Homeless shelters must be accessible for disabled

A homeless man in a wheelchair looks for objects on the ground near a record store on the 200 block of S. Wabash Ave. in the summer of 2005. (Sun-Times files)

Today, many people experiencing homelessness and in need of emergency shelter live with physical and mobility disabilities. All of Chicago’s homeless shelters should be fully accessible for everyone, including people who use wheelchairs.

Currently, only a handful of Chicago’s homeless shelters can fully accommodate someone with physical and/or mobility disability. This often means people living with physical or mobility disabilities wait longer for a shelter bed. In cold weather months, the additional wait time can impact their health and well-being.