>> ERIN.

THANKS FOR JOINING US ON CHICAGO TONIGHT.

BLACK VOICES.

I'M BRANDIS FRIEDMAN ON THE SHOW TONIGHT, COMPLAINTS OF UNSANITARY AND UNSAFE CONDITIONS AT A MIGRANT SHELTER IN PILSEN.

NEW A MAIL E-MAILS SHED LIGHT ON WHAT MAYOR'S OFFICE ONE ON ONE WITH THE NEW LEADER OF THE CITY'S PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENTS.

EFFORTS TO SUPPORT CHICAGO'S UNHOUSED AS FRIGID TEMPERATURES.

STICK AROUND.

>> 14 PEERS, NUMBER ONE, IS THIS >> AND BRINGING PARADISE TO EVERYDAY LIFE AHEAD OF CHICAGO RESTAURANT WEEK.

AND NOW TO SOME OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES.

THE MAYOR'S OFFICE HAS RESPONDED TO WTW NEWS REPORTING THAT E-MAILS SENT IN LATE OCTOBER TO MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON AND OTHER TOP STAFFERS WARNED OF ALLEGED UNSANITARY CONDITIONS AT A CROWDED PILSEN MIGRANT SHELTER WHERE A 5 YEAR-OLD MIGRANT BOY EVENTUALLY FELL ILL AND DIED.

THE CITY IS ALSO REVERSED COURSE TODAY AND UNREDACTED THE CORRESPONDING EMAILS AFTER IT HAD NEARLY COMPLETELY REDACTED EMAILS IN RESPONSE TO A FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUEST, REQUEST THE UNREDACTED EMAILS CONFIRM WTW IS REPORTING THAT THE EMAIL WARNED JOHNSON AND OTHERS ABOUT ALLEGATIONS OF INSUFFICIENT BATHROOMS, EXPOSED PIPES WITH RAW SEWAGE, COPPER OKIN, ROACH INFESTATION.

A POSSIBLE OUTBREAK OF ILLNESS WITH MANY PEOPLE BEING SICK.

AMONG OTHER CONCERNS.

IN A STATEMENT, A SPOKESPERSON FOR THE JOHNSON ADMINISTRATION SAYS, QUOTE, THE CITY WAS AWARE OF ISSUES RAISED REGARDING CONDITIONS AT THE SHELTER AT 22 41 SOUTH HALSTED AND HAD ACTIVELY BEEN IN THE PROCESS OF ADDRESSING THE SITUATION.

WHILE THE CITY RECOGNIZES THAT THERE'S STILL MORE WORK TO BE DONE TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF TEMPORARY HOUSING FOR THE NEARLY 15,000 NEW ARRIVALS.

AND 28 ACTIVE SHELTERS.

WE HAVE ALSO TAKEN CONCRETE ACTION TO ADDRESS ANY AND ALL CONCERNS RELATED TO CONDITIONS AT CITY-RUN SHELTERS AS THEY HAVE ARISEN.

GOVERNOR JB PRITZKER WAS ASKED ABOUT THE STORY.

>> I DID SEE THE REPORT.

HEARD THEIR RESPONSE TO IT.

I THINK WE ALL UNDERSTAND AND THE MAYOR AND HIS ADMINISTRATION UNDERSTAND THAT WE ARE TRYING TO KEEP IN VERY DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES TRYING TO KEEP PEOPLE SAFE IN SHELTERS AS WE'RE MOVING THEM ON TO MORE PERMANENT HOUSING AND JOBS.

>> AND YOU CAN READ THAT WTW NEWS EXCLUSIVE REPORT ON OUR WEBSITE.

THE CHICAGO TEACHERS UNION SAYS CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS DOESN'T HAVE ALL THE RESOURCES IT NEEDS TO EDUCATE MIGRANT STUDENTS CTA AND THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS HELD A ROUNDTABLE TODAY AT CAMERON ELEMENTARY WHERE MANY MIGRANTS STUDENTS HAVE ENROLLED.

THEY SAY THEY DISCUSS SOME POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS LIKE HELPING MORE TEACHERS BECOME TRAINED AND CERTIFIED AS BILINGUAL EDUCATORS.

>> WHY DO WE MAKE SURE?

>> WE DON'T FORCE TEACHERS TO PAY FOR SOMETHING.

THE SCHOOL SYSTEM PAY THE TUITION.

TEACHERS WANT TO GO THROUGH THE PROGRAM PAY THE TUITION.

>> CTU SAYS IN ADDITION TO NEEDING FAR MORE BILINGUAL TEACHERS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF NEW STUDENTS.

