Chicago: Homeless point the way forward

Latest

This homeless encampment was destroyed in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. It was on public land, in front of a shuttered public school. PHOTO/ANDY THAYER
This homeless encampment was destroyed in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. It was on public land, in front of a shuttered public school.
PHOTO/ANDY THAYER

 
Editor’s note: This is a special report to the People’s Tribune based on information from the homeless and their supporters
CHICAGO, IL — All eyes are on the presidential debates, but putting an end to poverty and homelessness is not being addressed. In late September, an entire homeless encampment was destroyed in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. The encampment was on public land, in front of the shuttered Stewart school. Supporters claim the local Alderman arranged a deal to sell the school to private developers. The homeless have been evicted, but they are not taking it lying down.
The Uptown area became known as “Hillbilly Haven” following WWII. Southern workers came seeking jobs in this heavily industrialized city. Now, with the decline of industry and the shift to high technology jobs that employ fewer workers, many of the diverse population living in this area, and in the country overall, find themselves unable to afford the soaring rents. Alderman Cappleman has led the drive to gentrify affordable housing and close Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing.  Many are forced into the streets and made homeless. They erect tent cities under viaducts where they are harassed. Their belongings are confiscated and they are periodically evicted. Meanwhile private developers are stealing public land, closing public schools, even privatizing life-sustaining resources like water.
A homeless man, among those evicted, expressed outrage. He said neither the alderman nor the mayor have the right to sell public property to developers. He had worked at the very same school he was sleeping in front of as a janitor, as did his father.
The homeless are challenging private property. They are pointing the way toward a new society. where private interests—developers, banks, real estate companies and corporations— do not have the right to close public schools and steal public’s assets for profits. We all have to ask what kind of society we want to live in.  Do we want one based on private ownership of all we need to survive or a new society where the needs of the people are met and everyone can thrive?

PT Logo collage
+ Articles by this author

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

ICE Terror Campaign Threatens Us All

Several recent Facebook reels show how ICE is ramping up its campaign of terror against immigrants, citizens and protestors alike as the effort to create a police state continues and resistance grows. One creator speaks to the significance of Haitians now being targeted.

Medicaid Defenders in Wheelchairs Arrested Ahead of Senate Budget Vote

Over 60 people, including grandmas in wheelchairs, were arrested in the U.S. Senate Rotunda in a nonviolent protest against cuts like Medicaid and the SNAP food program in Trump’s “Big Beautiful Budget Bill.”

Zohran Mamdani Delivers Stunning Blow to ‘Billionaire-Backed Status Quo’ in NYC

New York City proved that a movement powered by hope, courage, and working class people can beat the money of billionaires.

The American People Want Peace, Not War!

The US's immoral and illegal attack on Iran threatens the whole world with war. The American people have a special responsibility to come out into the streets and rein in the US government, which has become a rogue state.

Juneteenth 2025: ‘We Have to Win this Fight,’ Hannah-Jones Tells Black Graduates

Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones addressed Black graduates at Harvard University, telling them that "we are about to see unleashed upon us an America that we have not had to live in. And we have to win this battle."

More from the People's Tribune