In this newsletter
26th Ward Office Updates • Community Events • Public Notices • Ways to get Involved • Job Opportunities • Resources.
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Dear Neighbors,
The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, NMPRAC, and I convened a community meeting to announce the plans to demolish the existing archive center structure and build a new, permanent archival home on Division street, in the center of Paseo Boricua. I want us all to celebrate, because community voice has been heard and we remain committed to the future of an institution that deserves to live, grow, thrive, and continue to tell the legacy of the Puerto Rican diaspora. Thank you to all who came out to the meeting, and to every stakeholder that worked together to develop this resolution.
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It was also heartening to see city leaders, including myself, taking an active role in the discussions. Listening to the concerns of the community and working in collaboration with the museum's leaders, we arrived at a viable solution. This decision was a true victory for the preservation of green spaces and cultural heritage, and it demonstrated the potential for compromise and cooperation when people come together for a common cause.
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I had the privilege of participating in a town hall organized by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). The focus was on the state of LGBT policies in our nation, a topic of utmost importance. In August 2023, HRC declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ people in the United States. It is vital that we continue to stand up against bigotry and discrimination in all its forms. The town hall provided an opportunity to address the critical issue of safety for black trans women, LGBT individuals, and for gender-affirming care. The panel underscored the urgency of leveraging political power and influence to ensure that every member of our society, regardless of their identity, can live without fear and discrimination. The state of LGBT policies in our nation requires sustained advocacy and a united front to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
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The week ended on a high note with the passing of the One Fair Wage ordinance in the city council on Friday. This historic moment was a significant step towards ensuring fair compensation for workers in the restaurant industry, and therefore creating safer and more dignified work places for Black and Latina women. The support of 36 alders for the ordinance demonstrated the power of collective action in advancing social and economic justice. We are excited to see other cities and states follow our lead.
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As I dig deeper into the Mayor’s 2024 budget recommendations, I have three priorities that I will be advocating for: diversifying our public safety strategies, creating housing access and homeownership pathways, and further developing youth employment opportunities. I am confident that all three will be uplifted when we pass the budget in December.
Our office remains deeply committed to the safety of our community. We're proud to collaborate with violence prevention and intervention organizations, police district leaders, and fellow elected officials. We recently hosted a Community Safety Town Hall meeting in late September, and we invite you to explore our We Keep Us Safe resource library for valuable information and tools. Below you will find a visual reflection on the town hall. Together, we can build a safer and more resilient community.
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In conclusion, last week was a shining example of the impact that community engagement, political collaboration, and advocacy can have in shaping a better future. It was a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage, fighting bigotry, and ensuring fair treatment for all members of our society. These successes serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring us to continue working together for a more just and inclusive world.
Thank you for your trust and partnership.
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Your 26th Ward Alderperson,
Jessie Fuentes
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Senior Wellness Fair this Friday
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We're hosting our first Senior Wellness Fair this Friday, October 13th from 10am to 1pm. Please help us spread the word by sharing this with seniors in your family and network.
Hosted by 26th Ward Alderperson Jessie Fuentes, State Representative Lilian Jiménez, State Senator Omar Aquino, and Commissioner Quezada.
Questions? Contact us at info@the26thward.org or (773)-395-0143.
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Secretary of State Pop-Up
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My office is hosting a Secretary of State Pop-Up at San Lucas Church (2914 W North Ave) on Monday, October 16th from 9am to 2pm. Call my office to reserve an appointment: 773-395-0143.
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My office is hosting a Vaccine Clinic for residents of the 26th ward. 2023 flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be available. Eligible patients (minors under the age of 18 years) must be accompanied by a parent/guardian unless an exception applies. Appointments are strongly encouraged. Make an appointment here at https://events.juvare.com/IL-IDPH/7xktx/1555180/. (This vaccine clinic will be held inside our Senior Wellness Fair.)
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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.
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The 26th Ward is partnering up with the USDA for our first ever fishing derby coming up at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie on Saturday, October 14. We will partner with Micah and Bus for Outdoor Access and Teaching (BOAT) to provide transportation to and from Midewin from Humboldt Park.
