Relief fund for Devon area service workers

Chicago Desi Youth Rising is raising funds to respond and provide aid to the Chicago South Asian community during the COVID-19 crisis, particularly those in West Ridge/Devon. The West Ridge area, which includes Devon Avenue, currently has one of the highest confirmed rates of COVID-19 in Chicago. Many service workers in salons, restaurants, and stores are currently out of work or underemployed. Many in our community are also undocumented and cannot count on a stimulus check to support them through this crisis.

CDYR will be prioritizing providing assistance to the following members of the South Asian community whose ability to work, pay bills, and/or afford groceries has been affected by the pandemic (not in order of priority):

- Devon area service workers (restaurant workers, tailors, salon workers, etc.)

- Families with youth

- Undocumented people

- Students who have lost jobs


Chicago Desi Youth Rising has begun to disperse funds and provide aid to a limited number of families. Due to the overwhelming amount of requests we have received, we have temporarily closed our application for assistance. Please donate if you can to help us raise funds for this effort so that we can reach more families!

If you would like to volunteer with phone banking, translating, or if you may be eligible for this assistance and would like to be added to our waitlist, please email [email redacted].


Chicago Desi Youth Rising is fiscally sponsored by Chicago Freedom School.