CHICAGO (Wales) — The city of Chicago continues to close immigrant shelters as it approaches its “One System Initiative.”

162 E. Ohio St. The shelter at is set to close on Friday after operating for more than two years. It was the largest in the city.

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The current residents have all been moved elsewhere. The shelter used to be the Chicago Inn.

Streeterville residents said it’s something they’ve been waiting for.

“It’s been really busy; I can definitely say, congestion, a lot of food sales and all that, a lot of activity going on,” Victoria Jackson said.

The facility has housed more than 1,500 immigrants in the past two years and has been at the center of a contentious debate between Mayor Brandon Johnson and local city council members.

“It was a decision that had to be made; this facility has had a negative impact on the immediate environment: the crowding of people on this street, the litter, the litter, the gang graffiti, and of course the increase in retail theft.” WardAld. Brian Hopkins said.

Hopkins is working with 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly, who is pushing for the shelter to be closed.

Reilly shared his thoughts on the problems at the shelter, saying in part: “Despite repeated assurances from the city departments to resolve these problems, no meaningful improvements have been made. This facility has never been a suitable place to house immigrants, and it is time for it to be closed.” “

Residents agree, saying it’s changing the Streeterville neighborhood.

“This is their territory, Ohio. This is where they linger and hang out. And I know they’re in a shelter, but the shelter lets them out during the day. So they were out here wandering the streets. So hopefully get them to a better place to stay,” Jasmine King said.

The focus now is on figuring out what to do with the currently vacant Inn of Chicago building.

“We don’t know what will happen here, it will be evacuated by the end of this weekend. We are not clear what the situation is. I have asked the construction department to inspect the facility, so it will be.” Hopkins said.

The Parthenon Guest House shelter in Greektown and the shelter on Western Avenue in West Town will also close Dec. 1, local city council members said.

The city said there are more beds than necessary in existing shelters due to slow immigrant arrivals.

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The closures are part of a plan to merge the immigration system with the existing system for people experiencing homelessness.

Alderman Reilly said in a statement:

“I am pleased that the Johnson Administration has finally decided to end shelter operations at the Inn of Chicago, effective today. Since October 2023, Councilman Brian Hopkins and I have been concerned about the neighborhood’s criminal activity, public safety, and deteriorating conditions, despite repeated assurances that despite.
No meaningful improvements have been made by municipal units to address these problems. This facility has never been a suitable place to house immigrants and it is time for it to be closed.

“Immigrants will now transition to the ‘One System Initiative’ as part of the City’s broader effort to unify housing systems. While the administration is touting this new initiative as a comprehensive solution, I remain highly skeptical. How this rebranding will use taxpayer funds The administration must prioritize sustainable, community-supported solutions that ensure safety and security to address these issues as it works to pass the budget for the well-being of all Chicagoans. “I will continue to advocate for responsible policies.”

A Chicago spokesperson said in a statement:

“As the City and State facilitate housing services, the City of Chicago will demobilize the Newcomers mission by December 31, 2024. Three Newcomers will begin in January 2025 as part of a partnership with the One System Initiative (OSI) and the State of Illinois to provide more equitable access to housing. The New Arrivals shelter will be combined with the traditional homeless shelter system, with a total of 6,800 beds available to all those seeking shelter, with the remaining seven New Arrivals shelters available at the Inn. of Chicago’s target closing date is set for November 15. All current shelter residents at the Inn of Chicago will be offered housing placement at another Newcomers shelter as beds become available in the city to minimize disruption to affected families and ensure continuity of care. Collaborating with Public Schools, the Chicago Department of Public Health, State and County partners, and comprehensive service partners The Johnson administration is grateful for the support and cooperation and mutual assistance of individual Chicagoans. groups, community-based organizations, faith communities, philanthropy, and others. “We appreciate their partnership as our city responds with urgency, compassion, and fiscal responsibility to the rapid arrival of large numbers of refugees and other immigrants.”