CAMERON ELEMENTARY IS ATTEMPTING TO MEET THE NEEDS OF 126 STUDENTS IN TEMPORARY LIVING SITUATIONS AS WELL AS THEIR FAMILIES.

A GROUP OF PARENTS AND STUDENTS ARE CALLING ON THE MAYOR AND THE CHICAGO BOARD OF EDUCATION TO PROTECT SCHOOL CHOICE.

TODAY'S RALLY AT CITY HALL COMES AFTER THE BOARD LAST MONTH ANNOUNCED TODAY WE'RE GOING TO MOVE AWAY FROM SCHOOL CHOICE AS PART OF THEIR 5 YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN UNDER THE CURRENT POLICY, CHICAGO FAMILIES ARE ASSIGNED A NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL BUT CAN APPLY TO ATTEND OTHERS ACROSS THE CITY.

PARENTS AT TODAY'S RALLY SAY CHARTER SCHOOLS ARE A VITAL OPTION FOR FAMILIES THAT SHOULD BE PRESERVED.

>> CHICAGO'S STUDENTS SCHOOL CHOICE SYSTEM.

EMPOWER ME TO FIND A SCHOOL VALUES AND FIT ALL THE FACTIONS UNIQUE AS PARENTS, WE KNOW WHAT'S BEST FOR OUR CHILDREN AND HAVE A RIGHT TO MAKE DECISIONS BEST FOR THEM, TOO.

A ONE SIZE FITS ALL MODEL APPROACH TO EDUCATION DOES NOT WORK FOR ALL STUDENTS.

CHARTER SCHOOLS PROVIDE PARENTS THE OPTION.

>> CRITICS OF SCHOOL CHOICE, A NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOLS LOSE OUT TO BETTER FUNDED COMPETITORS.

IN OAK PARK WOMAN WHO PLEADED GUILTY TO KILLING HER MOTHER AND STUFFING THE BODY IN A SUITCASE DURING A TRIP TO BALI WILL SERVE.

26 YEARS IN US PRISON 28 YEAR-OLD HEATHER MACK HAS ALREADY SERVED 7 YEARS IN AN INDONESIAN PRISON.

SEEN HERE BEFORE BEING TRANSFERRED TO THE U.S.

IN 2021.

HERE SHE PLEADED GUILTY TO CONSPIRING TO KILL HER MOTHER.

SHEILA VON WIESE-MACK WITH THE HELP OF HER THEN BOYFRIEND TOMMY SCHAEFER TO GAIN ACCESS TO MAX.

1.5 MILLION DOLLAR TRUST FUND BACK IN 2014, THE JUDGE GAVE MAC CREDIT FOR THE APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS.

SHE SPENT IN CUSTODY IN CHICAGO AWAITING TRIAL.

RIGHT?

METRA BRING A BIKE METRO USED TO ONLY ALLOW BIKES ON NON RUSH HOUR TRAINS WITH MORE RIDERS THAN EVER BRINGING BIKES ALL ABOARD.

STARTING NEXT MONTH, THEY WILL BE ALLOWED ON ALL TRAINS WITH NO EXTRA CHARGE.

METRO IS ALSO IMPLEMENTING A NEW CODE OF CONDUCT.

ANYONE WHO VERBALLY OR PHYSICALLY THREATENS ANOTHER WRITER OR METRO EMPLOYEE COULD FACE A HEARING AND BE SUSPENDED FROM RIDING METRO TRAINS.

UP NEXT, WE MEET THE CITY'S NEW TOP DOC RIGHT AFTER THIS.

>> CHICAGO TONIGHT, BLACK VOICES IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY 5TH 3005TH BANK AND BY THE SUPPORT OF THESE DONORS.

>> 3RD, WE BELIEVE WOULD DIVERSE VOICES ARE HEARD AND EMPOWERED COMMUNITIES ARE MADE STRONGER A FUTURE HOLDS GREAT PROMISE FOR ALL.

THAT'S WHY WE'RE PROUD TO SUPPORT CHICAGO.

TONIGHT.

BLACK VOICES TOGETHER.

WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER.

WE CAN DRIVE CHANGE.

>> THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC PUT PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS FRONT AND CENTER.

NOW THE CITY OF CHICAGO HAS A NEW PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSIONER FILLING THIS HIGH-PROFILE ROLE.

DOCTOR SYMBOL IGE IS THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO LEAD THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH ON A PERMANENT BASIS.

THIS AFTER MANAGING A NONPROFIT IN NEW JERSEY AND SPENDING MUCH OF HER CAREERS SERVING AS ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR THE NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE.

DOCTOR IGE WAS TAPPED BY MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON TO FILL THIS CABINET POSITION AND SHE JOINS US NOW HAVING BEEN ON THE JOB FOR LITTLE OVER A MONTH THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

HOPE YOU GET TIME TO UNPACK SOON.

