Former Standard Club is no longer housing migrants
City Closes Shelter Due to Overcrowding and Increasing Crime
More than a year after the former Standard Club property started housing migrants, the City of Chicago has shuttered the operation.
Background
At its peak, more than 1,200 new arrivals, all males, lived at the shelter. But in recent months, the city began relocating people to different locations amid concerns about overcrowding and increasing crime in the area around the shelter, located on the 300 block of South Plymouth Court, in the shadows of the Dirksen Federal Building.
Current Status
The property recently housed about 200 migrants, but the city moved them this week and closed the shelter, said a spokeswoman for Ald. Lamont Robinson (4th) whose district includes the shelter location.
Alternative Arrangements
In an email, a City Hall spokeswoman confirmed the closing. She said the city also closed the Lake Shore Hotel in Hyde Park, which had housed migrants as well.
“All current shelter residents at these locations have been offered shelter placement at another New Arrivals shelter and will continue to receive the same services,” the spokeswoman said. “The City is coordinating with Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Department of Public Health, State and County partners, and wrap-around service partners to minimize disruptions to impacted families and ensure continuity of care.”
Long-term Plan
“Through the One System Initiative, the City and State continue to plan for the number of beds that can be supported overall as we collectively work to unify the shelter system for everyone regardless of when they arrived in Chicago,” she added.
History of the Property
The former Standard Club had been used as a shelter for new arrivals since March 1, 2023. The property had been a private club for 150 years until it closed in 2020.
Conclusion
The former Standard Club’s service to migrants has come to an end, and the city is directing its efforts towards finding new, more sustainable solutions for those in need. This move is a significant step towards creating a more unified and efficient shelter system.
FAQs
* When did the former Standard Club start housing migrants?
+ March 1, 2023
* Why did the city close the shelter?
+ Due to overcrowding and increasing crime in the area around the shelter
* What is being done to support affected families?
+ The city is providing alternative shelter placement and wrap-around services to minimize disruptions to impacted families
* What is the long-term plan for the shelter system?
+ The city and state are working together to unify the shelter system and ensure continuity of care for all, regardless of when they arrived in Chicago.
