Temporary Homeless Shelter At Uptown’s American Islamic College To Close This Summer

The American Islamic College, located at 640 W. Irving Park Road in Uptown, served as a temporary migrant shelter from 2023 to this summer. The facility, which was originally a religious institution, was repurposed to accommodate families fleeing migration crises. At its peak, the shelter housed between 500 and 600 individuals, making it one of the city’s largest migrant shelters during that period.

In late 2024, the city integrated migrant and homeless shelters into a unified system, placing the American Islamic College under the Department of Family and Support Services. The shelter primarily served families in need of temporary housing. As of now, the facility is home to 424 people, well below its former capacity. Officials noted that the shelter has not reached full occupancy for over a year.

The closure of the American Islamic College shelter is part of a citywide effort to adjust the number of shelter beds to better match current demand. Linsey Maughan, a spokesperson for the Department of Family and Support Services, emphasized that this is not a systemwide shutdown of family shelters. Instead, it is a strategic reduction to ensure resources are allocated efficiently. Families currently residing at the shelter will be transitioned to other appropriate shelter options across the city.

Ald. Angela Clay, whose ward includes the American Islamic College, confirmed that the shelter’s closure was expected. She noted that the campus has been planned for redevelopment, and the shelter’s temporary nature was always understood. Clay’s office was informed a few weeks ago that the shelter would close this summer, and staff will begin notifying residents soon.

Clay expressed gratitude for the community’s response, highlighting how the 46th Ward came together to support the families housed at the shelter. She assured that efforts are being made to ensure the transition does not disrupt the children’s school year. The city continues to prioritize access to shelter for families in need, maintaining a commitment to care for vulnerable neighbors.

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