City to clear Humboldt Park homeless encampment this week; advocates urge leaders to reconsider

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Advocates for those experiencing homelessness rallied in the cold on Wednesday against plans to clear a tent encampment.

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The encampment is located in Humboldt Park, near North and California avenues. The city plans to remove it starting Friday morning.

Several dozen people are living there.

After clearing it out, Chicago police and the Park District would enforce municipal codes that prohibit overnight stays and tents in the park.

The advocates want the city to reconsider.

"We are here today to urge Mayor Brandon Johnson and Alderperson Jessie Fuentes to reconsider their plans to displace people currently staying in Humboldt Park," said Ali Simmons, with the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness.

Critics of the plan say that those who are unhoused should be allowed to stay in the park because the city hasn't provided any realistic alternatives of anywhere for them to go.

"Let them stay; let them live here. Homelessness is a big issue," former encampment member Jose Miranda said.

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Critics also say the planned elimination of the encampment includes relocating its residents to a shelter in the city's Pilsen neighborhood, where they will be assigned a bunk bed, and only be allowed two bags of personal belongings.

"For other people, I think it's important to remember, it might be safer to be outside than to be in a space with 40 other strangers," homeless advocate Isabella Mancini said.

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes, who represents the 24th Ward, said leaders will continue to work to end homelessness.

"Claims that this initiative has been rushed overlook the thoughtful planning and trauma-informed outreach that have guided every step of this effort. Leaving individuals exposed to harsh winter conditions is not acceptable," Fuentes said. "While we recognize the concerns and uncertainties accompanying this transition for encampment residents, we are all responsible for demanding city-wide solutions that foster stability, safety and dignity.

This comes as Johnson announced a plan to close migrant shelters by the end of the year.

The city will move to a "One System Initiative" for addressing the problem of homelessness starting Jan. 1, 2025.

"These offers of essential services do not justify the closing of encampments that unhoused people have called home for many years," said Ryan Spangler, with Heartland Alliance Health.

The effort does have supporters.

Nearly a half dozen neighborhood social service agencies are backing the city's plan as a long-term solution to homelessness.

"We believe that it is inhumane to keep people in a park during this very drastic horrible period and that there should be real housing alternatives," said Jose Lopez, Puerto Rican Cultural Center executive director.