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Two Southwest Side Dems push back on Pritzker shelter expansion (Updated)

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Additional State-supported shelters are beginning to serve New Arrivals in Chicago. Two new shelters, operating as part of the City of Chicago’s existing shelter system, will prioritize families as they transition to independent living. This is in addition to a State-supported shelter in Little Village, bringing the total of State-supported and funded shelters in Chicago to three, with a total combined capacity of 2,000 people.

These latest additions to shelter capacity advance the State’s commitment to a joint funding plan with Cook County and the City of Chicago to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis presented by the arrival of over 43,000 New Arrivals from the U.S. southern border.

“In Illinois, we’re implementing our comprehensive data-driven plan to improve our response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and amplify the effectiveness of State, County, and City investments,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The additional temporary shelters will ensure that shelter capacity and wraparound services remain accessible to asylum seeker families as they transition out of our system of care and on to independence.”

“I’m thankful to our partners and the contributions across City, State, County, and nonprofit sectors. These additional shelters provide meaningful support to families seeking stability as they take their next steps toward independence,” said Dulce M. Quintero, IDHS Secretary Designate.

Hyde Park Shelter

A former hotel shelter that was previously used to quarantine New Arrivals from measles is serving as a facility for standard shelter operations now that the outbreak has passed. The hotel has been retrofitted to serve as a more traditional shelter site.

Under the guidance of public health officials, the State-funded quarantine shelter was decommissioned for quarantine in early May, allowing the State to transition the site to a shelter for families, with a maximum capacity to house 750 people.

Midway Shelter

Buildout for the next State-supported shelter at a former hotel on the Southwest side of Chicago began last week. The plan is to begin moving in families in July. This shelter has a maximum capacity of 950 residents.

More at the link.

* Press release today from Rep. Angie Guerrero-Cuellar and Sen. Mike Porfirio, who represent the Midway area…

We were informed by press release that the Illinois Department of Human Services plans to move forward with their plans to operate a state-run migrant shelter in our districts. Without sufficient information on how the state plans to protect the safety of the shelter and the surrounding community, we cannot support this plan. Our local 8th Chicago Police District is already stretched thin and will be challenged to support a shelter of 950 migrants. Opening a shelter in July does not allow for proper planning or ensure that our concerns are met. Local residents have had no say in this plan, and we will not ignore their valid concerns about safety and utilizing local resources.

As subscribers know, Guerrero-Cuellar and Porfirio are at odds with the governor over their bill to transfer some Midway Airport land to the city for a new police station. The Pritzker administration has other plans for the land.

…Adding… The governor’s office insists that both Guerrero-Cuellar and Porfirio were both fully briefed and some plans were even changed at their behest, including changing curfew times for residents. The administration “even called local mayors at their request.”

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jun 26, 24 @ 1:56 pm

Comments

=== Without sufficient information on how the state plans to protect the safety of the shelter and the surrounding community ===

Rep. Angie Guerrero-Cuellar and Sen. Mike Porfirio raise a legitimate point about constituents having a right to know. The Governor’s office should take this as a sign that the neighborhoods have questions, and address them. The should also allow the residents to offer solutions should problems arise.

On the other hand, +2,000 is a small number given the gravity of the situation. I believe (morally) we should be preparing to access even more immigrants, Texas and Florida being primary senders and all.

Comment by H-W Wednesday, Jun 26, 24 @ 2:36 pm
Typos. “access = accept”

The Reps. on the other hand have an obligation to share with constituents too given they were informed (thanks for the update, Rich)

Comment by H-W Wednesday, Jun 26, 24 @ 3:02 pm
Having a conversation and addressing some concerns is great but that doesn’t mean they knew when it was opening, or if there was any follow-up to the concerns, it just means they had conversations about it.

Comment by Frida's boss Wednesday, Jun 26, 24 @ 3:30 pm
The Governor informed Rep. Cuellar and Sen. Porfirio about the shelters…..the bigger question is why didn’t the SW side leaders share this info with their constituents. Residents deserve to be informed.

Comment by Ryder Wednesday, Jun 26, 24 @ 4:39 pm
Lemme guess what “local residents” will say when they get their say. Not too interested.

Comment by Jibba Wednesday, Jun 26, 24 @ 8:30 pm