In an announcement that may provide some temporary relief amid a housing crisis, Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago has outlined new measures regarding the city’s Limited Stay Shelter Policy, promising case-specific extensions with a focus on families with children and other vulnerable populations. "Our city is committed to compassion," Mayor Johnson asserted, detailing efforts to advance pathways to stability and self-sufficiency while grappling with resource limitations, according to a statement obtained by the City of Chicago's official press release.
The city has revealed that no exits from shelters will occur on March 16th, with the process for some residents being extended, it's a move that recognizes the challenges faced by residents seeking resettlement, to date, 14,700 people have exited due to resettlement, and 5,200 have found refuge with family or friends, in an ongoing effort to reduce the shelter population, current figures show 4,155 of 11,210 shelter residents receiving support towards securing permanent housing. Families with children residing in shelters as of now can breathe a bit easier, as they've received 30-day extensions, renewable up to three times until June 10, 2024, a decision designed to lessen school-year disruptions and push forward the new arrivals' quest for a stable living situation, rendering approximately 4,500 additional people with looming exit dates eligible for the said extensions.
Further complicating the city's response to the sheltering needs, Chicago's Department of Public Health has confirmed a dozen measles cases, igniting a robust city-wide response aimed at thwarting the spread of this highly infectious disease. As a result, two policies were added to the city's response repertoire; mandatory vaccinations for all those in city-operated shelters and medical assessment pauses at sites with either known or suspected exposure, expounded the Chicago press release. The vaccination decree requires that all shelter residents are immunized against Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) or Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella (MMRV), though exemptions exist for medical contraindications, those who fail to comply or report their vaccination status upon arrival at the Landing Zone will be barred from shelter placement.
In light of this health crisis, the city has also refined its quarantine protocol, ensuring that non-immune shelter residents stay through their quarantine period, plus an additional 7 days, as long as they adhere to vaccination and quarantine mandates, this is, it hoped, will curb any potential measles outbreak within the vulnerable shelter population. The updated policies, initially prompted by a 60-day extension due to severe weather and staffing lags, demonstrate the city's commitment to the well-being of all Chicago residents, as the policy fine-tuning continues to be informed by public health concerns and available resources.
