CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Chicago was introduced to the City’s first ever chief homelessness officer Monday.
On first day on the job, Sendy Soto cut a ribbon at the Lawson House in the Gold Coast, a 22-story, art deco, now repurposed with retail, more than 400 affordable housing units, along with onsite services.
“As a lifelong Chicagoan who has experienced housing insecurity, I understand firsthand the challenges zero to low-income individuals face in overcoming systemic barriers,” Soto said.
Chief homelessness officer (CHO), she said, is a dedicated position that ensures every resident has daily access to safe, stable and affordable housing.
“My immediate priorities involve working with my City colleagues to support the One System initiative introduced by the State of Illinois. This initiative aims to establish a coordinated crisis response system for housing instability,” Soto said.
Additionally, CHO Soto will lead the development of a five-year comprehensive plan for the city, with clear strategies intended to get to the root causes of homelessness.
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