CHICAGO - Chicago's Cardinal Francis George is reaching out to help the federal government with the onslaught of unaccompanied refugee minors from Central America that are crossing the Mexican border - many without guardians.
The archdiocese told the Chicago Tribune Wednesday afternoon that they are applying to house the minors at the archdiocese's Maryville Academy in Des Plaines, Illinois.
Last week, Senator Mark Kirk's office reported over 400 undocumented minor refugees were transported recently from the Mexican border to Chicago, and another 300 plus have been placed in foster homes. Thus far, those minors are being cared for through Chicago's Heartland Alliance.
A spokeswoman said Catholic Charities has bilingual and multicultural expertise that would be useful in working with the children. A Chicago team of Catholic Charities workers may be traveling to assist along the border in Texas.
