Chicago's homeless and the cost of assisting thousands of migrants sent to the city from other states were topics of discussion Thursday during a budget hearing at City Hall.
Leaders from the city's Department of Family and Support Services explained why they need more money to help reduce the number of homeless in Chicago - that includes those living in various encampments that several aldermen said were posing safety issues in their wards.
Deputy Commissioner Maura McCauley said more money would help provide permanent housing as well as provide the support needed to build trust with those homeless who are reluctant to accept help from the city.
"It could be mental health and substance use. It could be increasing their income. But from Day One, they're really focused on what is that long-term plan," McCauley said.
The proposed city budget includes $5 million to help the thousands of migrants sent to Chicago from other states, but leaders from Family and Support Services said the city is seeking a $16 million federal grant to cover most or all of those costs.
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