The Great Chicago Headcount: Counting Our Unhoused Heroes (and Where to Find Free Pizza)
Ah, Chicago. City of wind, deep dish, and... a whole lotta folks who don't have a roof over their heads. But just how many are we talking about? Buckle up, because this gets trickier than a deep dish with a gluten-free crust.
The Point-in-Time Count: Catching 'Em All (Kinda)
Imagine a giant game of Pokemon Go, but instead of Pikachu, you're catching... well, you get the idea. That's the Point-in-Time Count, a yearly survey of sheltered and unsheltered folks experiencing homelessness. The latest count (January 2023, to be precise) clocked in at around 6,139. That's a hefty chunk of change for sleeping bags, but hey, at least they got counted, right?
But Wait, There's More! The Unseen Army of the Unhoused
Now, hold your horses. That 6,139 number? It's just the tip of the iceberg. The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless estimates the real number might be closer to a whopping 68,440. This includes folks who are crashing with friends or family, because let's face it, Chicago rents are higher than a squirrel with a jetpack.
So, Why the Big Discrepancy? Blame it on the Pizza (Just Kidding... Mostly)
There are a few reasons why counting the homeless population is like counting pigeons in Millennium Park (spoiler alert: there's a lot). Some folks might be out of sight, tucked away in a cozy (questionable word choice) alley. Others might be new to the streets and haven't hit the shelter circuit yet. And let's not forget the allure of a good night's sleep under the stars... especially if there's a free pizza handout happening nearby.
The Important Bit: How You Can Help
Okay, enough with the humor (mostly). Homelessness is a serious issue, and these are our fellow Chicagoans. If you're looking to lend a hand, there are a ton of amazing organizations doing fantastic work. Volunteer your time, donate some winter gear (because let's be honest, Chicago winters are brutal), or heck, even pack a care kit with socks and hand warmers. Every little bit helps.
P.S. Still curious about where to find that free pizza? We can't help you there. But hey, maybe you'll make a new friend while you're searching!
