Protest planned outside Chicago alderwoman's office over Gompers Park homeless encampment removal
The Brief
Community members are holding a rally outside Ald. Samantha Nugent's office, calling for an end to what they describe as the "criminalization of homelessness."
A long-standing homeless encampment at Gompers Park in the 39th Ward was cleared during a recent cold snap.
Rally organizers say last week's "accelerated moving event" lacked the safety measures promised by the city.
CHICAGO - Community leaders are set to gather outside the office of 39th Ward Alderwoman Samantha Nugent on Tuesday to protest what they call the "criminalization of homelessness" following the removal of a homeless encampment at Gompers Park.
What we know
The encampment, which had been in place for an extended period, was taken down during a brutal cold snap last month.
Rally organizers claim the city's actions put vulnerable individuals at greater risk during the extreme weather.
They also allege that an "accelerated moving event" held last week lacked the promised safety precautions, further endangering those displaced from the encampment.
The backstory
The homeless encampment at Gompers Park had been a point of contention among community members for months.
Neighbors expressed concerns about safety issues, including reports of drug use, fires, and off-leash dog attacks. The Gompers Park Athletic Association also faced potential disruptions to youth baseball games and practices due to the encampment.
What they're saying
The Restore Gompers Park Coalition released a statement criticizing the protest.
"The Restore Gompers Park Coalition has worked tirelessly for months to push for an Accelerated Moving Event; we are glad that 100 percent of AME participants are moving forward with the housing process, per the press release issued by the Mayor's Press Office on March 7. We have heard from numerous local residents who are happy to hear about this win-win solution for everyone. However, many in the local community have expressed their disdain for this protest today. Protesting the alderman's office does not help the unhoused. Spewing extreme rhetoric is a distraction and an affront to the efforts underway to provide housing and wraparound services to those in Gompers Park. We denounce the continued attempts to create chaos and disruption by this vocal minority of individuals."
What's next
The rally is expected to draw advocates, residents, and possibly city officials.
Organizers say they are calling for more compassionate and safety-focused approaches to handling homeless encampments in Chicago.
The Source
The information from this article was provided by rally organizers and FOX 32 Chicago.
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