Humboldt Park Tent Encampment Initiative

Since elected to office, Alderperson Jessie Fuentes has been advocating for resources for unhoused neighbors in Humboldt Park.

The Humboldt Park Tent Encampment Initiative’s mission is to connect residents of the Humboldt Park tent encampment to stable housing, permanent shelter, and supportive services. 18 months of dedicated efforts to address systemic barriers, provide individualized care, and ensure every person has access to dignified and secure living situations is represents a significant step forward in addressing homelessness with compassion and care.

FAQs

    1. Housing Barriers: Rising rents and gentrification have displaced many long-time residents.

      • Additionally, the 26th Ward currently lacks a city-run shelter to provide immediate assistance.

    2. Service Gaps: Limited access to coordinated care for mental health, medical needs, and employment.

    3. Complex Needs: Some residents may require multiple services, including mental health care, medical treatment, and job search assistance.

    • Since May 2023, Alderperson Jessie Fuentes has led efforts to secure resources for the unhoused, partnering with city departments and community organizations to provide direct wraparound services and coordinated cleanings. 

    • Alderperson Fuentes has also been working closely with the Orange Tent Project, Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness, and the Illinois Union of the Homeless regarding strategy and communication with residents of the encampment.

    • Accelerated Moving Events (AME’s) have offered housing to 106 households to date. AME’s also provide wraparound services like mental health care and case management.

    • As part of the December 6, 2024 Moving Day, 39 households moved into apartments, 38 moved into congregate and non-congregate shelters, hotel rooms or SROs (single-room-occupancy buildings), five moved in with family, and five chose their own relocation plans. Every individual consented to moving out of the park with a pathway to greater stability.

    • These efforts were not an eviction, and none of the unhoused residents were arrested. It has been a deeply intentional, housing-first strategy rooted in the unwavering belief that housing is a human right.

  • Like any unhoused new arrival, they may submit a request for shelter through CHI311 or visit one of three locations for more information related to their specific situation.

  • Following the Moving Day, the Chicago Police Department and Chicago Park District will enforce Chicago Municipal Code section 10-36-185 (“Enforcement of Chicago Park District Ordinance”) which prohibits overnight stays and erecting any tent or structure. CPD Affinity officers within the Chicago Police Department are specially trained to engage with people experiencing homelessness and utilize de-escalation and trauma-informed practices. Humboldt Park is open to the public 6 am - 11 pm.

    Alderperson Fuentes is committed to investing in housing and believes that housing is a human right. Homelessness should not be criminalized anywhere. The 26th Ward office, Department of Family & Support Services, Chicago Park District, and 14th and 25th Police Districts are working collaboratively to ensure that our unhoused neighbors are offered local resources that address some of the root causes of homelessness. Below is the plan of action, and it is illustrated here.

    • Chicago Park District (CPK) staff will regularly supervise the park and regularly log engagement.

      • If Chicago Park District staff observe an erected tent, then they will call the Region Director, who will inform the Chicago Park District Security team.

      • If a community member observes an erected tent in the park, then they can call 311.

      • CPK Security will instruct the visitor that they are not allowed to erect a tent in the park. They will share info on local resources and DFSS services in Spanish and English. They will make every effort to encourage the visitor to accept shelter services or relocate outside of the park.

      • If a visitor accepts services, CPK Security will submit request directly to DFSS (8:00am-4:30pm) or through CHI311 (4:30pm-8:00am).

      • If a visitor refuses to disassemble a tent, CPK Security will place an enforcement sticker on the tent. DFSS is notified of the visitor and resources are requested.

      • Enforcement sticker will be placed on tent notifying that the tent will be removed in as early as 24 hours.

      • CPK Security will document the day/time of sticker notification including photograph.

      • CPK Security will notify DFSS of tent location and sticker.

      • CPK Security, CPK Landscape, and CPD Affinity Officer will coordinate a time for the tent removal after the 24-hour notification period has concluded.

      • After the 24-hour notification period concludes, CPK Landscape and CPD Affinity Officer will coordinate tent removal.

      • Note that CPD does not need a permit to enter/open tents and enforce relocation.

    • Non-Congregate Shelter: Developing a shelter site at 2704 W North Avenue for private, safer accommodations.

    • Affordable Housing: Developing over 450 new affordable units and ensuring zero-income housing options.

    • Rehabilitated CHA Units: Working with the new CHA CEO to restore vacant units in the 26th Ward for immediate use.

Media Mentions

  • Media Outlet: Block Club Chicago
    Date: December 9, 2024
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  • Media Outlet: Block Club Chicago
    Date: December 6, 2024
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  • Media Outlet: WBEZ
    Date: December 6, 2024
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  • Media Outlet: Chicago Tribune
    Date: December 6, 2024
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  • Media Outlet: Chicago Tribune
    Date: December 6, 2024
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  • Media Outlet: Chicago Tribune
    Date: December 5, 2024
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  • Media Outlet: WBEZ
    Date: December 4, 2024
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  • Media Outlet: Chicago Tribune
    Date: December 4, 2024
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  • Media Outlet: Block Club Chicago
    Date: November 26, 2024
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  • Media Outlet: WBEZ
    Date: October 17, 2024
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  • Media Outlet: Block Club Chicago
    Date: October 7, 2024
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  • Media Outlet: WBEZ
    Date: September 20, 2024
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  • Media Outlet: Block Club Chicago
    Date: September 18, 2024
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  • Media Outlet: Block Club Chicago
    Date: September 13, 2024
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  • Media Outlet: Block Club Chicago
    Date: July 31, 2024
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  • Media Outlet: WTTW
    Date: June 7, 2024
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  • Media Outlet: Centro de Periodismo Investigativo
    Date: May 16, 2024
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  • Media Outlet: Block Club Chicago
    Date: January 24, 2024
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  • Media Outlet: Block Club Chicago
    Date: January 11, 2024
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  • Media Outlet: WTTW
    Date: December 1, 2023
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  • Media Outlet: WTTW
    Date: November 7, 2023
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  • Media Outlet: WTTW
    Date: July 27, 2023
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