Mayor Brandon Johnson addresses concerns, implements changes to shelter policy
In order to expedite the resettlement process for asylum seekers, the city of Chicago introduced a shelter stay policy on November 17, as announced by Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Press Office. The policy, designed to enhance engagement between arrivals and public benefits, has since sparked both praise and criticism, prompting significant adjustments.
The core of the policy involves issuing 60-day exit notices to shelter residents based on their arrival dates, creating a staggered process for implementation. However, its enforcement has faced opposition from 16 alderpeople, including Ward Alderwoman Maria Hadden and Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, who penned a letter on January 25, urging Mayor Johnson to reconsider the policy’s potential dangers and inefficacies.
Mayor Johnson responded on January 29, announcing a 60-day extension for those set to exit shelters in January and February, and an additional 30 days for March exits. Emphasizing Chicago’s values of compassion, he expressed a commitment to keeping families sheltered through the winter.