The Illinois Department of Human Services awarded $247,918 grant to be administered by the cities of Champaign and Urbana to help asylum seekers in Champaign County. From the press release:
The funds will help cover the costs of shelter, food, health and wellness, legal expenses, and wraparound services for asylum seekers from Central and South America and the Middle East who have settled in Champaign County since August 2022. The grant funds will provide services for an estimated 200 adults and 100 children during the grant period (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024).
The funding will be distributed through The Refugee Center, Cunningham Township, and the New American Welcome Center — organizations that provide direct service to asylum seekers.