Serious, Troubling Chicago Migrant Shelter Incident: 12 Hospitalized with Suspected Food Poisoning

City officials concerned, investigate illness among migrants; potential food contamination under review

Photo byScreen Capture/Youtube Video [Creator]

CHICAGO - Twelve adults were hospitalized following an incident at a migrant shelter in West Town, Chicago, where they reportedly fell ill due to suspected food poisoning. The incident occurred at the shelter located at 1310 N. Elston Ave. The Chicago Fire Department responded to a call at approximately 1:30 p.m., and the affected individuals were transported to four local hospitals. Authorities confirmed that the illnesses were not life-threatening.

The Chicago Department of Family Services and Support is currently investigating the cause of the illness. Spokesman Brian Berg stated that this is the first reported instance of such an occurrence at the shelter. The sickness is believed to have resulted from food poisoning, although the exact source remains under investigation.

Food distribution at the shelter is overseen by the Greater Chicago Food Depository, with meals occasionally sourced from external vendors. Storage and distribution within the shelters are managed by Favorite Healthcare Staffing, a Kansas-based company that has received $291.1 million in payments to date, including $55.6 million this year. Despite complaints and grievances filed by migrants regarding the shelter's conditions, the city's contract with the healthcare company was extended in March 2024, continuing through October of the same year.