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Today, we learned that nearly $300M of CARES funds in Chicago were spent on personnel costs in the police department.
Since these funds are meant to meet the unprecedented needs in our communities, I want to share what needs I see are unmet in our community right now /1
Today, we learned that nearly $300M of CARES funds in Chicago were spent on personnel costs in the police department.
Since these funds are meant to meet the unprecedented needs in our communities, I want to share what needs I see are unmet in our community right now /1
During the pandemic, requests for shelter have skyrocketed. And often, there are no beds available for those who need them.
With record snow and low temperatures, this is life or death for many. Still, we only spent $188k on personnel for DFSS compared to $300M for CPD. /2
With record snow and low temperatures, this is life or death for many. Still, we only spent $188k on personnel for DFSS compared to $300M for CPD. /2
You'd be right to think that more personnel alone won't solve homelessness. Thankfully, the Biden admin is offering free hotels to houseless individuals.
But we haven't taken advantage of this yet. More personnel would mean more capacity to coordinate efforts like these. /3
But we haven't taken advantage of this yet. More personnel would mean more capacity to coordinate efforts like these. /3
Our office also fields many calls from neighbors who cannot afford rent or mortgage due to loss of income. Simply, there have not been enough funds to meet the need.
Look at how many applications DOH received that weren't awarded. The result is eviction and displacement. /4
Look at how many applications DOH received that weren't awarded. The result is eviction and displacement. /4
And domestic violence service providers continue to see unprecedented demands for their services. Only $200k of Chicago CARES funds were allocated to domestic violence.
Even a modest increase could mean more survivors can access services quickly and avoid waitlists. /5
Even a modest increase could mean more survivors can access services quickly and avoid waitlists. /5
Finally, our small businesses continue to struggle to pay the bills and maintain payrolls. We've lost far too many neighborhood institutions in recent months.
All while owners, employees, and their families struggle mightily. Small biz received 3% of CARES funds to CPD's 25%. /6
All while owners, employees, and their families struggle mightily. Small biz received 3% of CARES funds to CPD's 25%. /6
When we first voted on CARES Act funding allocations, I joined eight other alders to vote "no", because there was not enough clarity about how a large pool of discretionary funds would be spent. /7
At the end of the week, City Council will discuss how to spend additional CARES funds. I will pay close attention to how any proposal meets our communities' unmet needs.
No more broad discretionary uses. We need to invest directly into our communities now. /8
No more broad discretionary uses. We need to invest directly into our communities now. /8
