Homelessness is a growing problem in Waukegan and Lake County, and Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor is looking for ways to connect unhoused individuals with resources to help them find both temporary and permanent shelter.
As the county seat, Taylor said homeless individuals find their way to Waukegan — often involuntarily at the hands of police from neighboring towns — from some of the county’s far reaches.
“Chicago has been sending homeless to us by train for years,” she said. “Other police departments just drop them here because we’re the county seat. (Shelters) are not open at night when they arrive.”
Enlisting the help of local businesses, Taylor said the city provides them with no trespassing signs. Should a homeless person camp near a business, the sign gives the operator the opportunity to call the Waukegan Police Department, where personnel are trained to connect people with services.
Taylor talked about the no trespassing signs with a group of representatives of local businesses virtually during a regularly scheduled meeting on Jan. 14, enlisting their assistance with combating homelessness.
As the homeless population grows in Lake County, Taylor said a disproportionate number land in Waukegan. Some are elderly individuals with dementia. She said that often homeless people brought to the city have substance abuse problems, like alcohol or drugs. For them, treatment is needed, not just finding them a place to sleep.
When the police officers from elsewhere bring a homeless individual to Waukegan in a squad car and leaves the person on a local street, Taylor said the city then has to do something with them.
“We cannot be the place for everyone’s homeless,” she said. “We cannot take them all in. It can’t be a Waukegan plan. It needs to be a Lake County plan.”
Since the Waukegan Police Department began its Community Assistance Group just over a year ago, officers and social workers have worked together using their combined expertise to help individuals in need. Taylor said that unit can help make a difference.
“Social workers will see a situation, and they can then help,” she said. “When they keep talking to an individual they will develop a relationship. Then it will be easier to help someone. People need to be recognized.”
No trespassing signs may be helping, she said.
Michael Lopez, the owner of Lopez Auto Body on Green Bay Road, said he has no trespassing signs on his property. It does deter some, but there is still an occasional break-in.
“We see people turn away, but we don’t know the reason they do it.” Lopez said.
Jennifer Gould, who is involved with the local Burger King, said she too has the no trespassing signs. Both she and Lopez said they make calls to the police. Taylor said it is one way to start making a dent.
“If you call, we will respond,” she said.
Homelessness was not the only topic of discussion. Some business operators like Gould and Nick Giannakakis, an owner of Anastasia’s Restaurant & Sports Lounge said business has increased.
“Business is up 5% since last year,” Giannakakis said. “The casino is helping us, and 10 to 12 other businesses. So far 2025 is starting well.”