As New Phase of Unified Support for the Unhoused Begins, Little Village Shelter for New Arrivals Closes
State is realigning bed needs as the number of New Arrivals has significantly slowed
For immediate release
Thursday, October 10, 2024
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CHICAGO—One of the three State-supported New Arrivals shelters will be closing November 3. The Little Village Pulaski shelter closure is part of the State’s work to ensure that resources are used in the most effective and efficient manner possible. This comes as the number of arrivals from the border has significantly slowed over the last few months, leaving 3,000 unused beds in the City of Chicago New Arrivals shelter system.
The current 146 Little Village Pulaski shelter residents will be offered space at other shelters where they can continue to receive wraparound services to support their path to self-sufficiency. As part of the process, the State will coordinate with Chicago Public Schools to ensure children’s schooling is not impacted.
“The State continues to support individuals and families in need — both new arrivals and unhoused residents across Chicago,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “During this transition, we are maximizing the State’s available resources while ensuring dignity and care are at the forefront of our services. I look forward to continuing our work with our partners as we determine the best course of action to support anyone experiencing housing insecurity.”
Since opening in January 2024, the Little Village shelter has served over 550 people. As part of the State’s mission to welcome New Arrivals with dignity, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) partnered with New Life Centers to provide on-the-ground community-care services including conflict resolution, onsite communications, community engagement, and connection to local resources. The State will conclude its support of operations at the other two New Arrivals shelters it supports, in the Midway area and Hyde Park, by the end of Fiscal Year 2025.
Working Toward a Unified System
Through the One System Initiative, the State will continue to move towards a unified system for anyone in Chicago experiencing housing insecurity, including both New Arrivals and other community members experiencing homelessness. As part of this transition, the other two State-supported New Arrivals shelters will be in operation into the Spring as part of a unified system.
The State will also continue to fund Intake Center activities under a new model that will support dignified reception and access to shelter for all populations experiencing homelessness.
“IDHS remains committed to meeting our neighbors, including our long-time residents and our newest arrivals, where they are, so they can access the wraparound services they need to live and thrive independently,” said Dulce M. Quintero, IDHS Secretary Designate. “As we think ahead to more permanent solutions, we at IDHS are grateful to Governor Pritzker for his ongoing leadership and compassion.”
The State anticipates releasing $5 million in grant funding to organizations that previously supported New Arrivals shelters. This funding will assist the transition to and implementation of One System. Funding is expected to be released in November.
Ongoing State Support
In November 2023, Governor Pritzker announced data-driven investment to improve the New Arrivals response. In total, this includes $342 million over Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025 – in addition to the $478 million that was earmarked by the State to support New Arrivals over Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024.
Funds have been used to improve the New Arrivals response and address bottlenecks, with IDHS operating the Intake Center that opened in February 2024.
Co-located with the City of Chicago’s Landing Zone, the Intake Center offers New Arrivals immediate wraparound services and helps connect people with sponsors or alternate destinations to continue along on their journey. Cook County Health also provides vaccinations to New Arrivals at the Intake Center and coordinates initial health screening appointments for a rapid connection to health care, ensuring the safety of individuals, families, and their new communities.
The State has been funding New Life Centers and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago to provide support outside, at the bus Landing Zone, as of early November 2023, and at the Intake Center.
Since November 2023, the State has also hosted work-permit workshops to support pathways to independence. Across the 101 legal workshops led by the State-funded partner, The Resurrection Project, nearly 9,000 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and/or Employment Authorization Documentation (EAD) applications have been submitted. The legal workshops are expanding in October to include support for applications for Asylum and Parole in Place, as well as additional workshops throughout the state.
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