Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Tuesday at WINGS Metro announced a new plan to expand the City’s shelter bed capacity for victims of domestic violence by fifty percent.  Through a proposed two percent home share surcharge, Chicago will increase housing options for victims of domestic violence while helping increase access to critical resources. The new surcharge is expected to generate an additional $1.3 million in annual revenue by collecting a two percent surcharge on the gross rental or leasing charge of any shared-housing unit or vacation rental through both existing and new providers.   This new revenue source will allow the City to increase the number of beds or temporary housing for victims of domestic violence, while also supporting long-term services and outreach directed towards the needs of domestic violence victims.  Currently, through the Department of Family and Support Services, the City operates 140 shelter beds for domestic violence victims and funds approximately 30 programs that provide direct services to Chicago victims of domestic violence.  The Mayor encourages every Chicagoan to play a role in actively seeking to end domestic abuse of all types across the city. To report domestic abuse, Chicagoans should call 9-1-1. For more information and support, anyone can call or text the domestic violence hotline 24/7 at 877.863.6338.