Across Chicago, a strong network of community organizations, cultural centers, faith-based groups, and nonprofits provides vital support for immigrants, refugees, and newcomers of all backgrounds. This includes Illinois Welcoming Centers, which is a state-funded program that gives certain community organizations the capacity to provide walk-in services for immigrants and refugees in Illinois. 

Services may include:

• Language-specific cultural centers (e.g., Vietnamese, Haitian, Congolese, Arabic- speaking)
• Faith-based organizations and places of worship
• Mutual aid networks and newcomer settlement programs
• Youth and senior services

To find a local Illinois Welcoming Center, visit the Illinois Department of Human Services directory.

For a complete list of Community Services Agencies proving support to immigrants and refugees, visit the IDHS directory.

Chicago is alive with events that celebrate its diversity.

Explore:

• Parades, food festivals, and music concerts
• Art exhibits, storytelling nights, and film screenings
• Legal aid days, wellness workshops, and civic forums

Explore events through:

• Choose Chicago Events Calendar
• DCASE (Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events)
• Chicago Parks District Events Calendar 

Looking for ways to give back while connecting with others? Many local organizations across Chicago welcome volunteers and mentors—especially those with lived experience or language skills that can help newcomers feel at home.

You can support efforts such as:

• Assisting at food pantries, shelters, or community kitchens
• Volunteering at legal clinics or “know your rights” events
• Mentoring youth or supporting newcomer families
• Co-leading cultural or wellness workshops in your community

Partner organizations like Chicago Cares, RefugeeOne, and ICIRR regularly post opportunities for individuals and groups to get involved.

Chicago is home to vibrant immigrant communities from around the world. Many community- based organizations offer programs tailored to your culture, language, and region of origin— ranging from health and legal aid to youth mentorship and arts programming.

You can find support through:

• African Diaspora: United African Organization, Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago (ECAC)
• AAPI Communities: Chinese American Service League, Indo-American Center
• Arab American & MENA: Arab American Action Network, Syrian Community Network
• Latino, Caribbean, Indigenous: Latino Policy Forum, Centro Romero, Enlace Chicago
• Eastern European, Slavic, Jewish: Polish American Association, HIAS Chicago, Russian-American Community Center

Need support from your home country? Chicago hosts consular offices for over 80 countries, offering services like:

• Passport renewal and national IDs Legal documents and notary services
• Emergency assistance and voting abroad
• Cultural and educational programming

Learn more about Chicago's Sister Cities International program—a global initiative fostering partnerships between Chicago and over 25 cities around the world.

Understanding your rights and knowing your representatives is key to civic power. Use the following links to find your local, state, and federal elected representatives. Please note: you will be asked to provide your zip code and/or address.

• Look up your ward and alderperson
• Find your state and federal elected officials