Dozens living in Gompers Park view apartments as part of Chicago 'Accelerated Moving Event'

CHICAGO (WLS) — Dozens living in Gompers Park on Chicago’s Northwest Side came one step closer to finding permanent housing Wednesday

Chicago held a so-called “Accelerated Moving Event” Wednesday.

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Several nonprofits and outreach partners were there to support a smooth transition. In fact, the tents were empty most of the day, as people headed to the church building next-door for the opportunity to find housing.

Several signs of “let them stay” and “parks are for the people” were seen scattered across the encampment in Gompers Park.

“The priority for me is restoring them to housing,” 39th Ward Neighbors United member Adam Gianforte said. “No one wants to be here. They want to be in housing.”

Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, or DFSS, held an “Accelerated Moving Event” for 29 people who are living or lived in Gompers Park.

“They’re going to be viewing apartments, even potentially meeting with landlords,” said Maura McCauley, with DFSS.

SEE MORE: City begins removal of Gompers Park tent encampment on Northwest Side

“They can go through this entire process and still decide they don’t want to take it, right? So, it’s completely optional,” Chicago Chief Homelessness Officer Sendy Soto said.

But, early Wednesday morning, there was confusion on whether or not staying or leaving was actually optional.

“The police showed up at 4:30 this morning, contrary to commitments from the city of Chicago, threatening to throw out all the tents,” Gianforte said.

“We apologize for the confusion. The goal was to have the affinity officers on site, and the affinity officers have been informed of the plan that the city has today to offer housing, not to clear the park,” Soto said.

The miscommunication has been a sore spot for everyone involved the past couple of months.

“Our goal was to get housing for the residents, not to forcibly remove anyone,” said Ryan Johnson, Gompers Park Athletic Association president.

Johnson said they are in support of everyone finding housing, so tents can be removed in time for Little League season.

“People that we know have told us things, some weapons found in the tents, the pit bull attacks, the fires. It’s just not a safe environment to bring young children,” Johnson said.

Johnson says they will not practice or play games at Gompers Park until the tents are removed. The season is expected to start mid-April. But, accepting and moving into housing for those in the encampment could take months.

“I use the park. I bring my 3-year-old here,” Gianforte said. “I don’t understand the perspective of people who say they can’t use the park. I’ve never felt unsafe here.”

DFSS has reassured those in the encampment that if they reject housing, or if they are waiting until their move-in date, they can come back to live in their tents.