Chicago City Wire

Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced a significant investment to improve shelter infrastructure in Chicago. The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) is allocating $40 million in grants for capital improvement projects across seven shelters. This initiative aims to create healthier, safer, less congregate, and more accessible facilities for various populations, including families with children, unaccompanied youth, adult single women and men, and returning citizens.

"This investment is the most significant step forward in the history of Chicago in our mission to make housing a human right in our city," stated Mayor Johnson. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing housing and shelter to stabilize residents experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.

The funding will modernize over 750 permanent shelter beds, increase ADA accessibility, update aging infrastructure, and develop more than 350 non-congregate beds. These improvements aim to provide private sleeping rooms with secure storage space. Research indicates that non-congregate shelters yield better health and housing outcomes compared to congregate settings.

Maura McCauley, DFSS Acting Commissioner, expressed pride in the city's commitment to supporting vulnerable populations. "This investment is a significant step toward meeting the broad range of unique circumstances and experiences faced by those entering the shelter system," she said.

The Shelter Infrastructure Initiative is supported by $20 million in federal HOME-ARP funding and $20 million from local bond funds. It builds on two years of planning and assessments for system-wide improvements. DFSS collaborates with IFF as the Program Administrator for this initiative.

Sendy Soto, chief homelessness officer for Chicago, highlighted the administration's focus on investing in solutions that support unhoused neighbors: "With renewed funding and a focus on best practices, we’re building a city where everyone has the support they need."

In partnership with the Department of Housing (DOH), DFSS is also working on acquiring new non-congregate shelter facilities through DOH's Non-Congregate Shelter Acquisition Program. DOH has allocated $30 million for this program to transition congregate beds into non-congregate ones.

The capital improvements announced today cover seven neighborhoods across Chicago's North, South, and West sides. Each funded project aligns with national best practices by enhancing privacy, safety, accessibility, fire safety standards, energy efficiency measures while leveraging public and philanthropic resources.

For further information about the Shelter Infrastructure Initiative or accessing shelter services residents can visit www.chicago.gov/dfss or email dfss@cityofchicago.org.