HAHA, THANK YOU.

THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

I'M EXCITED TO BE HERE.

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THIS JOB IN CHICAGO?

>> THAT TENDS TO BE THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN IN THE I THINK THAT VERY COMPELLING.

I ALSO WAS I'M VERY EXCITED ABOUT NOT BEING A MINORITY.

CHICAGO A CITY WHERE WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE NUMBERS, BUT PEOPLE IN IT MINORITY HERE WE HAVE MINORITY TIES STEP, BUT WE UNITED MINORITY.

I THOUGHT THAT WAS AN INTERESTING TO WAKE.

I WAS ALSO EXCITED ABOUT WORKING WITH AN ADMINISTRATION THAT IS COMMITTED TO SOCIAL JUSTICE AND RACIAL JUSTICE AND HEALTH EQUITY.

I IT WAS A RIOT POLICE ME TO BRING MY EXPERIENCE MY TO BE A AND THEN FINDING THE THE VISION AND THE MISSION OF CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH HAS BEEN WORKING FOR NUMBER OF YEARS TO ADDRESS THE RACIAL GAPS IN LIFE EXPECTANCY.

I WAS VERY EXCITED ABOUT THAT.

I THOUGHT COOL.

ADD VALUE TO THAT.

WHAT CAN HELP ACCELERATE THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THAT GOAL?

SO SOME OF THE ISSUES THAT YOU'VE GOT IN FRONT OF YOU, MAYOR JOHNSON CAMPAIGNED ON HIS PUSH FOR THE RETURN OF THE MENTAL HEALTH CLINICS.

>> AFTER FORMER MAYORS CLOSED, 14 OF THEM ON HIS BUDGET HAS CALLED FOR RESTORING TOO.

WE KNOW YOU'VE BEEN ON THE JOB FOR A MONTH, BUT WHERE WOULD YOU SAY THIS PROCESS IS RIGHT NOW?

AS FAR RESTORING THOSE AND WHAT WILL THE PROCESS TO GET THEM REOPENED LOOK LIKE?

>> YES, THAT IS A FIND ONE THAT NOT SNOW DOWN IN IN TRYING TO ACHIEVE THAT GOAL.

SO WHERE WE THE MOMENT IS WITH THE COMMUNITY.

REPRESENTATIVES TO HELP IDENTIFY WHERE THIS CANNING SHOULD BE LOCATED.

WE HAVE STARTED THE PROCESS OF RECRUITING FOR THE LOOK.

FORCES GOING.

OH, MAN, DID.

THIS GUY MAKES AND TO BE BAD WHEN YOU CAN ADD THE LARGE LANDSCAPE OUR SERVICES.

COMMUNITIES HAVE HAD A LONG HISTORY OF DISINVESTMENT.

AND WE KNOW THAT MENTAL HEALTH GOES AND THEN WITH PHYSICAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL HEALTH.

THAT'S THE TRIANGLE.

SO WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WHEN WE OPEN OUR CLINICS, IT IS PROVIDING A COMPLETE STATE HEALTH SERVICES THAT ALL COMMUNITIES NEED.

SO WE'RE DOING A THOROUGH ASSESSMENT.

WHAT COUNTY, THE COMMUNITY ALONG AND WAS STAFFING TO MAKE THIS A REALITY.

COMPLETE SLATE OF SERVICES.

WHAT ELSE MIGHT BE OFFERED BEYOND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT CLINICAL VERY OFTEN WHEN PEOPLE COME INTO A SPACE, COME SEE CAN SUPPORT FOR MENTAL HEALTH WHEN YOU LOOK CLOSELY, THEY ALSO SEEKING SUPPORT FOR HOUSING FOR A FOOD, FULL EMPLOYMENT.

AWFUL.

MANY OTHER SERVICES AND THE SO PEOPLE WHO OFTEN HAVE PHYSICAL AILMENTS THAT THEY NEED HELP WITH.

SO WE WANT THIS TO BE A ONE-STOP LOCATION WHERE WE CAN PROVIDE IMMUNIZATION.

WE CAN PROVIDE CONNECTION TO NUTRITION.

SOME POINT WE CAN HELP PEOPLE FIND AND CONNECT TO HOUSING AND OTHER SERVICES THAT OFFERED BY THE CITY.

SO THIS POLICE WAY PEOPLE CAN GET CONNECTED TO RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND JUST MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES 2024.

IS THE LAST YEAR THAT THE CITY CAN APPROPRIATE COVID-19 RELIEF FUNDS WHICH HAVE TO BE SPENT BY THE YEAR 2026, A NUMBER OF CITY AND AND MUNICIPAL AGENCIES ARE EXPERIENCING THIS.

