(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced the creation of a senior-level position in his office to tackle homelessness in the city.
Johnson on Tuesday said he signed an executive order establishing a “Chief Homelessness Officer” who will coordinate efforts among city departments and sister agencies to help people who are unhoused.
“I look forward to working closely with our new Chief Homelessness Officer to create policy and solutions to provide the strength and support that our unhoused neighbors deserve, so they can live with dignity in the greatest city in the world,” Johnson said in a news release.
The announcement comes as the Johnson Administration, which is trying to accommodate busloads of migrants from the U.S. Southern Border, is under pressure to do more for homeless people who are visible across the city.
Johnson's administration offered some statistics about the scope of the problem. City officials early this year counted 6,139 people in homeless shelters, encampments and unsheltered areas. The total number of homeless is believed to be larger – nearly 70,000 in 2022, but that includes people “doubling up” or staying with others because they don’t have a residence of their own.
Johnson did not include any budgetary information about the new position, nor when it would be filled. It's the first of its kind in city government, he said.
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram