Chicago’s Largest Migrant Shelter Closes as City Transitions to ‘One System Initiative’

Chicago City was able to record a transition regarding its migrant housing policy after the shutdown of its largest shelter at the Inn of Chicago, in Streeterville. The former migrant center, which accommodated more than 1,500 migrants during its two-year existence, closed on Friday as part of the “One System Initiative” of the new mayor, Brandon Johnson. This closure is an important step in the city’s roadmap to integrate migrant services into the overall homeless shelter system by January 2025.

Local Implications and Community’s Response

Many residents in Streeterville breathed a sigh of relief when it closed shop saying that they feared that their neighborhood would undergo a significant transformation during the shelter’s operation. Victoria Jackson who is a resident of the region commented that the area was congested and people sold food via mobile food carts. Alderman Brian Hopkins claimed the facility negatively affects the neighborhood referring to problems such as litter, gang graffiti, and retail theft that led to the demand to have the place closed.

The decision was backed by local political authorities especially the 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly who had been pushing for the closure of the shelter. That building’s situation is still unknown to the public and a mystery amid other questions which concern its further usage, the building department of the city is now planning to inspect the vacant Inn of Chicago construction. Housing the migrants was also an issue that both aldermen insisted on identifying better sites to put up the accommodations.

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City’s Transition Plan

It is a part of Chicago’s migration to reduce shelters, the city has announced plans to shut down seven more migrant shelters by 2024. The city has planned to have 6800 beds in the merged system, which will be open to the homeless starting January 2025. Those currently being housed will be transferred to other shelters and the city will work with other departments to ensure a minimal disruption.

The government of Johnson has continued to assure the public that it will handle the problem with an understanding of the plight of the subjects as well as being prudent in the use of the public’s money. Further shelter shuttles are planned: the Parthenon Guest House in Greene-town and West Town at 1914 Western Avenue will both shut down on December 1st since immigration has slowed down.