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 Approximately 75 children, unaccompanied minors fleeing poverty,
hunger and violence from their homelands in Central America, will be
arriving in Illinois from Florida following their emergency
evacuation to escape the destruction of Hurricane Matthew.
“We are grateful that the state of Illinois, through the hard work
of Heartland Alliance, can offer these young children a temporary,
safe home. It is important that in a time of crisis we all remember
to offer a helping hand,” Governor Rauner said. “Our thoughts are
with those in the storm’s path. We are hoping for as little
destruction as possible and are evaluating every way Illinois can
further help our fellow states.”
“This is a great opportunity for Illinois to help in a time of
crisis in the lives of children,” said Illinois Department of
Children and Family Services Director George Sheldon. “These
children are seeking refuge in this country out of desperation to
leave behind the dangerous conditions they faced in Central America,
so we are grateful that Heartland Alliance has stepped forward to
provide temporary space for them until they can safely return to
Florida.”
For the next 30 days, these children will remain under the auspices
of Heartland Alliance until they can safely return to Florida.
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“We are thankful that the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
granted us a temporary variance so that we were able to take in these children,”
says Susan Trudeau of Heartland Alliance. “When we all pull together, great
things happen.”
Heartland Alliance is the leading anti-poverty organization in the Midwest.
Through a holistic continuum of programs (in the realms of housing, healthcare,
jobs, and justice), Heartland Alliance seeks to address the root causes of
poverty and danger, generate social change, and inspire people to build better
lives not only for themselves but for their communities. They offer support to
refugees, migrants, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable populations
facing discrimination or violence. To learn more visit:
www.heartlandalliance.org.
[Office of the Governor Bruce Rauner] |
