Chicago officials have begun evicting migrants from shelters in an effort to ease pressure on overstretched resources, joining other cities in similar moves. The process started gradually, with 34 single adults required to leave on Sunday out of nearly 11,000 migrants living in 23 homeless shelters in Chicago.
Exemptions will be granted on a case-by-case basis for pregnant women, individuals with medical issues, and those already in the process of securing housing. Families with children can receive renewable 30-day extensions. However, more than 2,000 people are expected to be evicted by the end of April, with many families potentially forced to leave the shelter network altogether by the summer.
Backed by volunteers, Chicago and other cities have provided shelter, enrolled children in schools, and offered food assistance to migrants. But the financial strain on the city has been significant, with over 37,000 migrants arriving in Chicago since August 2022.
The evictions are adding pressure on volunteers as they work to fill the void left by those being evicted. Concerns are rising, especially for families with children, as the policy is implemented.
For families in the shelters, there is confusion and worry as the news of the evictions spreads. One Venezuelan migrant expressed concern about her family’s future as their allotted time in the shelter nears its end.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration had delayed enforcing a 60-day limit on shelter stays due to concerns over the repercussions of evicting people with nowhere else to go. However, citing limited city services, the mayor decided to begin enforcing the limit.
Other cities, such as Denver and New York, are also facing similar challenges with housing migrants. Denver has been working with nonprofits to help families secure housing, but resources are limited.
The biggest challenge for migrants is securing steady jobs without employment authorization, creating a burden on social services. Mayors of these cities have called for assistance from the federal government to address the issue.
Despite the challenges, Mayor Johnson stated that Chicago is committed to compassion and providing a pathway to stability and self-sufficiency for migrants. However, the uncertainty and concern among families facing eviction remain high, with volunteers and city officials working to support them during this difficult time.
