Chicago to open emergency assistance center after recent violence

CHICAGO (WGN) — The wave of shootings Chicagoans saw from River North to other neighborhoods around the city last week has prompted a proactive response from local violence interrupters and government agencies.

On Tuesday, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Office, alongside the Chicago Police Department and the Office of Equity Engagement and Victim Services, announced the opening of a temporary emergency assistance center in the South Deering neighborhood.

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“It was really important for us to be in a location where we’ve had a number of incidents and we can get healing for those victims,” said Glen Brooks, Director of CPD’s Department of Community Policing.

The emergency assistance center, located at 1741 East 95th Street, will be open Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. CT, where staff on hand will be able to help those in attendance with victim compensation applications, crisis counseling and other support systems.

If someone in need of services like those listed above cannot make it to the emergency assistance center tomorrow evening, the mayor’s office has worked to coordinate non-profit groups to help fill the gap.

According to Manuel Whitfield, Johnson’s Director of Violence Prevention and Community Safety, one of those non-profits is Acclivus. According to their website, Acclivus is a community health organization focused on the health and well-being of individuals living in Chicago’s most vulnerable neighborhoods.

“Acclivus actually had members at the hospital supporting at Northwestern, so it was nice to see them in action,” Whitfield said.

Those in need of support can also reach out to the City of Chicago’s 311 help line for direction on how to access city resources.