Chicago’s One System Initiative plan, which would combine services for homeless people and migrants, was unveiled Thursday by local leaders.
The move is expected to boost the city’s effort to keep unhoused citizens off the streets.
Chicago opened a shelter system for migrants in September 2022 after Texas Governor Greg Abbott started sending asylum-seekers to Chicago. This was in response to the strain on resources in towns along the border due to the influx of migrants.
According to CBS News, City and state officials and homeless and service advocates had discussions since March about how to turn the two systems into a unified shelter structure.
Deborah’s Place CEO Katy Booton-Wilson stated, “I believe that merging these two systems will improve efficiency and enable experienced individuals in the homeless service sector to focus on what we do best: assisting newly arrived individuals.”
Supporters said the one system proposal will provide thousands of beds for Chicagoans and new arrivals.
