O’Hare International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, has cleared migrant encampments for the first time since families began sleeping there last summer. The news comes as Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration faces uncertainty over how to handle the ongoing migrant crisis, with city funds for asylum-seekers expected to run out in a couple of months. Despite this progress, there are still challenges ahead as the city grapples with dwindling resources and a growing number of shelter residents who need to find alternative housing.
The airport, which had been home to hundreds of migrants waiting for beds in the city-run shelter system, now only has four migrants remaining. This change is a result of accelerated efforts to resettle migrants in permanent housing or relocate them to other cities. Deputy Chief of Staff Cristina Pacione-Zayas acknowledged that tough decisions lie ahead as the $150 million budgeted by Mayor Johnson for the migrant response this year is expected to be depleted by April.
Pacione-Zayas emphasized that the city is actively working with the state and county to develop a long-term plan to navigate the rest of the year together. However, she did not specify whether this plan might involve closing shelters or making budget cuts. Currently, there are 5,673 shelter residents who must exit the system by mid-March under Johnson’s 60-day limit policy. While many residents have secured housing elsewhere, officials have yet to clarify how enforcement will be carried out.
Department of Family and Support Services Commissioner Brandie Knazze stressed that the process is not an eviction but rather a transition period. The city is providing residents with 60-day notices and working closely with case managers to explore available options and resources. The goal is to ensure a smooth transition for individuals leaving the shelters.
In addition to addressing the immediate needs of migrants, the city is also working on reducing its reliance on Favorite Healthcare Staffing, its costliest vendor. Finding cheaper local options has proven challenging, as responses to the city’s request-for-proposals fell short of meeting requirements. However, discussions are underway to identify viable alternatives.
The cost of shelter staffing from contractors like Favorite Staffing has contributed significantly to the daily expenses of the migrant response, which amount to $1.5 million. To alleviate these costs, the Johnson administration recently increased its contract with Favorite Staffing by an additional $30 million. The administration has also shifted its stance on the state funds pledged by Governor J.B. Pritzker. While initially suggesting that $65 million should be used for a location outside Chicago, the mayor’s team is now considering using the funds to either establish a new shelter within or outside the city or cover the costs of existing shelters.
To address the overflow of migrants from city-run shelters, city officials have launched a new volunteer coordination program called the “New Neighbors campaign volunteer program.” This initiative aims to streamline and coordinate volunteer efforts across the city and facilitate collaboration between community members, mutual aid groups, aldermanic offices, city agencies, and partner organizations. The program will focus on providing additional support and programming within city shelters, as well as brainstorming opportunities for volunteers to contribute in other ways.
The implementation of this program marks a shift toward greater openness to work with volunteers, who have faced challenges accessing shelters and working with city-contracted staff in the past. The Chicago Refugee Coalition and Chicago Cares Inc. have collaborated to create this sustained coordination of support and resources.
As the city continues to navigate the migrant crisis, it is clear that there are still significant challenges ahead. With limited funds and an increasing number of shelter residents needing assistance, Mayor Johnson’s administration must find innovative solutions to ensure the well-being and successful integration of asylum-seekers into society.
