CHICAGO (WLS) — Advocates for those experiencing homelessness rallied in the cold on Wednesday against plans to clear a tent encampment.
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The encampment is located in Humboldt Park, near North and California avenues. The city plans to remove it starting Friday morning.
Several dozen people are living there.
After clearing it out, Chicago police and the Park District would enforce municipal codes that prohibit overnight stays and tents in the park.
The advocates want the city to reconsider.
“We are here today to urge Mayor Brandon Johnson and Alderperson Jessie Fuentes to reconsider their plans to displace people currently staying in Humboldt Park,” said Ali Simmons, with the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness.
Critics of the plan say that those who are unhoused should be allowed to stay in the park because the city hasn’t provided any realistic alternatives of anywhere for them to go.
“Let them stay; let them live here. Homelessness is a big …