Since its opening in October 2017, Bethany House has welcomed more than 130 women with 50 small children. They come from 29 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and South and Central America. The average length of stay has been 10 months. Most arrived in this country as unaccompanied children seeking asylum and ‘aged out’ of the children’s detention centers. More recently, some come to us directly from the border, from the MPP (“Remain in Mexico”) program, Afghanistan evacuation efforts or various border shelters. From September 2022 to June 2024, as more than 50,000 immigrants arrived on buses in Chicago, we received many women and children who were staying at police stations awaiting shelter. And in 2024, once again, more than 75% of the young women who come to Bethany House arrive on their 18th birthday, leaving government shelters for unaccompanied minor children.

While here, the women take ESL, GED or high school classes while they work on their legal case, access medical care and prepare for the next steps in their journey.

Thank you to all who support the women and children at Bethany House!