BUT WHAT CONCERNS YOU HAVE ABOUT THAT LOOMING FISCAL CLIFF THAT SO MANY AGENCIES ARE LOOKING >> THIS IS ONE OF THE COMPLEXITIES OF PUBLIC WE HAVE EMERGENCIES AND WITH HIM AGAINST HIS COLUMN OF US UNDER FUNDING.

>> AND THEN WHEN HE MADE IN SEASON TICKET TO HAVE ENDED TO THE FUNDING GOES AWAY WITH IT.

BUT A PUBLIC HEALTH CHALLENGES REMAIN.

SO WE ARE ADVOCATING VERY STRONGLY FOR A MORE FLEXIBLE FUNDING THAT CAN PROVIDE US THE OPPORTUNITY TO RESPOND TO ALL OF THE NEEDS.

NOT JUST ONE INFECTIOUS DISEASE AT A TIME.

AND SO THAT A CHALLENGE US.

THE CITY ADMINISTRATION IS WORKING REALLY HARD TO HELP ADVOCATE FOR A MORE ROBUST SUPPORT FOR THE PUBLIC HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE.

SO COOK COUNTY'S RECENT A PRELIMINARY REPORT SHIFTING A BIT TO OPIOID CRISIS.

>> THAT REPORT SHOW THAT IN 2023, 90% OF OPIOID OVERDOSE DEATHS IN THE COUNTY INVOLVED FENTANYL COMPARED TO 15% OF OPIOID OVERDOSE DEATHS INVOLVING FENTANYL IN 2015 AFRICAN-AMERICANS, THOUGH ACCOUNTING FOR 56% OF CONFIRMED OPIOID OVERDOSE DEATHS FOLLOWED BY WHITE AMERICANS ACCOUNTED FOR 27% OF LATINOS UNDER 15%.

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT WHY AFRICAN-AMERICANS ARE MAKING UP THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY THESE DEATHS.

WHEN WE SEE THE IN EQUITIES HEALTH AND EVEN OPIOID.

>> THE CHALLENGE IS ALWAYS WHEN YOU PEEL THE LAYERS, THEY ALWAYS SOCIAL DETERMINANTS UNDERNEATH THIS SOCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND CONDITIONS IN WHICH THAT PEOPLE LEAVE THAT MAKES IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO COPE WITH AND AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE SUBOPTIMAL.

AND SO WE SEE THAT MANY HEALTH CONDITIONS DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACT COMMUNITIES OF COLOR.

AND IS NO DIFFERENT.

WHAT WE HAVE BEEN DOING IS AGAIN FOCUS AND SENT TO COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE BEEN IN THE MOUNTAINS CENTERED THE NEEDS IDENTIFIED THE DRIVERS OF PANDEMIC AND THEN STOP PUTTING RESOURCES IN PLACE TO HELP SUPPORT.

I DO WANT TO FLAG THAT THIS SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER IS NOT JUST THE FAILURE INDIVIDUAL IS NOT JUST A MORAL A WEEK PACKED IT IS A DISORDER.

AND SO WE WANT TO ENSURE THAT PEOPLE HAVE SERVICES THAT CAN HELP THEM IN THEIR RECOVERY.

ONE, WE WANT TO PREVENT OVERDOSE IN THE IMMEDIATE AND SITUATING THE CD WITH KNOCKING THEIR NEW VENDING MACHINES IN ATTACK EVERY PUBLIC AT POLICE STATIONS.

AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY WE HAVE AND WANTING TO MAKE SURE EVERY INDIVIDUAL KNOWS HOW TO ADMINISTER IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

BUT BEYOND THAT IS MAKING MEDICATION ASSISTED RECOVERY AVAILABLE AND ACCESSIBLE TO ALL PEOPLE SUCH THAT PEOPLE CAN GET MEDICATION TO SUPPORT THEM IN GETTING COREY AND DON'T HAVE TO DO THIS JOURNEY FOR THIS TREATMENT OF DOCTOR, DAY BEFORE WE LET YOU GO, OF COURSE, WE'VE BEEN HEARING A LOT OF CONCERNS FOR THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF IN THE COMMUNITIES.

CERTAINLY FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF A 5 YEAR-OLD JOHN CARLOS MARTINEZ, RIVERO.

>> WE JUST HEARD A REPORT IN THE ABOUT SOME OF THE ISSUES THAT HAVE BEEN ALLEGED SOME OF THESE SHELTERS, WHAT DOES CARE WAS HEALTH CARE ON THE GROUND?

