With the possibility of a National Guard deployment in Chicago, advocates for people experiencing homelessness are concerned about how a military presence might affect the vulnerable population. Washington, D.C., saw more than 50 encampment clearings since the National Guard arrived there.

In spite of that apparent progress, more people were unhoused in Chicago in January 2025 than at any point since officials began conducting this annual survey in 2005, city officials said.

The designated “landing zone” for buses from Texas at Polk and Desplaines streets in the West Loop will only operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. starting Tuesday and close by the end of the year, officials announced.

 Chicago native Sendy L. Soto became  the city’s first chief homelessness officer. Part of her new role will be to devise a five-year plan to end homelessness.