The wider picture
The city of Chicago has been grappling with the challenge of clearing tent encampments from parks in the Northwest Side for years. As part of this ongoing struggle, the city plans to remove a homeless encampment located in Legion Park on March 16, 2026. This encampment, which has been home to approximately 20 inhabitants, including Carmen Laude, has existed for nearly two years. Laude, who relies on a monthly Social Security income of $1,974, has expressed concerns about the city’s approach to homelessness.
Laude stated, “All they do is, ‘OK, you’re moving from there to there.’ That’s not going to help — destroying all the things we accumulated for our needs.” This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among those living in encampments, who often feel that their needs are not being adequately addressed by city officials.
The city has offered apartments to encampment residents at a monthly rent of $950, which raises questions about affordability given that Laude’s income is less than the proposed rent. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Chicago’s homeless population was reported to be 7,452 in a count released in July 2025, indicating a significant demand for affordable housing options.
Recent events have heightened concerns about safety within the encampment. A fire last month destroyed about half of the tents, prompting Alderman Samantha Nugent to comment, “After multiple fires at the encampment, including the most recent one that destroyed several tents, it became clear the situation posed serious safety risks for both those living there and the surrounding neighborhood.” This incident has added urgency to the city’s decision to clear the encampment.
In response to the planned removal, a Northwest Side group called Parks for All has launched a petition against the encampment’s clearance. Mary Tarullo, a representative of the group, argued, “Instead of expending any resources on closing encampments, we need more housing and, until we have housing for everyone, we cannot be closing off public spaces to people who don’t have it.” This perspective highlights the ongoing debate about the best approach to addressing homelessness in the city.
The Department of Family and Support Services has stated that they will assist residents in moving out of the encampment. A spokesperson for the department noted, “It is up to each individual to make the best choice for themselves.” This statement underscores the complexity of the situation, as individuals must navigate their options amidst limited resources.
As the removal date approaches, city staffers are scheduled to be present at Legion Park to help residents transition out of the encampment. Observers are closely watching how this situation unfolds, especially in light of past experiences where encampment removals have led to the establishment of new encampments nearby, such as what occurred after a previous removal in Gompers Park.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term plans for the residents of Legion Park and whether adequate housing solutions will be made available. The outcome of this situation will likely have implications for both the residents affected and the broader community in Chicago’s Northwest Side.