LOOK LIKE FOR MIGRANTS WITH A RIGHT TO CHICAGO.

YES, I'M WHEN INDIVIDUALS HAVE GONE THROUGH MONTHS AND MAYBE WEEKS TRAUMA TRYING TO GET TO SAFETY.

>> THEY COME WITH NOTE OF HEALTH CAN SENSE.

SO THE VERY STEP IN THAT PROCESS IS IDENTIFYING WHAT ENTAILS NEEDS.

THEY NEED.

SO THEY SAYS SCREENING PROCESS.

THAT HAPPENS DURING THE 19 ZONE IDENTIFYING THOSE WHO NEED HEALTH CARE AND CONNECTING THEM TO SERVICES AND THEN ONCE THEY PLACED SHELTERS, ONGOING SOME POINT, WE START WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL EXAM SO THAT WE CAN IDENTIFY ALL THE HEALTH ISSUES THAT PEOPLE HAVE AND THEN THEY ARE ON ONCE TWICE A WEEK THEY PROVIDE IS ON SITE.

ABLE RESPOND TO HEALTH CARE NEEDS.

IS AN EMERGENCY.

THE AMBULANCE SEVICES YOU CALL 9-1-1 TO GET THEM TO CARE.

SO THOSE ARE SOME OF THE SERVICES THAT WE HAVE PUT IN PLACE NOW, WHEN YOU HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE IN WHAT WE CALL CONGREGATE SETTINGS, LIKE IN THE SHOW TO HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE TOGETHER IN A SPACE.

YOU KNOW THAT ONCE THEY IS AN INFECTIOUS DISEASE SPREADS QUICKLY.

SO WE ALSO WANT TO MAKE SURE MEASURES IN PLACE TO CONTAIN THE SPREAD INFECTIOUS DISEASES.

SO THOSE ARE THE SUPPORT LOT OF WORK TO DO.

CONGRATS ON YOUR NEW POSITION.

WELCOME TO CHICAGO.

DOCTOR SOMEBODY GAVE.

THANKS FOR JOINING US.

THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> UP NEXT, FINDING RELIEF TO CHICAGO'S FRIGID WEATHER.

>> MOST >> OF US CAN AVOID CHICAGO'S FRIGID TEMPERATURES JUST BY STAYING HOME.

BUT FOR THOSE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS, THE SOLUTION IS NOT THAT SIMPLE.

LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS WORK DIRECTLY WITH THOSE INDIVIDUALS HOPING TO PROVIDE RELIEF AND FIND LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS.

JOINING US TO DISCUSS THE MAR MARKET CEO OF THRESHOLD AND REVEREND JACQUELINE, TRISH ACTIVISTS FROM INTERFAITH ROUNDTABLE ON HOMELESSNESS AND THE BRING CHICAGO HOME COALITION.

THANK YOU TO YOU BOTH FOR JOINING US.

MARKET LET'S START WITH YOU.

PLEASE GIVE US A SENSE IF YOU WOULD, OF WHAT THRESHOLD, MAYBE SOME OF YOUR OTHER ORGANIZATIONS THAT YOU PARTNER WITH ARE DOING TO RESPOND TO THE EXTREME TEMPERATURES LATELY.

>> YES, SO WE WERE ABSOLUTELY PREPARED FOR THIS.

WE A WEEK AGO OR LONGER THAT IT WAS GOING TO BE 40 BELOW 0 WIND CHILL.

AND SO WE PUT A PLAN IN PLACE.

WE KNEW THAT SUNDAY AND MONDAY WE NEEDED 25 PEOPLE OUT AROUND THE CLOCK TO MAKE SURE THAT ANYBODY THAT WAS LIVING IN A PARK IN A TENT UNDER A BIDEN WHERE WE DO OUR HOMELESS OUTREACH ALL THE TIME THAT WE WERE GOING TO BE THERE.

AND THAT'S WHAT WE DID ON SUNDAY AND MONDAY.

WE WERE OUT THERE.

WE'RE ON THE CTA IS WE'RE IN PART.

WE WERE DOWNTOWN AND WE CONNECTED PEOPLE TO WARMING SHELTERS.

WE'VE GOT PEOPLE TO GO TO THE HAROLD WASHINGTON LIBRARY.

WE'VE GOT PEOPLE TO COME TO THRESHOLDS.

WE SAVED LIVES THIS WEEKEND AND THAT WAS OUR GOAL.

>> I WOULD IMAGINE YOU ALSO HAVE TO DO SOME WORK TO PROTECT YOUR STAFF, YOUR TEAM, THOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING OUT IN THE VERY COLD SOMETIMES SNOWY TEMPERATURES AS WELL.

ABSOLUTELY.

