In 2022, the administration inherited a humanitarian crisis — In a short period of time, Chicago welcomed and received thousands of new arrivals from the Southern border. Despite this challenge, the city mobilized and spearheaded a crisis response and resettlement efforts, with minimal federal support. In 2024, in partnership with City, State, County, and local agencies, a joint strategy established the New Arrivals Shelter system, which provided refuge and support to thousands of our newly arrived neighbors. This coordinated effort prevented nearly 50,000 people from becoming unsheltered.

As of October 2024, the New Arrival (NA) shelter system will begin transitioning to the One System Initiative. This new unified sheltering system merges the existing NA shelter system with current legacy shelters with the aim to serve unhoused Chicagoans. During this transition, the City of Chicago will be implementing a series of changes, which include accelerating the resettlement of current shelter residents and consolidating the current NA shelter system.