In this newsletter
Community Events • Public Notices • Ways to get Involved • Job Opportunities • Resources.
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Dear Neighbors,
Last week was an amazing week to start the school year in the 26th Ward. I want to thank all of our school leaders, teachers, social workers, counselors, parents and guardians for working to ensure that the start of the school year was everything that our young people needed and deserved. I was privileged to ring the first day of school bell with Principal Salgado at Lloyd Elementary, and later welcomed young people to their first day of school at Yates Elementary with Principal Perez. I want to thank Principal Belville at McAuliffe Elementary and Principal Langbehn at Pablo Casals Elementary for giving me a tour of their schools and allowing me to meet their young people. As a former educator I am so proud to have a ward with school leaders that pride themselves in educational excellence and healing centered work in our schools.
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On Friday, I had the privilege of being a firefighter for a day. The physical conditioning and mental strength it requires to save lives is nothing short of admirable. I was excited to join Alderwomen Ruth Cruz, Jeylu Gutierrez, and Michelle Harris in spending a day in the CFD officers shoes. We climbed the fire truck ladder to a roof, climbed six flights of stairs with all gear on, and sprayed the fire hose. I want to thank Commissioner Annette Nance Holt for leading the Chicago Fire Department, for advocating for her officers, and for hosting us last week.
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This past weekend I had the honor of being a part of the LoSah Center of Hope ground breaking. I want to thank the Governing Commission Board of the Logan Square, Hermosa, Avondale Community Mental Health center for inviting me to such a beautiful event. The LoSah Center of Hope will be providing free, affordable mental health services to residents of the Hermosa neighborhood. Please stay tuned for the grand opening.
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My favorite part of being the Alderperson of the 26th Ward is connecting with our community. It’s why we make every effort to attend all block parties. On Saturday we attended six block parties - I was filled with joy watching young people play with their neighbors, residents building community, and families enjoying the weather and their neighborhood. We engaged in conversations around housing, public safety, and constituent services - residents asked great questions and expressed support for our initiatives. I look forward to engaging with neighbors this weekend at Fiesta Boricua where we are hosting the Third Annual Domino and Bingo Festival at Division and Campbell!
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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.
Hosted by 26th Ward Alderperson Jessie Fuentes, State Representative Lilian Jiménez, and State Senator Omar Aquino.
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 this weekend, September 2nd - 3rd 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 and bingo.
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My office will be hosting a first annual Domino and Bingo pavilion at Fiesta Boricua. Join us this weekend, September 2nd - 3rd at Division and Campbell from 12pm - 8pm. Entry into the games will be awarded on a first-come-first-serve basis.
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50th Anniversary of The Puerto Rican Cultural Center
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Join us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center onThursday, August 31, 2023, 5:30–8pm at Roberto Clemente High School (1147 N. Western Avenue).
There will be a live performance of renowned Puerto Rican actor Angel Vazquez's one man musical "THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN" accompanied by his musical group.
Click here for tickets and information: https://bit.ly/prcc-50th.
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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.
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New Contemporary Art Space: El Schomburg
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The Schomburg is a new contemporary art space located in the heart of Humboldt Park. Inspired by the legacy and vision of Afro Puerto Rican historian Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, The Schomburg prioritizes the visibility, circulation and production of art from Puerto Rico and its Diaspora. Join them at 2538 W Division St. for a weekend of opening events (September 1st through 3rd) featuring an opening ceremony, family art workshops, and a private reception.
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Join Puros Birriel and Coco Loco Events for an social event featuring live music, cigars, food, drinks and wonderful people enjoying the view at the Humboldt Park Boat House! Click here for more info.
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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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Unity Wak-in at Humboldt Park
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Please save the date and join the Garfield Park, Humboldt Park, and North Lawndale communities for the 2023 Unity Walk-ins that will celebrate solidarity between Black and Brown communities, promote health through physical activity, healing through the arts and culture, and seeks to increase peace within our neighborhoods. The walk will take plane on September 16th at the Humboldt Park Boathouse from 10:00 am - 11:00 am. Arts & Culture activities and performances will begin at 11 am until 2 pm. There will be local Food truck vendors, art activities for all ages, and resources for families and youth.
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Sign Up For Street Sweeping Reminders
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You have probably noticed that the city's street sweeping schedule has changed this year. Use "wethesweeple.com" to search for your Chicago street address and find out when your street will be swept next. Then, register for email alerts or subscribe to a calendar feed so that you get a reminder when the next sweep is coming up.
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Street Closures - Fiesta Boricua
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Division street and the surrounding streets will be closed this weekend on 9/2 and 9/3 in order to accommodate Fiesta Boricua. Please see the dates and times of relevant street closures listed above.
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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.
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.
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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 on
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.
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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A Know Your Rights series will be held in Humboldt Park on Saturday Sept 30th from 12-3pm, featuring Spanish presentation and question answering from Public Defender Iveliz Orellano, with English presentation by First Defense Legal Aid. There will also be free vegan and meat chili, with opportunities for groups to connect and table, and for community members to bring potluck items to share. This event is hosted in collaboration with the 14th, 12th, 25th, 11th, 10th, 15th and 17th District Councils. Questions can be sent 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.
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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.
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.
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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O’Hare Restaurants and Retail Hiring Event
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O’Hare restaurants and retail are hosting a hiring event on Sept. 12th from 9am to 1pm at O'Hare Terminal 2, baggage claim. Salaries start at $18/hour plus subsidized transportation and benefits. Offers made same day. Register now at: www.flychicago.com/ordhiringevent.
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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.
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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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.
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