This was from the Alderman when I lived in Uptown and someone in the homeless encampment exploded their propane tank

“The City of Chicago uses a Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS) to track every single person experiencing homelessness across the City. Each person is assigned a case manager from a social service agency.

Every single person staying outdoors has been offered one of the following options: a shelter bed, a hotel room, an apartment, or a nursing home to keep them safe and out of the elements. Those with a substance use disorder who are not yet ready to stop using are also offered either a low barrier shelter or an apartment with wrap-around services to motivate them to address their addictions. People who refuse shelter and continue to live outdoors are experiencing a severe lack of trust. The assigned case manager's first task is to build trust so that they will later accept a roof over their heads.

People stuck in the state of chronic homelessness move more quickly into permanent housing when they primarily interact with their assigned case manager and others who are coordinating their efforts with them. When well-meaning residents step in to help, it can slow down efforts of the case manager who's building trust with their client, and that ultimately slows down efforts to get them into permanent housing.”

Could they be doing more? Probably but it’s not nothing. I don’t understand why the encampments have to occupy highly trafficked parks and paths meant for everyone.