Chicago Unveils Five-Year Homelessness Blueprint

Mayor praises former homelessness chief for early completion of comprehensive plan

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:06pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph of a city street at night, with blurred streetlights and silhouettes of people walking, conveying a sense of urban melancholy and the need for compassionate solutions to homelessness.Chicago's new homelessness plan aims to provide comprehensive support and resources to those in need, with a focus on prevention and community-based solutions.Chicago Today

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has unveiled a new five-year plan to address homelessness in the city, developed under the leadership of former Chief Homelessness Officer Sendy Soto. The blueprint focuses on strategies for prevention, affordable housing, mental health resources, and employment, with the goal of reaching "functional zero" for certain homeless populations within five years.

Why it matters

Homelessness remains a persistent challenge in many major cities, and Chicago's new plan represents a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to tackling the issue. The mayor's personal connection to the problem adds further significance, as he seeks to make meaningful progress on this critical social issue.

The details

The five-year blueprint was assembled under the leadership of former Chief Homelessness Officer Sendy Soto, whose position was funded through a three-year foundation grant. Despite the shorter timeline, Soto was able to complete the work in two years, which the mayor praised as "quite impressive." The plan outlines strategies for prevention, affordable housing, mental health resources, and employment, with the goal of reaching "functional zero" for certain homeless populations within five years.

  • The five-year blueprint was unveiled on March 31, 2026.
  • Sendy Soto's position as Chief Homelessness Officer was funded through a three-year foundation grant.

The players

Brandon Johnson

The mayor of Chicago who is rolling out the new five-year plan to address homelessness in the city.

Sendy Soto

The former Chief Homelessness Officer who led the development of Chicago's new five-year blueprint on addressing homelessness.

Jonah Anderson

The First Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services who will take on a dual role as head of the mayor's office of homelessness to oversee the implementation of the plan.

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What they’re saying

“I'm never going to give up on this issue.”

— Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago

“Her service to the city was absolutely remarkable. As a former public school teacher, I actually think it's quite impressive to turn in an assignment early. Those resources will now go toward implementation.”

— Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago

“This is the most comprehensive any administration has been around addressing homelessness.”

— Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago

What’s next

The mayor's office will work with First Deputy Mayor Jonah Anderson to oversee the implementation of the new five-year homelessness blueprint, with the goal of reaching "functional zero" for certain homeless populations within that timeframe.

The takeaway

Chicago's new comprehensive plan to address homelessness, developed under the leadership of the former Chief Homelessness Officer, represents a significant and personal commitment by the mayor to tackle this persistent social challenge. The plan's focus on prevention, housing, mental health, and employment aims to make meaningful progress in supporting the city's unhoused residents.