Chicago City Wire

Hurricane Matthew yielded more than just storm damage, as Illinois recently agreed to accept a group of needy children who took flight from Florida conditions, with approximately 75 unaccompanied minors headed to the Land of Lincoln.

Gov. Bruce Rauner issued a welcoming statement late last week, indicating that the state will accept the youths, who also have fled other adverse conditions -- including poverty, hunger and violence -- from native Central American lands, before facing emergency evacuation from Florida.

Illinois is coordinating assistance through an organization called Heartland Alliance, a Midwestern-based anti-poverty group. The youngsters can remain under the care of the alliance until it is safe to return to Florida.

“This is a great opportunity for Illinois to help in a time of crisis in the lives of children,” George Sheldon, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services' director, said. “These children are seeking refuge in this country out of desperation to leave behind the dangerous conditions they faced in Central America, so we are grateful that Heartland Alliance has stepped forward to provide temporary space for them until they can safely return to Florida.”

Based in Chicago, Heartland Alliance endeavors to root out systemic causes of destitution and danger to facilitate social change for vulnerable members of society.

“We are grateful that the State of Illinois … can offer these young children a temporary, safe home. It is important that in a time of crisis, we all remember to offer a helping hand,” Rauner said. “Our thoughts are with those in the storm’s path. We are hoping for as little destruction as possible and are evaluating every way Illinois can further help our fellow states.”