Chicago: Weekend Recap: Mayor Brandon Johnson Walks For Homelessness Awareness, Joins 17th Ward Residents For Community Meeting, Affirms Support For Food Pantries, Welcomes Rugby’s Most Storied National Teams To Soldier Field
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CHICAGO — In case you missed it, this weekend Mayor Brandon Johnson connected directly with residents and continued his work gaining a fuller his understanding of the challenges facing communities across the city while also reaffirming Chicago's status as a global hub for sports and entertainment. During his busy Saturday, the Mayor attended the "Pack the Place in Purple" homelessness awareness walk in Garfield Park, joined Englewood residents and Ald. David Moore (17th) for a community meeting focused on his Protecting Chicago Budget proposal, volunteered at Nourishing Food Pantry's food giveaway in Ravenswood, visited the Imani Community Development Corporation Food Pantry in South Chicago, and represented Chicago during "The Rematch" of the Gallagher Cup Ireland vs. All Blacks rugby match at Soldier Field.

Mayor Johnson kicked off the day with the "Pack the Place in Purple" homelessness awareness walk hosted by Deborah's Place, the city's largest provider of permanent supportive housing exclusively for unaccompanied women in Chicago.

The event, which brought together local leaders, homeless advocates, and community members for a two-mile awareness walk through the Garfield Park neighborhood, was held to both as a kick-off for Homeless Awareness Month and celebration of Deborah's Place's 40th anniversary.

"Today we are not only coming together to walk to raise awareness about homelessness in Chicago, we are coming together to show our support and love for each other," said Mayor Brandon Johnson prior to the walk. "It is quite fitting that today is the first day of Homelessness Awareness Month because homelessness is not just a housing crisis; it is a human crisis. That is why walks like this one, and every act of solidarity, outreach, and compassion moves us one step closer to ending homelessness in Chicago."

"We are proud to stand with our homeless neighbors and continue to fight for their dignity, safety, and self-determination as they continue on their housing journey," said Chief Homelessness Officer Sendy Soto. "As Homelessness Awareness Month begins, we recognize the important role that the City of Chicago plays in the lives of our homeless community and are committed to advancing opportunities to help them realize their dreams."

Following the event Deborah's Place, a vital City partner in the fight to end homelessness, was presented with Mayor Johnson's proclamation declaring November Homelessness Awareness Month in Chicago.

Photos from the "Pack the Place in Purple" walk for awareness are available here.

During the community meeting in West Englewood, Mayor Johnson engaged with residents directly, listening to feedback on his Protecting Chicago Budget proposal and answering questions pertaining to the impact of the budget's investments within in the 17th Ward. The visit was the latest stop on the Mayor's ongoing Protecting Chicago Budget Tour, an effort to take the budget proposal directly to the people of Chicago.

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"I am proud of the budget proposal that my administration has put together in collaboration with residents, budget experts, and a cross-section of leaders from labor, business, philanthropy, City Council, and the community," said Mayor Johnson during the meeting. "I have promised to invest in the people of Chicago—without breaking the backs of working Chicagoans—and this budget proposal keeps this promise for another year."

Prior to the event Mayor Johnson spoke to canvassers before joining them to go door-to-door in the 17th and 18th wards where he greeted residents on front porches and sidewalks while garnering constituent feedback on his budget proposal.

Photos from the community meeting can be accessed here.

Photos of the Mayor's time canvassing are available here.

In a show of support for food pantries and food justice as the Trump administration began rolling back crucial SNAP funding, bringing newfound hardship for families across Chicago, Mayor Johnson visited the Nourishing Hope Food Pantry in Ravenswood.

During his visit on Saturday, Mayor Johnson met with staff and was given a tour of the facility, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges facing food pantries during this period of uncertainty. The Mayor also lent a hand during the pantry's food giveaway event, joining staff to distribute food boxes to community members.

As part of Mayor Johnson's Protecting Chicago initiative, the City is working with partners to make resources to support affected SNAP participants readily available at Chicago.gov/SNAP.

Photos from the Mayor's visit to Nourishing Food Pantry can be viewed here.

Saturday afternoon Mayor Johnson attended "The Rematch" of the historic 2016 Gallagher Cup match between Ireland and the All Blacks—New Zealand's national team. Prior to the match Mayor Johnson took to the pitch himself, meeting with players and coaches from both sides.

At Soldier Field In 2016, Ireland secured its first-ever victory over the All Blacks in 111 years of competition, cementing Chicago's place in global rugby history. Today's "Rematch" built upon that legacy and reaffirmed Chicago's status as a premier destination for marquee sporting events that draw fans from around the world.

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On Thursday evening Mayor Johnson attended an official welcome reception, hosted in partnership with the Chicago Sports Commission, which welcomed players, coaches, athletic leaders, government ministers, and diplomats from both New Zealand and Ireland to Chicago. Events like this strengthen economic and cultural ties while showcasing Chicago's vibrancy on a global stage.

"Chicago is a sports town. We are glad that your rematch this weekend will add another chapter to our city's story," Mayor Johnson told attendees at the reception. "Holding this game at Soldier Field is a testament to Chicago's vibrant spirit and our ability to bring people from all around the world together."

The match attracted tens of thousands of spectators and generated significant tourism revenue for Chicago's economy through hotel bookings, dining, and entertainment. The event builds upon Chicago's recent success hosting major sporting events, including the Premier League Summer Series, the NHL Winter Series, and the NASCAR Chicago Street Race.

Tourism has played a vital role as Chicago's economy continues to grow. This past summer the city broke records with over 3.56 million room nights, a 4.3% gain over 2024. At the same time O'Hare International Airport recorded the busiest summer in its 70-year history, with more than 24.3 million passengers traveling through its gates in June, July, and August.

Photos from the welcome reception are available here.

Photos of the Mayor attending the match can be accessed here.

On Sunday morning, Mayor Johnson visited the Imani Community Development Corporation Food Pantry in South Chicago. While touring the facility, the Mayor discussed the challenges the organization is facing as a result of the federal government shutdown and the City's strategy to support SNAP recipients and food banks.

"While Donald Trump uses the food security of our residents as a political bargaining chip, we're coming together as a city to support our neighbors during this uncertain time," said Mayor Johnson. "We believe in building a Chicago where no family is worried about where their next meal may come from. My administration is committed to working with community organizations across Chicago to make sure SNAP recipients and their families continue to receive the support they need while mitigating the harm posed by Trump's cuts."

Photos from Mayor Johnson's visit to the Imani Community Development Corporation Food Pantry can be viewed here.

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