Uptown group is raising money for homeless people living in tent cities

CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - This cold snap has everyone feeling the biting winds and deep freeze temps, but none more than the city's homeless population.

Chicago's cold streets and sidewalks are home to as many as 125,000 people, with some of those living in tent cities in the Uptown neighborhood.

One tent city under Lake Shore Drive on Wilson Avenue is home to 15-20 tents and dozens of people.

Most of the people living there are using anything given to them: tarps, blankets, sleeping bags, which are all layered on top of their tent to try and stay warm.

One group, called Uptown tent city, is raising money to buy supplies needed to help the tent city neighbors in the Uptown neighborhood. A GoFundMe page is asking for $10,000 in order to purchase tents, blankets and other personal supplies.

The group said this is only a temporary fix until the city can provide more permanent housing solutions.

The city said in a statement to FOX 32 that shelters welcome more than 3,000 people every night, and that as of Monday, it will have set aside 400 housing vouchers for permanent housing.

The statement also said the city’s Department of Family and Support Services, along with other organizations, reaches out to the homeless on a daily basis, but that many refuse assistance. 

If you or someone you know needs to help finding a warming center, dial 3-1-1 in the city of Chicago.

GoFundMe