Chicago to Merge Migrant and Homeless Shelters Amid Funding Strains

Mayor Brandon Johnson announces a unified shelter system, citing financial constraints and a need to prioritize resources.

Migrants in Chicago shelters will face new restrictions, with eligibility limited to those in the U.S. for less than 30 days.
The city plans to merge its migrant and homeless shelters by January 2025, reducing the total number of available beds.
Mayor Johnson attributes the policy shift to financial limitations and the failure to pass a tax increase for more shelter funding.
The new unified shelter system will eliminate the current 60-day eviction policy, but concerns remain about increased homelessness.
Chicago has spent over $540 million on migrant services since 2022, with the upcoming budget facing a significant deficit.