June 14 media advisory: Homeless encampment residents to hold press conference outside mayor’s office to demand housing in advance of viaduct construction

Residents also demand that the design of the re-constructed viaducts does not intentionally exclude homeless individuals

WHAT: Press conference convened by homeless encampment residents of the viaducts at Lake Shore Drive at Wilson and Lawrence Avenues. Residents are responding to the Request for Proposals (RFP) that the city of Chicago recently released seeking to identify construction companies to perform the work on the viaducts later this summer.

Residents are calling on Mayor Emanuel to provide housing solutions given that the city will be evicting them from their homes to make way for viaduct construction. They are also demanding that the design of the viaducts not intentionally exclude homeless people. The RFP calls for 6-foot bike lanes and security fences. 

WHERE: City Hall – 5^th floor (121 N. LaSalle)

WHEN: Wednesday, June 14 – 11 a.m.

WHO: Homeless residents of the Wilson and Lawrence viaducts and supporting community members

VISUAL OPPORTUNITIES:

Tents assembled outside of the Mayor’s office

Homeless residents delivering a letter including their demands to the Mayor’s office

Religious leaders wearing identifiable clothing

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(Uptown) Tent City Voices Heard is an Uptown, Lake Shore Drive tent encampment residents’ association that seeks to win the recognition of their rights (including their right to housing and thus to the opportunity to advance their lives), to find housing solutions for its members and, thereby, to help win those rights for all homeless people. We are separate and distinct from the advocacy group, Uptown Tent City Organizers.

For more information, contact Associate Policy Director Mary Tarullo