I MEAN, WE CARE DEEPLY DEEPLY ABOUT OUR STAFF AND WE HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF THEM SO THAT THEY CAN KICK CARE OF THOSE THAT WE SERVE AND THEY WERE PREPARED.

THEY WERE DRESSED WELL, THEY WERE SUPERVISED.

WELL.

>> I WAS TEXTING THE DIRECTOR MYSELF, THE DIRECTOR OF THE HOMELESS OUTREACH PROGRAM TO SAY I'M HERE FOR YOU.

IF YOU NEED ME TO COME OUT ON THE WEST SIDE WHERE I NOT FAR FROM WHERE I LIVE, I WILL BE THERE FOR YOU.

>> HOW WOULD YOU KNOW AS YOUR TEAM'S GOT OUT VOLUNTEERS?

HOW DID YOU FIND FOLKS WERE RESPONDING TO THE COLD?

HOW WERE PEOPLE WHO ARE UNHOUSED, HOW THEY'RE HANDLING IT RESPONDING?

YES, SO, YOU KNOW, WE GENERALLY PEOPLE WITH SERIOUS MENTAL AND ALL THE COMPLICATIONS OF THAT ILLNESS MAKE IT REALLY HARD TO GET PEOPLE TO COME FROM OUTSIDE.

THEY'RE SCARED.

THEY'RE PARANOID.

WHATEVER'S GOING ON.

BUT I THINK OUR TEAMS THAT ARE REALLY GOOD JOB AND WE EXPANDED WELL BEYOND THOSE WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS DURING THESE KINDS OF CRISIS PERIODS WE SERVE EVERYBODY.

AND AS I SAID, WE GOT 8 PEOPLE INTO THE WARMING SHELTERS THAT WOULD HAVE GONE OTHERWISE WE PAID FOR 5 MOTELS FOR PEOPLE WHO WOULDN'T GO TO WARMING SHELTERS BUT WOULD GO TO A MOTEL.

AND WHAT I TOLD THE RIGHT BEFORE EVERYBODY WENT OUT ON THE STREET IS YOU'RE NOT WORRIED ABOUT MONEY THIS WEEKEND.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO SAVE LIVES AND GET PEOPLE WARM AND GET THEM SAFE.

FIGURE OUT HOW TO PAY FOR IT.

LATER REVEREND HOW HAVE FAITH LEADERS HEADING?

WELL, TYPICALLY RESPOND OR HAVE YOU TYPICALLY BEEN ABLE TO >> SUPPORT PEOPLE WHO ARE UNHOUSED WHO ARE HOMELESS.

>> WE HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH BRING CHICAGO HOME FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS OF FAITH LEADERS WORKING BEFORE THAT.

BUT WHAT YOU HAVE JUST HEARD AT IS THAT WE NEED CREATE AN OPPORTUNITY THAT WE DON'T HAVE CRISES WHEN THE WEATHER GETS COLD.

GOING TO DO THAT IN THE WINTER WHEN THE WEATHER GETS REALLY HOT.

BUT DO THAT IN THE SUMMER AND SO WAS BEEN CHICAGO HOME, WHICH MEASURE ON THE BALLOT IN MARCH.

WANT EVERYBODY TO VOTE.

YES, WE ARE NOW CREATING A SYSTEM THAT WILL PROVIDE UP FUNDING THAT IS NOT USED ANYTHING BUT TO CREATE HOUSING TO CREATE SERVICES AND TO PROVIDE FOR ASSISTANCE RENTALS SO THAT WE DON'T HAVE 68,000 PLUS MIGRANTS THAT ARE HOMELESS.

WE DON'T HAVE 17,000 STUDENTS WHO ARE HOMELESS.

WE WE NEED TO WORK TOWARD A RESOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM AND THE PROBLEM IT WAS IS VERY INTERESTING.

I I THE DOCTOR SPEAKING THE HOMELESS ISSUE IS NOT BECAUSE OF ONE PERSON WHAT SON DID.

AND THERE'S THAT THIS ALSO SAYS SOCIOLOGICAL ISSUES THAT COME TOGETHER, THE INEQUITIES THAT OFTEN CREATED THE HOMELESS SITUATION A FAMILY OF 4 INDIVIDUAL THAT THAT THOSE NEED TO BE ADJUSTED.

RIGHT NOW WE'RE LOOKING TO WORK TO HAVE WHEN CHICAGO IN PLACE AND FUNDING THAT.

SO ONLY A AND OF COURSE, THE FUNDING THAT YOU'RE REFERRING WITH REGARDS TO THE BRING CHICAGO HOME INITIATIVES, THE REAL ESTATE TRANSFER TAX, WHICH WILL BE ON THE BALLOT >> WHICH CHANGE BE THE REAL ESTATE TRANSFER TAX IN ORDER TO RAISE REVENUE TO HOUSE THE HOMELESS.

