More homeless people in sanctuary city as more migrants seek shelter.
Chicago, known for its hospitality as a sanctuary city, has been grappling with a staggering increase in homelessness over the past year as a result of the ongoing migrant surge. The city, set to host the Democratic National Convention in August, recently released a snapshot of the homeless population in the Windy City, revealing a substantial rise from 6,139 individuals in January of the previous year to a staggering 18,836 homeless people on a single night. This dramatic surge in homelessness has been attributed to the influx of migrants seeking shelter and services in the city.
The point-in-time count conducted by city officials encompasses individuals in shelters, transitional housing, encampments, and other “unsheltered” locations. This estimate serves as a testament to the mounting pressures that the migrant crisis has placed on Chicago. Since August 2022, over 40,000 New Arrivals have made their way to Chicago from the southern border, with many requiring immediate assistance and shelter.
Of the nearly 18,838 individuals classified as homeless, 13,679 were labeled as “sheltered new arrivals,” while 1,422 were deemed “unsheltered new arrivals.” The remaining portion of the homeless population consisted of 1,422 “non-new arrivals” without shelter and 3,523 in shelters. As the city confronts the challenges posed by the surge in homelessness, officials noted that the cessation of pandemic-era support from federal and state governments has only exacerbated the situation.
Maura McCauley, the managing deputy commissioner for the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, emphasized the proactive measures taken by the city to increase shelter capacity by over five times in anticipation of this surge. She highlighted the critical role played by the expanded shelter capabilities in preventing a catastrophic upsurge in the unsheltered homeless population.
However, the strain on city resources has been palpable, with the surge in migrants being fueled by the crisis at the southern border and the controversial decision of Texas Governor Greg Abbott to bus migrants to sanctuary cities like Chicago to alleviate pressure on overwhelmed states. Chicago police have reportedly made more than 1,000 arrests of Venezuelan nationals in the first three months of 2024, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
In response to the escalating crisis, Mayor Brandon Johnson spearheaded efforts to secure additional funding to address the pressing needs of the homeless and migrant populations. The city council approved a request for an extra $70 million on top of the $150 million already allocated for migrant care in the budget. However, the decision faced backlash from residents who voiced concerns over prioritizing resources for illegal immigrants over American citizens.
Mayor Johnson, in collaboration with leaders from other blue cities, has urged the federal government to take more decisive action. Their collective plea includes a request for $5 billion in funding and expedited work permits for asylum seekers. While the Biden administration has acknowledged the need for comprehensive immigration reform, Republicans argue that current policies have fueled the crisis, particularly the allure of sanctuary cities like Chicago that extend services and shelter to undocumented immigrants.
As Chicago continues to grapple with the mounting challenges posed by homelessness and the migrant surge, the city stands at a pivotal juncture, navigating the delicate balance between humanitarian aid and the allocation of resources for its existing population.
