Inclusive Community
Central to the HNPCA's mission is making
our community inclusive and safe for everyone.
A Warmer Welcome
[updated July 2024]
Approximately 300 people are living in a shelter in our neighborhood. After a treacherous journey all the way from South America --- much of it on foot, with babies, young children, and unimaginable courage --- these families are legally seeking asylum and a new start here in the United States. While life at the shelters promises to be better than the floor of a police station or the perils of winter exposure, the need for assistance is great. Our neighborhood has already risen to the challenge in dramatic fashion; please join us as we continue to meet the needs of this community.
We are committed to supporting the dignity, safety, and health of the families who reside at the shelters.
Fall 2023 Contributions
Items purchased from the Amazon Wish List should be shipped to the gift registry address. This will ensure shipment to the Alderperson's Office; their staff will then take the items directly to shelter families.
In collaboration with Alderperson Samantha Nugent, State Senator Ram Villivalam, neighborhood volunteers, and community organizations, we are currently coordinating a variety of efforts:
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collecting new and gently used summer clothing for children and adults of all ages:
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flip flops
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t-shirts
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warm-weather pants and shorts
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socks
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underwear
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sports bras
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supporting pick-up soccer games twice a week, and
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working to arrange pick-up baseball and softball games.
Previously, we have
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collected and distributed blankets (806!),
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distributed donated clothing (> 25 car loads so far) to shelter residents, and
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filled very specific needs of shelter residents including cribs, diaper-changing stations, childrens' toys and books and outoor play equipment (see infographic for details).
Please make your contribution today!
In 2020, we launched a series of community conversations to address race, policing, and safety. In 2021, we created a multimedia project called "People of North Park" designed to celebrate the diverse people and stories in our neighborhood.
