CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The City of Chicago is scaling back its response to new arrivals.
With fewer migrants coming to Chicago, the current process for sheltering asylum seekers is set to end.
Mayor Brandon Johnson said starting Jan. 1 the City will move to the One System Initiative, combining services for both new arrivals and Chicagoans experiencing homelessness.
“This will help to ensure that we have a single and equitable shelter system for anyone experiencing homelessness,” Johnson announced Monday.
That means the City will have a total of 6,800 shelter beds for anyone in need. There will be no exit policy. Some City leaders worry that won’t be enough.
“This shift means demobilizing the new arrivals mission by the end of the year to focus on adding 3,800 beds to the legacy DFSS Homelessness Service System,” said Johnson.
The mayor said it’s all they can afford right now.
“We can only cover what our budget allows,” stressed Johnson.
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok