Dion is living in a small tent community near downtown Chicago. To me, it’s really shocking that Chicago now has tent cities popping up. I am not sure why I’m shocked since most inner-city streets are now lined with tents. As far as I know, tent cities in Chicago are rather new. I have talked to support workers who are also shocked!
Dion was in some kind of housing where he was assigned a payee that controlled his finances. He says they were stealing his money. After rent and basic needs like laundry, Dion says he didn’t have enough money left for food and that his payee instructed him to go to food banks. I have heard similar stories of people choosing the streets over living without any disposable income.
Dion says they survive by people bringing them food and clothes. He says advocates also visit to help with what they call a “police watch” because they have to deal with police harassment.
Dion is well-informed on the issues of homelessness and lack of housing. He says there was housing available for 75 people, but because there are far more than that who need housing, they live on the streets the best they can.
