Amendment of Municipal Code Creating New Section Entitled "City of Chicago COVID-19 Public Health Housing Ordinance"
WHEREAS, the coronavirus pandemic has already resulted in the death of 1,759 Chicagoans, 77% of whom are African American and Latinx; and
WHEREAS, on average, 25% of all residents in homeless shelters are testing positive for the Coronavirus; and
WHEREAS, a large proportion of residents in homeless shelters are medically vulnerable individuals who face permanent disability, impairment, or death if infected with COVID; arid WHEREAS, congregate living facilities including homeless shelters, detention centers, jails, and nursing facilities have accounted for at least 19% of the spread of COVID infections and 36% of coronavirus deaths across Illinois; and
WHEREAS, crowded conditions in congregate living facilities intrinsically create an environment that prolongs the curve of COVID-19 cases and functions epidemiological ly as a vector for COVID-19 to spread and;
WHEREAS, thousands of Chicagoans are forced to remain in congregate living facilities simply due to lack of access to publicly-supported affordable, accessible rental housing; and WHEREAS, the ability of every Chicago resident to "shelter-at-home" in safe, affordable, accessible, and stable housing is critical to flattening the curve, protecting public health and safety, and restoring the economy; and
WHEREAS, public health experts estimate that it will be at least 18-24 months before a vaccine is available to bring the global pandemic to an end; and
WHEREAS, the City of Chicago's investments in affordable housing are critical expenditures in the City's coordinated response to control, manage, and end outbreaks of COVID-19 and; WHEREAS, the City's public housing investments must be marshalled to maximize access to affordable housing, and protect human life and public health in this moment; and WHEREAS, minimizing vacancy and adopting swift and efficient leasing and vacant unit turnover procedur...
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