In this newsletter
Community Events  • Public Notices • Ways to get Involved • Job Opportunities • Resources.
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Dear Neighbors,Â
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Our first 100 days have been an incredible journey. I am humbled every day that I get to open the doors of our 26th Ward office. While campaigning, I committed to building a safer 26th Ward, fighting for affordable housing while combating gentrification, investing in our commercial corridors and creating spaces for community voice and input in our decision making. In our first 100 days, we have worked to fulfill our commitment - we have installed a Public Safety Committee, a Youth Council, and a Zoning Advisory Committee that bring community voices to the table.Â
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As we look at what the greatest need in the 26th Ward is today, I fully understand that housing must be our priority. I have walked and surveyed our tent encampments in Humboldt Park, published a report, submitted our report to the Committee on Housing and Real Estate for the record, held a Housing Town Hall and continue to work everyday to provide services and search for housing for our unhoused neighbors. I will continue to work with city agencies and continue to build the intergovernmental strategy to combat homelessness in the city of Chicago. It is for these reasons that I am supporting the Bring Chicago Home ordinance.
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Housing stability is important, but without financial sustainability it is difficult to have housing security. Chief sponsoring and filing the One Fair Wage ordinance in our first 100 days was our legislative approach to fight for and defend working families. Our hospitality and restaurant workers deserve to be paid the minimum wage with tips on top. Our legislative work in the City Council is important, leading and supporting ordinances that improve the wellness of our city is a priority.
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Before being elected to office I spent ten years in education, and three years doing policy work on violence prevention, re-entry, and youth services. It is a privilege to have been named Chair of the Subcommittee on Youth Employment. We will work this term to provide year round employment opportunities for young people.
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Visibility and engagement are more than just concepts – they're the driving forces behind meaningful change. Over the past months, I've had the privilege of attending block parties, festivals, block club meetings, and hosting ward nights in my office and throughout the ward. These experiences have not only been enriching but have also reaffirmed the power of unity within our community. Finally, I also want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to my dedicated staff. Their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts are the backbone of our ability to meet the needs of every constituent in the 26th Ward. It's their dedication that ensures that your concerns are heard, your voices are amplified, and your well-being remains our top priority.
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In partnership,
Your 26th Ward Alderperson, Jessie Fuentes
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Save the date for our first Senior Wellness Fair on Friday, October 13th from 10am to 1pm.
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Hosted by 26th Ward Alderperson Jessie Fuentes, State Representative Lilian Jiménez, and State Senator Omar Aquino.
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Questions? Contact us at info@the26thward.org or (773)-395-0143.
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Fiesta Boricua "De Bandera A Bandera."
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Get ready to immerse yourself into the Puerto Rican Culture at Fiesta Boricua "De Bandera A Bandera." Join us September 2-3 and enjoy amazing food while listening to live music! This year my office will be hosting a "Senior Corridor" at the festival where we will offer a domino tournament, bingo, loteria and other free activities.
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Hispanic Heritage Celebration
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San Lucas Church is hosting a Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Friday, September 8th from 9am to 2pm at San Lucas UCC (2914 W. North Ave). They will have hair cuts, music, food, community information, wellness on wheels and more.Â
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Family Fun and Fitness Fiesta
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Join Urban Initiatives and The Bloc for family fun and sports sampling at their Family Fun and Fitness Fiesta on Saturday August 26th from 11am to 3pm at Kedvalle Park. Discover activities, learn new skills, try different sports, and explore new interests together. Click here to learn more.
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The Sound Barriers Art Show
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Attend the Sound Barriers Art Show at the Urban Theater Company on Saturday September 2nd to Sunday September 3rd for a presentation of art, photography, classic hip hop and more.
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In light of the extreme heat this week, there will be extended hours at DFSS-run Cooling Centers. The cooling centers closest to our ward include:
- Garfield Center – 10 S. Kedzie Ave. (24 Hours)
- Trina Davila Center – 4312 W. North Ave. (Open 8:30am-7pm.)
DFSS' Senior Regional Centers and Satellite Centers will also be open to provide support to older adults from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Those locations and additional information are available here.
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Flood Assistance from FEMA
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FEMA is now accepting disaster applications to provide relief for damages caused by the severe flooding events between June 29, 2023-July 2, 2023. Check out our fact sheet here for more information on the program and how to apply.
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The 26th ward office is currently located at 2511 W Division St. The office's regular hours of operation are as follows:
- Monday 1 pm - 7 pm
- Tuesday 10 am - 5 pm
- Wednesday 1 pm - 5 pm
- Thursday 10 am - 5 pm
- Friday 9 am - 3 pm.
