Advocates for city's unhoused people brace for winter storm
Advocates for city's unhoused people brace for winter storm
As activists work to save Chicago's homeless residents from a potentially deadly arctic blast, the city's decision to encrypt police scanners could make efforts to curb violence tougher.
We at the Civic Update are taking a break from our normally-scheduled columns for the Christmas holiday.
We do want to keep you informed about goings on in the Chicagoland area, so check out our weekly Round Up and news clips below.
In the new year, you can look forward to columns from new contributors, and a new podcast from Pastor
and some exciting co-hosts!We also want to call your attention to the forthcoming In Visible Institution newsletter from the AND Campaign. Subscribe to IVI today.
Merry Christmas from all of us at AND Campaign Chicago!
The Round Up
Here are the stories that caught our eyes this week and what they mean for the weeks ahead.
Though previously accessible to the public, Chicago quietly revoked access to police scanners earlier this year, a move violence prevention advocates say has complicated their efforts.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration says the move keeps first responders safe, safeguarding sensitive information about police movements. Lightfoot also notes this move mirrors similar moves in other major cities.
By early 2023, all transmissions will be encrypted according to police and the city’s emergency management department. After that, public access will strictly be available through a website that broadcasts on a half-hour delay, giving city officials the ability to censor information they deem sensitive.
News outlets are fighting the city’s efforts to block public access to the transmissions.
In the past, violence prevention outreach workers monitored scanners, which often enabled them to show up to scenes even before police.
“We have a lot of people working the streets here and we’re on top of a lot of incidents, even potential ones. Hopefully, (Mayor Lightfoot) can sort everything out so we can all stay on the same page and prevent violence on the front end,” said Tio Hardiman, executive director of Violence Interrupters.
With subfreezing winds and well below average temperatures expected to sweep through Chicago starting Thursday, advocates for Chicago’s unhoused people raced against the clock to meet emergency needs.
From warm clothing to portable heaters to tents, activists worked to make sure people could face the storm as protected as possible.
With most warming areas at the city’s six community service centers available only Monday through Friday, and the worst of the temperatures expected this weekend, advocates worried about the city’s homeless individuals and families.
Only one facility, the Garfield Community Service Center at 10 S. Kedzie Ave., is open on a 24-hour basis to connect people to emergency shelters.
This week, the city of Chicago announced the Climate Infrastructure Fund, designed to encourage climate action among nonprofits and small businesses.
Chicago's new Climate Infrastructure Fund will support renewable energy installation projects. Photo credit: Los Muertos Crew / Pexels
The $5 million initiative will award grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000.
The city will accept applications through Feb. 24, and expects to announce grant recipients by late spring.
Residential projects are not eligible. Applicants don't need to live in Chicago, but the project must be located within city limits.
Newsclips
Chicago could issue mask advisory if COVID cases rise to high level, Mayor Lori Lightfoot says
Property taxes are skyrocketing in gentrifying neighborhoods in Chicago
Developers plan homes using shipping containers on South Side
Chicago high school students walk out of class over gun violence
Why critics say Lightfoot’s NASCAR deal is a wreck
Developer behind takedown of former House speaker Madigan gets prison time
Chicago suburb proposal would give residents $150 to fight inflation
Arctic blast, ‘bomb cyclone’ hits Chicago but a warm-up is on the way
Mayoral race highlights
As Chicago nears 700 murders for third straight year, mayor’s race focuses on public safety
Mayor Lori Lightfoot turns to CEOs for support in tough re-election bid
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