Neighbors: Violence, drug use persist at West Loop homeless encampments despite complaints
People who live and work nearby say they have serious safety concerns, and also say they have been sounding the alarm for months - but nothing changes.
Watch CBS News
People who live and work nearby say they have serious safety concerns, and also say they have been sounding the alarm for months - but nothing changes.
Violence and drug use on main pedestrian walkways are among the concerns that continue at the viaduct encampments, and people who live and work nearby say nothing has changed despite repeated complaints. CBS 2's Tara Molina reports.
Cook County Circuit Court Judge Kathleen Burke ruled the controversial Bring Chicago Home ballot referendum is invalid.
Cook County Circuit Court Judge Kathleen Burke ruled the controversial Bring Chicago Home ballot referendum is invalid, and an appeal to the ruling has been filed. CBS 2 Political Reporter Chris Tye reports.
The effort to help fund Chicago's homeless problem by increasing taxes on ownership changes for million-dollar homes - known as "Bring Chicago Home" -was dealt a major setback by a Cook County judge this past Friday. CBS 2 Political Reporter Chris Tye reports.
The referendum remains on the ballot, but if the judge's ruling stands, the votes will not be counted.
Those against the proposal called it a victory. Yet those supporting the referendum said they will keep fighting. CBS 2's Jermont Terry reports.
It is not clear whether the Bring Chicago Home measure will be removed from the ballot, but if it is not, the votes will not be counted.
On the March 19 primary ballot, voters will be asked to approve an increase to the real estate transfer tax on sales of properties worth over $1 million.
Organizers want to use a building just west of the Wilson Avenue 'L' stop for the purpose.
"Just really hard seeing people you know in the cold, but it's also the resilience of these people show is incredible."
At Fuel Movement in North Lawndale, Darrell Glover, his wife, and volunteers pass out clothing items - as well as feed whoever walks into their doors. CBS 2's Shardaa Gray reports.
The Fuel Movement Community Center gets 50 to 100 clothing items every Wednesday.
West Loop residents take issue in particular with the blatant drug use and dealings occurring on Lake Street and Fulton Street off Clinton Street.
The migrant crisis is bringing new attention to the ongoing homelessness issue in Chicago.
The migrant crisis is bringing new attention to the ongoing homelessness issue in Chicago.
Ald. Bill Conway (34th) says the West Loop site has had problems with violent crime.
People who live under the viaduct on Lake Street near Clinton Street were told to remove their belongings so crews can start power-washing.
"This is one way I can contribute.
The ambassadors were armed with resource cards to hand out to those in need. Ambassadors walk eight to 12 miles a day with one goal: to help people.
"Servicing the community and giving somebody else a trade."
More than 100 people kicked off the event in East Garfield Park Thursday night.
This year, the charity hopes to raise at least $500,000.
The mayor's office said all 116 rooms will be used for unhoused Chicagoans for up to seven months.
Supporters have said the plan would create $100 million in new annual revenue to boost Chicago's efforts to fight homelessness.