The largest city-run migrant shelter, Inn of Chicago, will close next week as part of Chicago’s effort to scale down its new arrivals mission by the end of the year. Located at 162 E. Ohio St., near the Magnificent Mile, the shelter has housed over 1,500 migrants since its opening more than two years ago.
The shelter will close on November 15, following a contentious period involving local aldermen who raised concerns about public safety, the building’s deterioration, and various criminal activities around the shelter. While some 1,500 migrants will be relocated to other shelters, city officials are working with several partners to ensure continuity of care.
The shelter’s closure aligns with the city’s plan to consolidate the migrant shelter system with the existing homeless shelter network by year’s end, adding 3,800 additional beds. However, this consolidation will limit access, with migrants only being eligible if they have been in the U.S. for 30 days or less.
Advocates have expressed concern that this will leave thousands without shelter, urging Mayor Brandon Johnson to seek additional funding, including reinstating the business head tax, to address the growing crisis.
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