💐Colectivamente estamos transformando nuestro barrio
Hace dos semanas, junto con el Consejo Municipal, voté a favor de pedir un alto el fuego en Gaza. Como estado con la mayor población palestina de EE.UU., y con la quinta mayor población judía del mundo, sé que todos estamos sintiendo el inmenso y continuo dolor y sufrimiento. Todos votamos basándonos en nuestras experiencias y análisis históricos, y para mí, los impactos de la colonización de Puerto Rico reverberan tanto en la isla como en la diáspora. Desde el bombardeo de Vieques por parte de la Marina estadounidense, que ha provocado tasas de cáncer más elevadas y constantes entre los residentes, hasta la esterilización involuntaria de las mujeres puertorriqueñas y la embestida de la gentrificación de la isla. Me enorgullece que Chicago sea la mayor ciudad estadounidense en pedir un alto el fuego, y en parte se debe al duro trabajo de los organizadores, incluidos los estudiantes de CPS que ejercieron sus derechos constitucionales a manifestarse y alzar la voz. Debemos actuar siempre en consonancia con nuestros valores. Si valoramos la vida humana, si valoramos a los niños, si valoramos el cuidado de los heridos, entonces debemos exigir la liberación de TODOS los rehenes y ayuda humanitaria para Gaza, Cisjordania, Israel y la región en general.
En la reunión del Comité de Seguridad Comunitaria celebrada la semana pasada, las organizaciones comunitarias participantes se reunieron para debatir las respuestas a la delincuencia en el Distrito 26. El grupo reflexionó sobre la reunión del Ayuntamiento del 18 de diciembre, señalando las mejoras a realizar en futuras reuniones para resaltar aún más las voces de la comunidad. La estudiante investigadora Brielle Miles proporcionó información actualizada sobre las tendencias de la delincuencia en el Distrito 26 entre el 11 de diciembre de 2023 y el 16 de enero de 2024. Durante este período, encontró que los delitos violentos, en particular los robos, habían disminuido. El Distrito 26 tuvo 10 días con 0 delitos violentos denunciados y 18 días con 0 robos denunciados. El Comité también definió los objetivos y planes de cada organización para el próximo año, en particular para aumentar la seguridad y los recursos para la comunidad. El comité volverá a reunirse a finales de febrero para seguir debatiendo las necesidades de seguridad del distrito.
A finales de enero organizamos una noche pop-up en Yacht 57. Queremos dar las gracias a María y Lentonio por permitirnos utilizar su espacio para nuestro pop-up. Vinieron más de 15 residentes. Block Club Chicago escribió recientemente un artículo sobre Yacht 57. Por favor, haga clic aquí para aprender más acerca de esta joya por debajo de la 606. En esta próxima semana, voy a ser el anfitrión de dos pop-ups donde los residentes pueden unirse a mí para tomar una copa. Estos pop-ups permitir a los vecinos a reunirse conmigo y plantear cualquier preocupación o idea que pueda tener. También proporcionar actualizaciones legislativas y tendrá personal disponible para procesar las solicitudes de servicio.
Café con el Concejal
Café Calidá ubicado en 3455 W. North Ave
Sábado, 17 de febrero de 2024 | 10am-12pm
Noche de barrio Pop-Up
Uncle Mike's ubicado en 4010 W. Armitage
Lunes, 19 de febrero 2024 | 5-7pm
Me gustaría dar las gracias a todos por ponerse en contacto con nuestra oficina cuando se requiere acción. Desde docenas de llamadas y correos electrónicos en apoyo de la resolución de alto el fuego, nuestros vecinos vulnerables, perros sin correa, roedores, graffiti, y la basura. Colectivamente estamos transformando nuestras comunidades en barrios más seguros, saludables y hermosos donde podríamos vivir, comer, ir de compras y disfrutar de las artes y las culturas de las muchas grandes personas que componen el Distrito 26. Por favor, sigan cuidando de ustedes mismos, de nuestros vecinos, de nuestras comunidades y de nuestro distrito.
Su concejal del distrito 26,
Jessie Fuentes
|
Coffee With Your Alderperson |
|
|
Join me on Saturday, February 17th at Café Calidá for free |
|
. . |
|
Humboldt Park Cleaning Dates |
|
|
. . |
|
Connect with the 26th Ward Office |
|
Ward Hours |
|
The 26th ward office is located at 2511 W. Division St. Starting this week, our office's new regular hours of operation are as follows:
*Ward Night: Monday's 5 pm - 7 pm |
|
Ward Nights |
|
|
26th Ward Alderperson Jessie Fuentes will host a special Ward Night on Monday, February 19th at Uncle Mike's (4010 W. Armitage) from 5:00-7:00pm.
