Volunteers needed - we are processing as many asylum applications and work permits as possible before it's too late. See Volunteer and Donate.
We have work for volunteers every day. Sign up here.
Volunteers assist recently arrived asylum seekers with legal forms, and do related administrative and clerical work. We’re also looking for volunteers interested in planning events or helping with fundraising.
Spanish language skills, legal training, and experience with asylum cases are all very helpful, but we have opportunities for everyone. If you feel strongly about this work, we have ways you can support.
Neighbors United for Mutual Support is a mutual aid program based in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago supporting our new neighbors seeking asylum and other legal support.
We assist with applications for asylum and work permits and provide direct support with rent and living experiences, and by facilitating donations neighbors needing clothes and housing items.
Between August of 2022 and November 2024, the City of Chicago received over 51,000 new arrivals who crossed the southern border, many fleeing persecution within the meaning of United States asylum law. Many were at first living outside, or as the weather got colder, inside the Chicago police stations, then in city and state run shelters throughout the city. Many skipped the shelter system and were received, in most cases with inadequate knowledge and supports, by people they knew who had come to Chicago earlier.
Recent arrivals need help with basic needs, like rent, clothing, and paying rising gas bills in a climate far colder than what they are used to. Many qualify for work permits, but applying costs $470.
New arrivals and asylum seekers most often arrive with very few belongings and are building new homes fresh in Chicago.
If you have furniture, clothes, or household goods in reasonable condition you’re willing to donate, contact us using the form below to arrange a drop off.
As an all-volunteer organization we have very little overhead and can put donations directly to supporting new arrivals with legal fees and material support.
Tax-deductible donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church with a note saying “migrant support”. Please send an email to maureenrgraves@gmail.com if you donate so we can record this on our books as well.
If you do not require a tax deduction, the best way to donate is through our GoFundMe page.
We are a grassroots, volunteer-run operation operating out of an office in the Woodlawn neighborhood. Our primary focus is on providing material support and emergency legal services aimed at helping recent new arrivals and asylum seekers preserve rights while they seek long-term representation.
Neighbors United for Mutual Support developed out of the work of founder Maureen Graves, a lawyer and activist who represents students with disabilities, and who has been assisting with document preparation in asylum cases since 2022.
Read recent coverage of our work:
Hyde Park Herald here
On WBEZ here
In the Chicago Maroon here
