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Peoria Friendship House hosting nonprofit helping those seeking citizenship

The Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service's location on Northeast Madison Avenue.
Collin Schopp
/
WCBU
The Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service's location on Northeast Madison Avenue.

The Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service works closely with a portion of Peoria’s Hispanic community.

More than a year ago, they started hosting events with meeting space for the Bloomington-based Immigration Project for those seeking permanent U.S. residency.

Friendship House CEO Marcellus Sommerville says the South Peoria nonprofit's interactions with the Hispanic community predate their work with the Immigration Project. One division of Friendship House, La Familia, works to navigate the barriers in front of primarily Spanish speakers.

“When it comes to translation, when it comes to medical support, making sure that we’re aligned with our different hospitals, OSF being our main healthcare provider here in town and just making sure that we’re supporting them in all facets,” said Sommerville.

La Familia’s programs also include seniors programs, citizenship classes, English as a Second Language classes and legal support, which is the role played by the Immigration Project.

“It’s a nonprofit organization that aims to ensure legal access and assistance to the immigrant population in Central and Southern Illinois,” said Sommerville.

Last year, Sommerville says the group hosted three days of appointments to assist with citizenship paperwork out of office space at the Friendship House. He estimates each day covers anywhere between 10 and 15 appointments.

“Then [Friendship House] comes in, you know, after their assessment, we hear what [immigrants] need, you know, any help finding and understanding where they can stay, location-wise” said Sommerville. “We partner with [Peoria Citizens’ Committee for Economic Opportunity], with the [Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program], and, you know, various ways to help the individuals that need assistance and resources in our community currently.”

An announcement of three scheduled dates for Immigration Project meetings in 2025 faced questions about safety on the Friendship House Facebook page. Concerns about increased deportations followed federal changes to immigration enforcement procedures.

“I believe that our location is a safe place for individuals to come,” said Sommerville. “I haven’t had any doubt in that, so I would say, yes, it’s safe.”

Somerville also says, in response to questions about volunteer opportunities, that no volunteers are needed for the Immigration Project events at this time.

Immigration Project meeting days are scheduled for Feb. 6, April 3, and June 12.

Potential clients can schedule appointments by calling 309-829-8703.

Collin Schopp is a reporter at WCBU. He joined the station in 2022.