Ward nights are an opportunity to meet with Alderperson Fuentes to talk to her about local or city issues and they take place every Monday from 5pm - 7pm. Ward night meetings are by appointment only and on a first come, first served basis.
If you would like to meet with Alderperson Fuentes during ward night, please call or email the ward office at 773-395-0143 or info@the26thward.org. |
|
. . |
|
26th Ward Youth Council |
|
|
We are excited to inspire our young people to get involved in government and organize in the community. If you are a youth (12-24 years old) that resides in the 26th Ward and wants to have a say in how we spend infrastructure money and what type of policies I champion, please sign up for our youth council by applying at bit.ly/youth26. Stay stunned for our next meeting date. |
|
. |
|
26th Ward Ambassadors |
|
|
We are excited to announce the new 26th Ward Ambassadors program to build stronger connections with neighbors & spread the word about important resources. Join a community of neighbors ready to take action, attend educational workshops, and more. If you're interested in signing up, call our Ward Office at 773-395-0143 and ask for Juanita. |
|
. . |
|
Volunteer & Donate to Asylum Seekers |
|
|
El Árbol is a new free store in Logan Square. Visit elarbolchicago.com to arrange donation drop offs or to signup for a volunteer shift.
Donations of winter clothing and supplies for asylum seekers can also be dropped off at our office (2511 W Division St). Winter coats, blankets, winter gear and sleeping bags are especially in need. |
|
. . |
|
26th Ward Zoning |
|
|
The 26th Ward community-driven zoning process requires that anyone requesting a zoning change must first complete a zoning intake form. Once their intake form has been reviewed they are invited to present their zoning request to the 26th Ward Zoning Advisory Committee and must answer additional questions posed by the committee. When applicable, the person requesting a zoning change may also be required to present their zoning request to the broader public during a community input meeting. For more information, and to provide feedback on pending zoning requests, go to: the26thward.org/zoning. |
|
. . |
|
Community Events |
|
Remedios: A Collective Care Exchange |
|
|
Visit the Honeycomb Network this weekend for “Remedios: A Collective Care Exchange” on February 17th - 18th.This event is a transformative weekend event that offers a sanctuary for community members to explore and receive holistic care. This FREE community offering is a nexus for individuals to connect with an array of healers, service providers, and wellness practitioners, each showcasing their unique contributions to health and healing. Click here for more info on Honeycomb Network events. |
|
. . |
|
Small Business Tax Planning Workshop |
|
|
Do you have questions about federal taxes for your small business? Join the Center for Changing Lives for this 4-week series to support your small business with IRS Senior Stakeholder Liaison, Michael Mudroncik. Click here to register.
Topics include: |
|
. . |
|
Phoenix Electric Grand Opening |
|
|
Join Phoenix Electric as they celebrate moving into their new building in the 26th Ward. Food and drinks will be served. Plus, stop by to give input on a new mural proposal. Register here. |
|
Public Notices |
|
Filming Notice 2/16 - 2/21 |
|
|
Please be aware that Chicago Fire will be filming in the area this week and next week starting this Friday, February 16th at 7am which may affect parking on your street. See the flyer below for above for a list of all the blocks that will be affected from Friday, February 16th to Wednesday, February 21st.
Simulated smoke and fire will be performed on February 21st. For questions or concerns, please reach the location manager: Luis Perez (773) 525-2326. |
|
. . |
|
NEW Round of Community Development Grants |
|
|
|
The Chicago Department of Planning and Development is accepting applications for Community Development Grants for more than $250,000 until February 16, 2024. Community Development Grants support small businesses, nonprofits and property owners for local commercial, mixed-use and light manufacturing development. These grant programs are open to businesses, nonprofits, community developers and property owners.
Click here to register for an upcoming webinar on February 1, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. If you or your organization is interested in applying, you can find more information at bit.ly/chicagocdg.