>> VIEWERS CAN READ MORE ABOUT IT ON OUR WEBSITE, OF COURSE OF BUT MARK, GOING TO PIVOT BACK TO YOU FOR SECOND.

HAVE YOU ALL NOTICED INCREASED NEED ARE MORE PEOPLE IN NEED OF HOMELESS SERVICES.

>> THE NEED FOR HOUSING SERVICES OF CHICAGO HAS NEVER BEEN GREATER.

I AGREE WITH MY DEAR FRIEND HERE.

IN FACT, THRESHOLD IS ONE OF THE IN THE BRING CHICAGO HOME CAMPAIGN.

YEAH, WE'RE WORKING WITH SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS AND HOUSING PROVIDERS AND HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS ALL OVER THE CITY TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN BECAUSE IF WE CAN MAKE THIS TRANSFER TAX HAPPENED, WE CAN PROVIDE OVER 150 MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR FOR NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND FOR THE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR PLACES LIKE THRESHOLD AND OUR PARTNERS.

SO, YEAH, THE NEED HAS NEVER BEEN GREATER.

>> REVEREND, TELL US A LITTLE BIT MORE, PLEASE ABOUT THE INTERFAITH ROUNDTABLE ON AND IN THE ORGANIZATION OF THE WORK THAT YOU ALL TRY TO DO.

>> SO ROUNDTABLE HAVE WE HAVE CHURCHES, WE HAVE INSTITUTIONS.

WE HAVE JEWISH.

WE HAVE MUSLIM.

ALL OF THE INSTITUTIONS ARE COMING TOGETHER BECAUSE YOU KNOW, WE BELIEVE, YOU KNOW, THERE'S SOMEBODY DOES THAT HOUSE THE HOMELESS BEAT THE HUNGRY AND WE'RE WORKING BY SHARING INFORMATION WITH OUR CONGREGATIONS AND WITH THE COMMUNITIES.

SO THAT A MARCH 19 PEOPLE VOTE.

YES, WE'VE WORKED HARD FOR THE LAST 5 YEARS.

WE'RE GRATEFUL THAT MAYOR JOHNSON CAME IN AND SUPPORTED THIS AND WE'RE GRATEFUL NOW THAT WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO HAVE IT PLACED ON THE BALLOT ON 19 AND ALL CHICAGO VOTERS HAVE TO VOTE.

YES, ONCE THEY VOTE, YES, WE THEN PROCEED AND HAVE IN PLACE A PROCESS.

SO WE'RE NOT GOING FIND IT WAS PRICES EACH WINTER AND PRICES EACH SUMMER.

>> I'M MARK.

PEOPLE KNOW HOW THEY CAN HELP, RIGHT?

ESPECIALLY AT A TIME LIKE THIS.

IT'S PROBABLY ON ON THE EVERYDAY PERSON'S MIND MORE THAN IT MIGHT TYPICALLY BE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE WEATHER IS NICE.

WHAT CAN WHAT SHOULD PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT HOW THEY CAN HELP?

YEAH.

SO I MEAN, I THINK WE HAVE TO RECOGNIZE.

PEOPLE WHO ARE UNSHELTERED AROUND HOUSE.

THEY'RE HUMAN BEINGS JUST LIKE THE REST OF US.

THAT HAPPENED TO BE BY THE GRACE OF GOD HOUSED.

>> AND SO TO TREAT PEOPLE WITH KINDNESS AND RESPECT AND LOVE ACKNOWLEDGE THEM.

WHEN YOU SEE THEM, IF YOU CAN HELP THEM, IF YOU CAN GIVE THEM MONEY FOR FOOD OR IF YOU HAVE A BLANKET OR IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TRY TO DO WHATEVER YOU CAN, OF COURSE, DONATE TO LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

VOLUNTEER AT YOUR FOOD PANTRY YOU KNOW, CHICAGO IS A PLACE I THINK FILLED WITH PEOPLE THAT LOVE AND CARE DEEPLY.

AND I THINK DURING THESE MOMENTS WE NEED THAT LOVE AND CARE MORE THAN EVER, OK, THAT'S A GOOD PLACE TO LEAVE MY THANKS TO MARK A SHOCKING REVEREND JACQUELINE, TRISH ATKINS FOR JOINING US.

THANKS TO BOTH.

THANKS FOR HAVING THANK YOU.

THANK YOU TO MAKE SURE WE'RE BACK WITH MORE RIGHT AFTER THIS.

