Agency - Travelers Aid

Providing crisis intervention and social services to travelers and visitors of Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.

Description:
Travelers Aid Chicago provides travel information, crisis intervention, and Protective Travel Services (PTS) to more than 50,000 vulnerable and at-risk travelers each year. The Travelers Aid Office is located airside at O'Hare International Airport in Terminal 2. Satellite booth locations staffed by dedicated volunteers are located inside security in each of the three domestic terminals.

Travelers Aid volunteers play a critical role in assisting travelers at O'Hare Airport. Volunteers currently meet passenger needs by offering resources and referrals at information booths in each of the domestic terminals and at the Travelers Aid office. Additionally, our roving volunteers walk the terminals identifying distressed or confused passengers and offering assistance or information.

Most volunteers work a regular schedule, coming in once a week, for a four to five hour shift. Shifts are weekdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. or 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. We require volunteers to make a one year commitment and volunteer at least 2 shifts per month to be up-to-date on frequent airport changes. As volunteers gain experience, they may opt to be “on call” for special events or meet and greets for vulnerable passengers such as refugees and international adoptees.

Travelers Aid is currently looking for additional roving volunteers and office volunteers. If you are interested in learning more about the volunteer program we invite you to set up an appointment time to come visit us at O’Hare Airport.

History:
Travelers Aid started in St. Louis in 1851 and is the oldest, non-sectarian, social welfare organization in the United States.

Travelers Aid Chicago opened its doors in 1888 at the downtown Chicago train stations with the goal of welcoming and assisting vulnerable travelers and young people moving from Europe and rural communities to the city. An office at the Chicago Greyhound Station followed. When O'Hare International became a commercial airport in 1955, Travelers Aid Chicago opened its airport office.

In 1967, Travelers Aid Chicago merged with the Immigrants' Protective League, creating a comprehensive social service organization with the goal of helping immigrants, travelers and other destitute persons.

Travelers Aid Chicago, a program of Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights continues to provide assistance at O'Hare, one of the world's busiest airports.

Contact person: Shawn Campbell, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Address:

O'Hare International Airport, Terminal 2 P.O. Box 66019 Chicago, IL 60666 (See a map)