Other financial incentives from the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development:
|
|
. . |
|
Public Safety Meetings |
|
The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) has introduce a new and improved interactive calendar, which you can click here to access. One of the key features of this calendar is the inclusion of the yearly meeting calendar for both the Commission for Public Safety and your local District Councils. By simply visiting this website, you can find the dates, times, and locations of all scheduled meetings. |
|
|
|
|
|
. . |
|
Apply to Vote by Mail |
|
|
Chicago voters can now apply to Vote By Mail in the upcoming March 19, 2024 Presidential Primary Election. Click here to learn more and get started. Sign up online to join the Vote By Mail Permanent Roster and receive a mail ballot ahead of your preferred elections, by using this link. |
|
. . |
|
Learn about City Contracting Opportunities |
|
|
The Department of Procurement Services provides opportunities to small, local, minorities, women, people with disabilities and veterans to ensure that the businesses that work on City contracts reflect the rich diversity of the City of Chicago. And they are now offering workshops |
|
. . |
|
Rodent Control Program Evaluation |
|
|
The Chicago Office of Inspector General is evaluating the City's Rodent Control Program. If you have information you would like to share please reach out by March 1st. Contact OIG at 833-TALK-2-IG, igchicago.org, or talk2ig@igchicago.org. |
|
. . |
|
Garbage and Recycling Reminders |
|
|
Get your trash and recycling pickup schedule and reminders (holidays, recycling events, bulky item pickup) emailed to you by using Recycle by City. Severe weather can affect the collection schedule. In the event of a delay, please leave your carts out until they have been collected. For missed pickups, please call 311. |
|
. . |
|
New EV Charger Rebate |
|
|
As part of a larger investment to accelerate an equitable adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in northern Illinois, ComEd launched a new rebate program to increase access to EV chargers. Through the $5 million EV Charger and Installation Rebate Program, ComEd customers can receive rebates of up to $3,750 to offset the cost of purchasing and installing a Level 2 charger in their home in 2024. For more information on application requirements, and to apply, visit ComEd.com/clean. |
|
. . |
|
Ballot Initiative Info: Bring Chicago Home |
|
|
The Bring Chicago Home (BCH) initiative seeks to restructure the Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT) to generate dedicated funds for permanent affordable housing, with voters deciding on this initiative on March 19, 2024. The proposal involves decreasing taxes for properties under $1 million and increasing them for properties exceeding $1 million. Click here to read the language on the referendum. If you have any questions, please contact our office. |
|
. . |
|
Lowe’s Hometowns Grants |
|
|
The Lowe’s Hometowns program is accepting applications until February 19, 2024 at 11:59pm ET. Any type of project that involves the physical improvement or renovation of a community space is eligible. All grants must go to a local nonprofit, school or city/municipality that is willing and able to take on the project. Past nominations have included: Community Resources/Space (e.g. park, senior citizen center, youth center, etc.); Safe Affordable Housing (e.g. critical repairs for shelters, block of homes, accessible home needs, etc.); Cultural Preservation (e.g. theatre or memorial renovation, etc.); Area Revitalization (e.g. a new playground at a community park, community garden, renovations to downtown areas, etc.). Click here to learn more. |
|
. . |
|
Citizenship Classes |
|
|
|
Northern Illinois Justice for Our Neighbors is a nonprofit organization that provides free high-quality legal services to low-income immigrants, engages in education and advocacy efforts and builds cross-cultural communities. They currently provide citizenship classes at the Northwest Community Church in Belmont Cragin. Once a student is ready to become a citizen, they schedule free consultations for them to complete their Applications for Naturalization with an attorney and help students apply for the Citizenship Scholarship, which covers the $725 USCIS fee. Learn more at www.nijfon.org. |
|
Get Involved |
|
Serve as a Poll Watcher |
|
|
I encourage you to apply to become an election day judge in the 26th ward. We aim to fill all judge vacancies in our polling locations, to ensure a transparent and vibrant electoral experience for our community. This paid position offers a great opportunity to support our democratic process. Reach out to the 26th ward staff with any questions or to express your interest!
