We are heartbroken by the murder of four of our fellow citizens on the CTA’s Blue Line on Monday. We join the victims’ families, friends, and the entire community in mourning the senseless loss of their lives.

Everyone, regardless of their housing status, has the right to live their life in safety. The heinous act of violence is painfully relevant to The Night Ministry, as many of the individuals we serve utilize public transit for shelter and we provide outreach at the Blue Line’s Forest Park station.

Over and over again, a shocking crime like this week’s raises questions and a search for solutions. How could this have happened? What can we do to prevent it from happening again? The fact is that our unhoused neighbors are far more likely to be victims of lethal violence than those of us who are stably housed. While immediate steps regarding security can be taken to mitigate this risk, the real remedy lies in solving the homelessness crisis we face.

Just as everyone has the right to safety, everyone has a right to housing. Ensuring that all members of our community have stable housing is how we save lives. So, as we discuss what can immediately be done in the wake of this tragedy, let it motivate us to come together to implement the solutions to homelessness that we know work in the long term. It will involve cooperation, concerted efforts, and overcoming challenges, but, unless we take these steps, we will continue to lose lives.

Carol J. Sharp, MPA
President & CEO