Migrant Services

At Pilsen Food Pantry, we are honored to serve as a trusted support system for our immigrant community. In collaboration with the 25th Ward Aldermanic Office and our incredible community partners, we remain committed to building a safe, welcoming, and inclusive neighborhood.

As a multilingual and multicultural community, it is no surprise that many migrants want to make Pilsen their home. In response, our client volume across all programs grew significantly between 2023-2025. Thanks to your continued support, we werre able to rise to this challenge.

We are ready and willing to welcome our newest neighbors. While our primary focus remains on providing safety, shelter, food, clothing, and healthcare, we rapidly expanded our services to address the complex social needs of arriving migrants. In 2023 we supported thousands of individuals through local temporary housing initiatives in Pilsen and Little Village, including efforts at the 12th Police District warming center and five temporary shelters. Following that crisis, we helped at least 100 families settle into stable housing.

SEE BELOW FOR A LIST OF OUR MOST NEEDED ITEMS

Most needed items:

Clothing

  • New children’s underwear (sizes 4T-14)

  • New women’s & men’s underwear (sizes Small, Medium & Large only)

  • New/gently used children’s & adult’s coats/outerware (October - January)

Housewares

  • Small kitchenware (new & gently used): can openers, blenders, pressure cookers, stock pots, cutting boards, kitchen towels, pots, pans, dishes

  • Housewares: towels, linens, blankets

  • New/gently used suitcases and backpacks

  • Strollers & car seats

Hygiene Products

  • New/unopened travel size toiletries

  • Diapers - All sizes (especially 4-6)

  • Baby wipes

  • Diaper rash ointment

  • Women’s menstrual pads

How Your Donations Are Making a Difference

Thanks to your generous donations, we’ve been able to provide vital support to our newest neighbors. Your contributions have helped provide:

  • Food – including raw ingredients and hot meals for local temporary shelters

  • Warmth & Clothing – sleeping bags, jackets, new underwear, socks, and other essential garments

  • Healthcare Supplies – medical items used during community health screenings

  • Support for Street-Based Neighbors – supplies delivered directly to the 12th District police station, including food, bottled water, and other daily necessities

In addition, local businesses have stepped up with in-kind donations such as bottled water, laundry detergent, diapers, and much more. We are deeply grateful for this collective effort.

Due to staffing & storage challenges, TARGETED clothing donations will ONLY be accepted the first two weeks of each month.

Please email donations@pilsenfoodpantry.com to schedule your donation drop off.

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