CTA Expands Partnership to Strengthen Outreach and Increase Access to Shelter Services for Unhoused Riders
CTA and Chicago’s Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS) amend existing Intergovernmental Agreements to increase outreach on rail system, fund additional shelter beds, and renew the two-year partnership
Today, the Chicago Transit Board approved an amendment to increase funds on an existing intergovernmental agreement (IGA) and to fund a new IGA between the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and the City of Chicago’s Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS). Together, these measures expand outreach support services for people experiencing homelessness on the CTA and guarantee funding for dedicated shelter beds.
Today’s Board action also authorizes a one-year term through December 31, 2027, with a second year-long option through 2028. Under the agreement, CTA will invest up to $4.2 million annually for the next two years.
Funding will support continued outreach services on CTA’s 24-hour Red and Blue Lines provided through DFSS’ delegate agencies, as well as dedicated shelter beds designed specifically for people sheltering on CTA property.
"Since 2023, our partnership with DFSS has resulted in thousands of interactions with people in need of services, shelter and housing," said CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen. "Now we're building on that record by adding dedicated shelter beds, round-the-clock coverage on the Blue Line, and a nurse on the outreach team--so more riders in crisis get a direct path off the platform and into care."
Through the agreement, outreach specialists from partner agencies will continue conducting daily outreach aboard CTA Red and Blue line trains and at rail stations, engaging people experiencing homelessness and connecting them with available services. This agreement expands Blue Line outreach by adding a third team to achieve 24/7 coverage and integrates a nurse into the existing Red Line outreach team.
Outreach workers, who are not affiliated with law enforcement, may provide transportation to shelters, warming and cooling centers, healthcare providers, social service organizations and other community resources. Riders in need of support also have access to meals, clothing, showers, harm reduction services, behavioral health assessments and case management designed to support long-term housing stability. Recently, the outreach teams have also added a dedicated nurse to provide additional health support during outreach activities.
One of the agreement’s most significant enhancements is funding for at least 30 dedicated shelter beds, providing a service-rich hotel or motel-style environment where individuals and couples can transition from a CTA property into a temporary shelter while receiving coordinated support services.
CTA’s ongoing partnership with DFSS has connected thousands of individuals with outreach services, shelter placements and housing opportunities since the program was introduced in 2023.
CTA continues to work closely with DFSS, community-based organizations including Thresholds and Haymarket Center, The Night Ministry, Cook County Health, the Chicago Department of Public Health, Illinois Department of Public Health, the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA), the Mayor’s Office and other partners to address homelessness through a coordinated, compassionate approach that balances rider safety, dignity and public health and safety.
On Wednesday the Chicago Transit Board also approved a new Safe Ride Specialists pilot program to further support unhoused riders, riders experiencing mental health crises, and youth. Safe Ride Specialists will ride the system in teams across targeted pilot zones to address anti-social behaviors and provide a reassuring presence for riders. Members of both teams will wear distinct, branded uniforms and are trained in trauma-informed care, crisis de-escalation, conflict resolution, and anti-bias principles.
About the Program
CTA first partnered with DFSS in 2023 to expand outreach services for individuals experiencing homelessness on the transit system. Through this partnership, outreach specialists engage individuals aboard trains and at stations, helping connect them with shelter, healthcare, mental health services, substance use treatment, case management and permanent housing opportunities.
Delegate agencies also provide transportation to available services and work to build trusting relationships with individuals over time, recognizing that successful housing outcomes often require multiple engagements and coordinated support.
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