>> CHICAGO RESTAURANT WEEK KICKS OFF THIS FRIDAY, BUT DON'T BE FOOLED BY THE ANNUAL EVENT'S NAME.

IT'S ACTUALLY A 17 DAY CELEBRATION OF THE CITY'S DIVERSE AND DELICIOUS.

CULINARY SCENE.

DINERS CAN ENJOY MENUS WITH MULTIPLE COURSES FOR BRUNCH LUNCH AND DINNER AND MORE THAN 400 RESTAURANTS ACROSS THE CITY.

WE STOPPED BY ONE OF THE PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS, 14 PARISH IN HYDE PARK FOR TASTE.

>> WELL, THING HERE IS WHAT WE TO EVERYDAY LIFE CAN HELP YOU.

>> 14 PAIRS RESTAURANT AND RUM SPECIALIZE IN RARE BRONZE LEVEL.

OVER 125 HOMES BAR ALL OF OUR SPECIALTY COCKTAILS AROUND BASED AND WHERE A CARIBBEAN CLOSELY.

MOST POPULAR DISH WILL BE OUR PASTA RESTAURANT WE HAVE TRY A FEW DIFFERENT ENTREES THAT WE DON'T NORMALLY FEATURE OUR REGULAR MENU TO REALLY THE CUSTOMER FEEDBACK.

AND THAT'S HOW THE ROSS OPOSSUM A I MEAN, WE ACTUALLY FEATURE THE FIRST WEEK WE DID CHICAGO RESTAURANT WEEK AND IT WAS SUCH A BIG HIT.

WE HAD TO BRING IN OUR PUT ON THE REGULAR MENU EVERY DAY.

WE'RE DOING THE PREFIX DURING THIS YEAR.

A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE REALLY RAVING ABOUT THE ISLAND, PORK CHOP.

SO IT'S 12 OUNCE HERE.

PORK CHOP WITH SWEET MANGO CHUTNEY ON TOP OUR SIGNATURE AFTER THOSE.

THIS IS ALL ABOUT RESOLVE.

DRUM BASS IS A SPIRIT FORCE A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T KNOW HOW THE SPIRIT IS.

>> TODAY WE HAVE THE MY TIME.

THE FEATURE ALCOHOL IS ACTUALLY SEE WHAT I'M JADE, WHICH IS A WHITE FROM IT ALSO HAS 4 SHOT, WHICH IS AN ALMOND SYRUP, ORANGE LIQUEUR, AS WELL AS A LITTLE BIT OF LINE FOR MY SPECIALTY, WHICH IS ALCOHOL.

I WOULD SAY WE'RE VERY DIVERS REGARDLESS WHAT YOU MAY LIKE AS FAR AS YOUR COCKTAILS.

COMING UP, 14 PARISH, I CAN ASSURE YOU THERE WILL BE SOMETHING FOR YOU.

RESTAURANT WEEK MAKE SURE.

>> OF CHICAGO MADE.

IS THAT JUST REALLY WANT TO TRY RESTAURANTS AND A LOT OF TOURISTS.

ALSO FIRST TIME CHICAGO AND JUST TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHICH OF THE FOOD IS ALL ABOUT.

14 PAIRS NUMBER ONES THAT SURVIVE.

HONESTLY, YOU COMING COMING WEEKEND IS JUST ABOVE THE MUSIC.

THE PEOPLE, THE ATMOSPHERE IS JUST A FUN PLACE TO BE.

AND THEN WHEN YOU FOOD AND DRINKS ON TOP OF THAT MAKES IT EVEN BETTER.

>> SOUNDS DELICIOUS.

CHICAGO RESTAURANT WEEK KICKS OFF THIS FRIDAY AND RUNS UNTIL FEBRUARY 4TH.

YOU CAN VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

AND THAT'S OUR SHOW TONIGHT.

JOIN US TOMORROW NIGHT AT 5, 30 10 FOR CHICAGO TONIGHT, LATINO VOICES.

42 YEARS IN PRISON FOR A CRIME.

HE DID NOT COMMIT.

WE SIT DOWN WITH A NEWLY FREED MAN WHO SERVED THE STATE'S LONGEST WRONGFUL CONVICTION SENTENCE IN HISTORY.

AND WHAT FIRST GENERATION HOME BUYER SHOULD KNOW BEFORE BECOMING A PROPERTY OWNER.

NOW FOR ALL OF US HERE IN CHICAGO TONIGHT, BLACK VOICES GREATEST TREATMENT, STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE AND HAVE A GOOD NIGHT.

>> CLOSED CAPTIONING IS MADE POSSIBLE BY ROBERT A AND CLIFFORD LAW, OFFICES OF PERSONAL INJURY, LAW FIRM