Chalice House is a shared project led by Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist and a coalition of partners. It provides community-based housing to immigrants seeking legal protection in the U.S. from some sort of serious threat (war, violence, persecution) in their home country. Established in 2020, Chalice House has so far hosted two families and one young man seeking asylum in the U.S. All of them were able to move into an apartment of their own after learning English, receiving their work permits, learning their way around, and, most importantly, developing a community of friends. In July 2024, we welcomed a family fleeing the war in Ukraine.
Chalice House is a shared project between Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist and a coalition of partners:
- Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist and Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Arlington Heights co-lead on housing and mentorship.
- Illinois Community for Displaced Immigrants (ICDI) connects residents to state social services, health resources, government benefits, and legal services. ICDI also provides critical training and support to the mentor team.
- A coalition of Community partners and many individuals provide ongoing financial and in-kind support.
- A Home Team manages home furnishings and repairs.
- A Community Team creates opportunities for the residents to be involved with our partners.
- A Hospitality Team supports the mentors in providing hospitality and support to Chalice House residents.
The project requires financial and volunteer commitments to maintain, and we are incredibly grateful and inspired by the support that has been provided by our community partners as well as dozens of individuals. Current partners include:
- Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist
- Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Arlington Heights
- St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Barrington
- Great Plains Zen Center
- First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights
- Unitarian Church of Evanston
- Southminster Presbyterian Church
- Partners for Our Communities
- Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
- Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation
- First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights
- UU Society of Geneva
- Garden Club of Inverness
- Family Forward
The number of displaced individuals due to conflict, violence, disaster, and other reasons has surged to the highest levels in modern-day records. In the face of that, there is room for optimism. Countryside’s Chalice House project has opened our eyes to the many individuals, organizations and networks working to welcome migrants — one by one, family by family — to our communities. Some meet them at airports and bus stations with a backpack of supplies; some house them and help them get settled; some connect them with resources for food, shelter, state and federal assistance programs, counseling, and support; some help them learn English or get work in their chosen field; some help them achieve financial stability or navigate the confusing immigration legal system.
Chalice House is featured in a heart-breaking but hopeful video featuring the plight of immigrants who find themselves in ICE detention after migrating to the United States seeking asylum. The video features several ICDI clients telling their story and describes how community-based housing like Chalice House is a welcome change for people when they are released from detention. Chalice House was a pilot program for ICDI and because of the support we received from our partners and many individuals, it is now a model for others.
We invite you to join the coalition by investing time, talent, or treasure and helping us make a difference by offering our home to affected immigrants.
- Connect us to congregations, faith groups, or other organizations interested in supporting Chalice House through donations or volunteer efforts.
- Provide financial support by clicking on the Donate Now button on the right and specifying Chalice House on the form
- Join our mailing list to stay up to date on Chalice House residents and future needs
To help with any of the above, ask questions, or offer suggestions, email us.
Countryside is committed to a transparent financial process. All Chalice House transactions are maintained in separate accounting records by the church administrator, with oversight provided by Countryside’s Treasurer, Chalice House bookkeeper, and auditor.
We have four sources of funds:
- Grants
- Countryside Church fundraisers and congregants
- Community partners and supporters
- Individual donations including through Faithify
The Chalice House budget is $34,000/year
- Cost of housing is $16,000/year (covering lost rental income to CCUU) plus a fund of $4,000 to cover utilities, home maintenance, and some additional needs of the family.
- Each family receives a stipend of $500/month for a total of $12,000/year ($6,000 per family) – this is currently covered by the State of Illinois.
- Major home maintenance expenses that improve the value of the property, such as a new roof, will be covered by separate fundraising, pro bono donations, or the CCUU capital fund.
The support of our Community Partners, individual supporters, and helping hands remains critical to a sustained commitment. If you would like to begin or renew your support, please contact us or go to this secure donation page and select Chalice House.
