CITY HALL — Aldermen are calling on the Chicago Housing Authority to address the city's homeless problem.
A day before the city was to issue an annual count of the homeless, aldermen called for the City Council to hold hearings on a "Keep the Promise" ordinance first submitted in September.
Claiming the support of 24 aldermen, lead sponsor Ald. Joe Moreno (1st) said the CHA is "cash rich" and not fulfilling its duties. He said the ordinance would give the City Council oversight on the CHA and allow them to compel the agency to act.
"They have the money," Moreno said.
"Everyone deserves a safe, clean, affordable home," added Ald. Deb Mell (33rd).
Ald. Roberto Maldonado (26th) said the CHA's unspent funds could translate to 62,000 vouchers for the homeless and others needing affordable housing.
They called on Ald. Ray Suarez (31st), chairman of the Housing Committee, to hold hearings on the ordinance before next month's election.
The city is scheduled to release a new homeless count Thursday. Aldermen said last year 1,000 people were on the streets homeless in midwinter.
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