Chicago’s housing shortage has garnered public attention due to the recent influx of migrants, but this problem is nothing new to many unhoused Chicagoans. Chicago’s 2021 Point-in-Time survey found 3,023 people residing in shelters  and an estimated 1,454 people experiencing homelessness on the street. The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless recently released a report showing the number of unhoused in Chicago to be much, much higher. Pulling data on the number of people who accessed services from the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), they estimate the number of people living in shelters and on the street to be over 24,000. Another 44,000 are temporarily staying with others or “couch surfing.”

Last year, WBEZ created an incredible interactive online experience to learn what it’s like to be homeless in Chicago during the Winter. You choose a persona, based on real people, and face difficult decisions about how to manage your health, relationships, and personal values. These everyday decisions can have serious consequences.

TRC provides permanent supportive housing to the formerly homeless residents of Renaissance Apartments and every year as our residents transition into market-rate housing, we are able to welcome new residents. If you have been homeless for awhile (even if you’re living with someone else), please look into Renaissance Apartments’ eligibility. We must process the wait list in order, so get your name on the list as soon as possible.

The long-term solution to this crisis, however, is the creation of additional affordable housing options. We partner with multiple housing networks working for progress in this issue and are always moving our own development projects. If you are able, please support TRC in the upcoming giving season  as we work to create lasting change in the lives of homeless individuals and create new affordable housing.

If you need help locating a city warming shelter or finding ways reduce energy costs this winter, please call 3-1-1 or visit www.keepwarm.illinois.gov