drop in the collection basket or send directly to the parish (St. John XXIII Parish 806 Ridge Avenue; Evanston IL 60202).
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You can also donate on the St. Nicholas FaithDirect site.  Scroll to the section of the page called called "One Time Gifts" and select the option for:  Asylum seekers/ Refugee Assistance.

​When a more permanent dwelling has been found for this family, we will send out a list of needed furnishings that parishioners might want to help with…and of course our Rummage Sale is just around the corner! Let us continue to be Easter people!

Barb Soricelli