Chicago Closes Two Migrant Shelters, Reducing Available Beds to 2,600
Shelters Closed Amid Criticism and Concerns
As of Tuesday, two more migrant shelters closed in the City of Chicago. The shelters, located on North Ogden Avenue in West Town and near the intersection of West 22nd Street and South Halsted Street in the Lower West Side neighborhood, have ceased operations.
Available Beds Reduced to 2,600
With the closure of these two shelters, there are now 15 migrant shelters still operating in Chicago, with approximately 2,600 available beds spread amongst them. The reduction in available beds has raised concerns about the city’s ability to accommodate the growing number of migrants arriving in the city.
Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez Weighs In
Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th Ward) commented on the closure of the shelters, stating, “The shelter fulfilled its mission.” He also noted that the shelter had previously housed almost 2,600 people, which he believes is not an effective way to address the issue of unhoused residents across the city.
Third Shelter to Close Soon
A third migrant shelter, located in the 4900 block of South DuSable Lake Shore Drive, is set to close on October 21. Once shuttered, about 3,000 beds will have been eliminated from use at the city’s migrant shelters.
City Officials Working to Address Homelessness
City officials have been working in tandem with Cook County and the State of Illinois to determine the needs of migrants who are already in Chicago and plan for any more expected or unexpected arrivals in the city. However, one major issue that still exists is Chicago’s homeless population.
Homelessness Remains a Major Concern
According to the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness (CCH), their latest report in August 2023 estimated around 68,440 people experienced homelessness in the city in 2021. Ald. Sigcho-Lopez noted that there are at least 80,000 vacant units within the city’s private sector where work could be done to help get roofs over the heads of people who need them.
One System Initiative Being Considered
One measure being considered by the city to improve housing the homeless is the One System Initiative. This initiative would shift permanent shelter management to the non-profit workforce, merge integration services for migrants and homeless housing initiatives under one roof, and cut back on costs incurred from the current migrant shelter management system.
Criticism of Current Migrant Shelter Management Company
The city has faced criticism for its current migrant shelter management company, Favorite Healthcare Staffing. The company has been accused of providing inadequate services and has been the subject of several lawsuits. The city renewed its contract with Favorite late last October 2023, despite criticism and concerns.
Conclusion
The closure of two migrant shelters in Chicago has reduced the available beds to 2,600, raising concerns about the city’s ability to accommodate the growing number of migrants arriving in the city. The city is working to address homelessness, but more needs to be done to provide adequate housing for those in need.
FAQs
Q: How many migrant shelters are still operating in Chicago?
A: There are 15 migrant shelters still operating in Chicago.
Q: How many available beds are left in the city’s migrant shelters?
A: There are approximately 2,600 available beds left in the city’s migrant shelters.
Q: Why did the city close the two migrant shelters?
A: The city closed the shelters due to criticism and concerns about the services provided by the current migrant shelter management company, Favorite Healthcare Staffing.
Q: What is the One System Initiative?
A: The One System Initiative is a proposed measure to improve housing the homeless by shifting permanent shelter management to the non-profit workforce, merging integration services for migrants and homeless housing initiatives under one roof, and cutting back on costs incurred from the current migrant shelter management system.
