Homelessness is a big and complicated issue that impacts millions of people in the United States. In 2023, on a single night, around 653,100 people in the country were homeless, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This is the highest number recorded since 2007, with a 4.6% increase from the previous year.
Although homelessness is a problem nationwide, it affects some states and cities more than others. In 2023, Illinois had a homelessness rate of 9.5 people per 10,000, which is higher than the national average of 8.5. Among the cities in Illinois, Chicago faced the most severe homelessness crisis.
About Chicago’s Homelessness Issue
In 2020, about 68,440 people in Chicago were homeless, according to the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless (CCH). This is a 12.6% increase from 2019, and it makes up more than half of the state’s homeless population.
The CCH’s study considers those in shelters, those without shelter, and people temporarily staying with others, which is called “doubling up.” The CCH argues that the HUD’s count, which only includes those in shelters and those without shelter, greatly underestimates the actual number of people without homes.
The CCH attributes the increase in homelessness in Chicago to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of affordable housing, the racial wealth gap, and inadequate funding for homeless services.
The CCH also highlights that homelessness disproportionately affects Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, as well as women, youth, veterans, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
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Government’s Efforts to Reduce Homelessness
The government in Chicago is working to reduce homelessness through different programs. Some of these include:
1. The Interagency Task Force to Reduce Homelessness, started in 2016, which organizes homeless services from various agencies.
2. The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA), providing stable and affordable housing for low-income households, including those at risk of homelessness.
3. The Chicago Low Income Housing Trust Fund (CLIHTF), partnering with the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) to offer rental help for homeless or struggling individuals.
4. The Institute on Global Homelessness Street Campaign (IGH), aiming to end street homelessness in Chicago by 2030 through collaboration with the city and other stakeholders.
5. The University of Chicago Urban Labs, working with DFSS to analyze data and turn research into policy changes.
6. The Chicago Housing Assistance Portal, launched in 2020, connects homeless or housing assistance seekers with various resources.
7. The Bring Chicago Home ballot measure aims to raise over $100 million yearly for homeless services through a real estate transfer tax, currently facing legal challenges from business and realty groups.
These are a few things the government is doing to lessen homelessness in Chicago. But there’s still a lot to do because homelessness is a big and complicated problem for many people in the city. The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) is asking voters and officials to back the Bring Chicago Home measure and other policies that can stop homelessness in Chicago.
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To Conclude
Homelessness in Chicago is a tough problem that needs quick and varied solutions. While government efforts are in progress, there’s still much to be done to ensure everyone has a safe place to live.
The increase in homelessness requires ongoing teamwork. Supporting the Bring Chicago Home initiative and offering comprehensive support programs are important steps to fill resource gaps and tackle issues like affordable housing and racial disparities.
It’s not just about the government; we all have a part to play. Backing frontline organizations, advocating for policy changes, and having empathy for those experiencing homelessness are crucial parts of a complete approach.
Achieving a Chicago without homelessness needs everyone’s determination and belief that everyone deserves a dignified place to belong. The future of Bring Chicago Home and the many homeless people in Chicago is unclear as the city gets ready for the March 2024 election.
The CCH is asking voters to back the initiative and insist that their chosen leaders do something to stop homelessness in Chicago.
According to Doug Schenkelberg, the CCH’s leader,”Homelessness is not inevitable. It is a solvable problem, but it requires the political will and the public investment to make it happen.”
