Posters that call for getting rid of “bums” and mimic Chicago’s Department of Streets and Sanitation postings for getting rid of rats are being condemned by advocates for the homeless. Photo by Jessalyn Daniszewki/Chronicle Media

Advocates for the homeless are condemning posters that call for getting rid of “bums” and mimic Chicago’s Department of Streets and Sanitation postings for getting rid of rats.

The posters have been appearing in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood.

“We share the public’s reaction that this is harsh,” said Anne Bowhay, director of foundation relations and media for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. “This is harsh, very harsh. It attacks people who are attempting to turn their lives around.

“The people in the neighborhood have reacted, feeling the posters are offensive; and we share those feeling. “

The posters mimic the Streets Department signs that targets rats. However, contrary to the city’s “Target: Rats,” the non-official posters say “Target: Bums.” They show a man lying on the ground near a rat and broken liquor bottle. The signs encourage residents to not enable bums by:

• Keeping all handouts securely in pockets, billfold or purse
• Bums can cause guilt — Avoid eye contact.
• Properly dispose of all cardboard boxes.
• Return shopping carts to their point of origin.
• Don’t give bums a free meal.

Bowhay did not feel the creator was simply attempting to be funny with the effort.

She said residents looking to make a positive impact on homelessness can provide their time and/or donations to agencies that help the homeless.

“They can also pay attention to legislation on the city and state level which affects the funding of programs for the homeless,” Bowhay said.

She noted that a just-revealed proposal by Gov. Bruce Rauner would cut more than $100,000 from programs benefiting youths who are homeless.

“That is just from this year’s budget,” Bowhay said. “We expect even more cuts when the state’s new fiscal year begins July 1.”

The $103,000 reduction in services for homeless youth is part of a proposed $1.1 million slashing from the state’s Department of Human Services for this budget year. The proposed axing would also eliminate $419,000 in state support to domestic violence shelters.

The proposed cuts in funding for homeless youth programs come on the heals of Rauner suspending

“Assistance for Homeless” grants and 21 other state-funded services earlier this month.

Jennifer Cushman, policy specialist for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, noted that “Assistance for Homeless” is an income-tax check-off fund with an annual appropriations of $300,l000.

“These funds are generated by Illinois citizens who have made donations to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness,” Cushman wrote in a CCH blog. “Funds that have been earmarked for a specific charitable use by taxpayers have now been frozen.

“It is unclear how this action is helpful to the state’s budget or how it serves the interests of Illinoisans — either those who donated or those who could benefit from the funds. This cut is on top of a 36 percent reduction in funding for homelessness services since fiscal year 2008 and $18 million in cuts Governor Rauner has proposed to homeless youth, homeless prevention, and emergency and transitional housing that would end services for 12,500 Illinoisans in FY 16.”