As you walk underground in certain spots in the city, you may be connected to Chicago's Pedway system. Built in 1951, it has dozens of stores and restaurants and connects more than 40 blocks in the Central Business District.
"At the height of the pandemic, we had absolutely no people in the pedway which is a vital link between Metra, CTA, and all of our businesses downtown," Edwards said. The Chicago Loop Alliance also has new social service outreach experts working to help people experiencing homeless who may use the pedway for shelter. Octavion Thomas is helping people in that situation.
Thomas said that since the program began in January, the population of those experiencing homelessness in the Pedway is down 50%.