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Ward nights are an opportunity to meet with Alderperson Fuentes to talk to her about any local or city issues. Ward nights will take place every Monday from 5pm - 7pm. Ward night meetings will be by appointment only and on a first come, first served basis.
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If you’d like to meet with Alderperson Fuentes during ward night, please call or email the ward office at 773-395-0143 or info@the26thward.org.Â
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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.
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Have concerns about police and public safety?
Come share your experience with the 14th Police District Council onÂ
Saturday, September 2nd from 1-2:30pm at the Humboldt Park Library (1605 N Troy) – with guest speaker Jose Pizarro, Director of Safe Streets for ALSO (Alliance of Local Service Organizations) on their successful restorative justice approach to community violence prevention in Humboldt Park.
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Give your public comments at these meetings or by emailing it along with your district (14) to: David.Orlikoff@cityofchicago.org
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Our Secretary of State is making changes at the DMV that will help save you time and energy. You no longer have to wait in long lines. Starting Sep 1, 2023, you can make an appointment at ilsos.gov or by calling 844-817-4649.Â
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Pickleball In Humboldt Park Survey
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Meal Request for Asylum seekers staying in the 14th District Lobby
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The 14th District Support Network is hoping to find ways for organizations, churches, and volunteers to step in to help feed people. If you are able to volunteer, your generosity is greatly appreciated. There are anywhere from 5-30 migrants staying in the station at any one time with a mix of families and solo travelers. Sign up here.
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Our 26th Ward office (located at 2511 W Division St.) is also accepting donations in direct response to asylum seeker's needs in the ward. Donations needed this week include:
- Sleeping pads
- Phones
- Sim cards
- Suitcases
- Bikes and Ventra cards.
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Apply: CTA Americans with Disabilities Act Advisory Committee
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The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) today announced it is seeking new applicants to join the agency’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Advisory Committee. The committee, comprised of up to 12 members from across the CTA service area of Chicago and 35 suburbs, is an important part of CTA’s longstanding and industry-leading commitment to accessibility.
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Applications for these committee positions are available on the website here, or by contacting Irma Gomez-Fierro, Manager of ADA Compliance Programs, at igomez-fierro@transitchicago.com or (773) 449-8389. The deadline for completed applications is Friday, September 1, 2023.
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 Restore the Bathroom in Humboldt Park
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Chicago Public Schools is hosting a CPS Job Fair. Members of the community are encouraged to apply for positions within CPS.Â
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Date: Thursday, August 24, 2023
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Location: St. Sabina - McMahon Hall, 1210 West 78th Place, Chicago, IL 60620
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Bus Operator and Bus Mechanic Career FairÂ
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Career Opportunities in Offices Under the County President
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Cook County is committed to empowering its employees to bring our constituents the best that public service available. Explore open job opportunities at the offices under the Cook County President at: https://www.cookcountyil.gov/service/jobs.
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New Program Connects Landlords and Vacant Apartments To Folks In Need
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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.
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If you are a landlord interested in joining the Chicago Rents program, you can click here to apply.
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Divvy for Everyone (D4E) is a program from the Chicago The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) which aims to offer all Chicagoans an affordable, accessible and fun transportation option. D4E provides a $5 Annual Membership to qualifying residents. The program also incorporates a cash payment system for those Chicagoans who do not have a debit card, credit card, or prepaid card required for a standard Divvy membership. D4E Program Features $5 Annual Membership Pay with credit, debit, prepaid card, or cash In-person enrollment at Divvy Apply and learn more at: divvybikes.com/pricing/d4e-chicago.
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Small Business Resource Fair
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Are you a small business owner or entrepreneur in the 26th Ward? The Center for Changing Lives is hosting a Small Business Resource Fair on August 31st at the Logan Square Library. The Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, BMO Harris Bank, the Logan Square Chamber of Commerce, and the Northwest Side Community Development Corporation will all be present to share information and critical resources.
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Amtrak Academic Scholarships
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The Amtrak Scholarship Program provides academic scholarships to high school students, undergraduate and graduate college students who have an active interest in the railroad industry. This program has been established to provide support to help encourage academic achievement within railroad programs, ensuring a future in this industry. Apply and learn more at careers.amtrak.com.
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Community Services Block Grant
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The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) is now accepting applications for their 2023 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarship Program.
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The CSBG scholarship program provides financial assistance to Chicago residents attending post-secondary education programs during the fall semester of 2023 and has minimum income requirements to meet the eligibility criteria. Click here to apply.
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Applications must be received by DFSS via their web-based Scholarship Application Platform on Friday, August 25, 2023, by 5:00 p.m. Â
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DFSS will host webinars on August 2nd and August 9th at 10:00 a.m. Â To register for a webinar, applicants should email their choice of date and time to: DFSScsbgscholarship@cityofchicago.org.
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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.Â
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