CHICAGO (WLS) — The City of Chicago working to help people move out of Gompers Park and help them secure permanent housing Wednesday.
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services is hosting an event Wednesday in an effort to help relocate those living at the Gompers Park homeless encampment in the Albany Park neighborhood.
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For some nearby residents, this is welcomed news. Others are more cautious.
A group of supporters were stationed at the Gompers Park homeless encampment morning. protect those staying here.
“I walked through these parks many times with my family and have gotten to know the residents myself and they have become friends with my family, with my children,’ a neighbor said. “These are our neighbors and we want to keep them safe.”
The city says people at the park are not being asked to leave Wednesday, but rather, given free support services to secure more permanent housing.
Attendees are able to virtually tour available apartment units, select one right here on the spot and be connected with furniture options for their new apartment.
Deputy Commissioner of Homeless Services Andrea Chatman said.
“The goal is to make it a real easy process for people to support them where they are and walk alongside them and make sure the resources are here. It’s very difficult as our case managers and outreach workers are engaging to be able to take everyone to see multiple apartments,” Deputy Commissioner of Homeless Services Andrea Chatman said.
A supporter said the homeless residents are excited to hear about housing options, but do not want to be forcibly removed from the encampment.
“I think that displacement is violence,” the neighbor said. “I think whenever someone is kicked out of their home, that is violence.”
SEE MORE: City begins removal of Gompers Park tent encampment on Northwest Side
The Restore Gompers Park Coalition issuing a statement this morning saying, “We are hopeful these individuals will accept what is being offered to them so they can live in a warm, safe environment and receive assistance customized to their needs. As we look ahead, we anticipate beginning the park restoration process to ensure Gompers Park is a welcoming place for all to visit.”
So far, 29 people have registered to participate in the event that is se to continue throughout the afternoon.
Whoever signs up Wednesday will be connected with their new housing in two to three months. They are allowed to stay at Gompers Park while they wait.
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