(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Walgreens is catching some heat from advocates of people experiencing homelessness because the retailer is blaring classical music and opera at some Chicago area locations.
The company isn’t commenting, but advocates for the homeless say the strategy – it’s used by other businesses, too – is an attempt to drive away people they consider loiterers outside the stores.
Doug Schenkelberg, executive director of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, calls the practice dehumanizing to people who are homeless.
He said there are more holistic ways of keeping the storefronts clear. Businesses should partner with government agencies and organizations to address the root causes of homelessness, Schenkelberg said.
“Having Walgreens as partners in making that happen would be the right step for them, would have a real impact on homelessness – not what they are doing right now.”
Related
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram