West Cook News

Lisa Biehler Desai is calling for donations to help for illegal immigrant “new neighbors” living in the village.

Overwhelmed by the growing number of people in need, she emphasized the dire situation and the need for more tents and tarps as winter approaches, while also seeking support from faith communities to provide shelter and respite during the day.

Lisa Biehler Desai is requesting tents for illegal immigrants. | Lisa Biehler Desai / Facebook

The result is a growing tent city located across from the Oak Park Police station located at 123 Madison St.

“Thank you all for continuing to be so supportive of the humanitarian crisis that is going on. What is happening at the police station requires FEMA level support, but we are not getting it so here I am yet again, begging for help,” Biehler Desai said on Facebook.

“Since the last time I posted just a few days ago we went thru nearly all 100 tents that were donated. Currently at Station 15 on Madison there are 140 people with 30 more in route as I type. There are 40 children, many sleeping outside in tents. WE NEED MORE TENTS AND TARPS (the tents do no good without the tarps). Every police station in the entire city is overflowing with more on the way.”

“I know many of you have already bought one or more and for that I am very grateful. Please share with your friends and family so that we can get these much needed tents. If you have a connection with a faith community that would consider opening their doors for our new neighbors please ask them. We are reaching out to many churches to try and get some respite during the day so people do not have to be out in this weather. A big thank you to St Catherine/St Lucy who have been providing this along with a lot of other services 2x a week since this crisis began.”

“This is the time we all have to step up, again and again and again. I thank you in advance for continuing to step up. The situation really is very dire.”

“Here we go again with a new wish list for more desperately needed tents and tarps.”

 

The illegal immigrant crisis has resulted in police stations overflowing in Chicago. That overflow has made its way into the suburbs now as well.

In a previous post Biehler Desai said a bus showed up and dropped off those who are now sleeping outside.

“Just hours ago, a bus arrived at the station with 20 plus people and there is literally no room. So, our new friends are now in the parking lot across the street from the station,” Biehler Desai said on Facebook.

Biehler Desai is a registered nurse working at Advocate Health Care.

She is taking the donations at her historic 2,461 square foot three bedroom, three bathroom located at 1140 N. Euclid Ave. in Oak Park.