Office location: 2511 W Division Street, Chicago, IL 60622
|
|
. . |
|
Las Damas de Belmont Cragin Fundraiser |
|
|
Las Damas de Belmont Cragin is a community organization focused on educating children, empowering women, and uplifting the community. This year their goal is to raise $5000 by March 8th—International Women’s Day and our theme is “Women of Impact”. Click here to support their fundraising goal. |
|
. . |
|
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Spring Registration |
|
|
If you’re looking for fresh ideas, engaging discussions, and meeting new friends, see the 2024 "Osher Lifelong Learning Institute" Spring Catalog of 100 study group descriptions, and how to join a friendly, active community of 1,000 adult learners age 50+. Together, they explore a wide vista of intriguing topics in contemporary issues, science, technology, history, creative arts, literature and more, starting March 5. Register online by February 19 for seven and 14-week study groups held in-person on Northwestern’s Chicago and Evanston campuses--and online. No tests or grades, just the enjoyment of learning together. To find out more, view their video: “A Taste of OLLI.” Questions? Email olli@northwestern.edu. |
|
. . |
|
Become an LSC Election Judge |
|
|
You could earn $275 a day working as a LSC Election Judge. Chicago Public Schools is looking for election judges for the Spring 2024 Local School Council Elections. Elections will be conducted in person at individual schools in April. For more information, contact the office of LSC relations at 773-553-1400 or email Iscrelations@cps.edu. |
|
. . |
|
Job Opportunities |
|
Apply to be a Park District Lifeguard |
|
|
Apply Now to be a Chicago Park District Summer Lifeguard! |
|
. . |
|
Erie Health Hiring |
|
|
|
Erie Family Health Centers makes healthcare more accessible and affordable for everyone in our community, and they’re inviting people to join their mission-driven team. Check out these opportunities to work as a Medical Assistant or Patient Access Representative. |
|
. . |
|
Cook County Sheriff's Office |
|
|
|
. . |
|
High School Fashion Competition |
|
|
|
. . |
|
Audition for "The Light" |
|
|
"The Light" is holding auditions to join their 2024 ensemble where you can get paid $18/hour to create work for social change and tour the city in the summer. See dates above and go to collaboraction.org/the-light for more info and to sign up! |
|
. . |
|
Hiring at Casa Central |
|
|
Attend a Career Fair for Casa Central on February 22nd from 10am to 2pm at the Fisher Family Commuity Center (1335 N California). Learn more at casacentral.org/careers. |
|
|
Apply to be a Home Care Aide at Casa Central. Training is provided and there is a $500 sign-on bonus. Learn more at casacentral.org/careers. |
|
. . |
|
O'Hare Airport Concessions Symposium |
|
|
Join the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) to learn everything you need to know about financing an airport concession business, building upon the knowledge gained and shared at the 2024 O’Hare Airport Concessions Symposium. You will meet banks looking to work with small businesses and learn the ins-and-outs of the concessions industry. The Symposium is a great opportunity to mingle with others interested in airport concessions opportunities. Click here to learn more. |
|
. . |
|
School to Work Program for Young Adults |
|
|
|
Bridges is a program that assists young adults in Chicago with job readiness, work maturity skills, job search, interviewing skills, entry level job placement, retention, and follow‐up. For more information go to bridgestowork.org. |
|
. . |
|
Construction Summit 2024 |
|
|
The Department of Procurement Services Annual Construction Summit will take place on February 22nd at Malcom X from 9am to 4pm. The Construction Summit is a full-day, immersive resource fair that aims to assist small, women-owned, and minority-owned firms with building their capacity to participate in construction contracting opportunities with the City. The Summit is the ultimate gathering of construction enthusiasts that will feature an immersive agenda with interactive panel discussions, networking, and keynote presentations, offering businesses a must-attend opportunity to hear about upcoming projects. |
|
. . |
|
Other Career Opportunities |
|
|
Small Business Spotlight: Dove K9 |
|
|
At Dove K9, we aspire to educate dog owners alike to troubleshoot the science behind canines behaviors in everyday scenarios. DoveK9 LLC provides dog training services that guarantee results! After a free consultation is completed, you and your dog team will get to experience the benefits of advocacy and accountability training. Learn more at: dovek9potential.com. |
|
. |
|
Additional Resources |
|
. . |
|
New Program Connects Landlords and Vacant Apartments To Folks In Need |
|
|
Chicago Rents is a program that connects landlords to tenants through multiple housing subsidy programs, allowing property partners to receive guaranteed rent, fill vacant units, and access individualized support. Chicago Rents is a program that was created in response to COVID-19 to centralize property partner relationships across multiple housing programs. Through Chicago Rents, property partners are connected with Chicagoans in need of housing, filling unit vacancies and making a real difference in Chicago's neighborhoods. For additional information, please visit: allchicago.org/chicagorents.
If you are a landlord interested in joining the Chicago Rents program, you can click here to apply. |
|
. . |
|
Reproductive Justice |
|
|
If you know someone looking for reproductive justice resources in Chicago, they can go to this Department of Public Health resource page to use the City’s digital community resource directory. There is also a free talkline (1-888-493-0092) where operators are available to share information on various reproductive justice options. |
|
. . |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(773)395-0143 Se Habla Español Subscribe to this newsletter here. 2511 W Division Street, Chicago, IL 60622
Hours: Monday 1 pm - 7 pm | Tuesday 10 am - 5 pm Wednesday 10 am - 5 pm | Thursday 10 am - 5 pm Friday 10 am - 5 pm |