- Prizes will be handed out to the biggest and smallest fish in age groups for each wave,
- Hotdogs (and veggie dogs), chips, and water will be provided for those fishing, their families, and those working the event.
- We will have interpretive tables from many of our partners involved, as well as some local first responders.
- We will debut our new Smokey Bounce House!
The plan is to have the bus leave Humboldt Park at 9:00am with arrival at Midewin at approximately 10:30am. We would have the BOAT group in the second wave of fishing from 11:00am-1:00pm. Then give them time to eat and enjoy the interpretive areas with plans to depart Midewin at 2:30pm. Click here to register.
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Connect with the 26th Ward Office
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The 26th Ward Office will be closed on Friday, October 13th as staff will be supporting our Senior Wellness Fair at the Humboldt Park Field House. Normal operations will resume on Monday, October 16th from 1pm-5pm. Contact us with pressing concerns at info@the26thward.org Contact us with pressing concerns at info@the26thward.org.
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.
*Ward Night: Monday's 5 pm - 7 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 take place every Monday from 5pm - 7pm. Ward night meetings will be by appointment only and on a first come, first served basis.
On Monday, October 30th we will be hosting a Ward Night Pop-up at Iglesia Emanuel from 5pm to 7pm.
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. Join our next Youth Council Meeting on Thursday, October 19th from 4:30pm to 6pm.
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Winter Supplies Needed for Asylum Seekers
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Donations of winter clothing and supplies for asylum seekers can be dropped off at our office (2511 W Division St) or any of the other drop off locations listed on the flyer above. Winter coats, blankets, winter gear and sleeping bags are especially in need. Sign up to involved here: https://bit.ly/3NY5YRr.
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The 26th Ward community-based zoning process requires that anyone requesting a zoning change must first complete a zoning intake form. Once their intake form has been reviewed they will be 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 go to: the26thward.org/zoning.
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Casa Central’s annual Gala is coming up on Friday, November 3rd at the Adler Planetarium. This year's gala features a special Keynote Speaker, Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr., a former NASA astronaut and the first African American to walk in space! Dr. Harris will share the inspirational story of launching his career, founding a philanthropic organization, and empowering and inspiring others to reach their goals. For more information and tickets go to give.casacentral.org/outofthisworldgala.
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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by attending these Arte a Tu Mesa events at local restaurants every Saturday through September and October. These events will feature live music, great food, and handmade artwork. For more information contact Javier Vargas at 773-407-5441 or arteatumesa@outlook.com.
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New Life Center Fall Fest
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Join New Life Centers for a free Fall Fest on October 27th from 3pm to 5pm at New Life Centers 3908 W Hirsch St. There will be games, activities, food, and candy.
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Walking and Wellness Club
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There is a new Walking and Wellness Club for adults over 55 beginning on October 20th. Space is limited. Please register in person at the Harbor Light Community Center front desk, text 847-316-1365, or email programs@mather.com.
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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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Small Business Storefront Activations
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The 2023 Small Business Storefront Activations Program RFP is now live, with submissions due by October 13, 2023. If you are a chamber of commerce, SSA's, local organizations/delegate agencies or business service organization with commercial development organizations that you can advertise to.
Through this RFP, the City will identify community and economic development organizations that will be responsible for identifying vacant storefronts in commercial corridors, negotiating short-term leases with landlords, sourcing local small businesses for pop-up activations, managing preparation and operations for the space, and providing ongoing support to small businesses operating pop-up stores. These activations will strengthen and leverage the economic and social links between downtown and surrounding neighborhoods and will draw additional foot traffic to commercial corridors.
Those interested in learning more about this opportunity can register for this pre-submittal conference taking place on October 3, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. CST. The pre-submittal conference is optional but highly encouraged.
For information about the RFP and pre-submittal conference, please encourage people to visit Chicago.gov/BACPrecoveryplan. To view this RFP, interested organizations can visit the City’s eProcurement website and search by RFP #9649.
For more information, please contact BACP directly at: bacpeconomicrecovery@cityofchicago.org.
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Cook County Board of Appeals
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The Cook County Board of Review is now open for Pre-Filing for the two County Townships that encompass the 26th Ward: West Chicago and Jefferson Townships. You can visit the Cook County Board of Review's Appeals Portal at https://appeals.cookcountyboardofreview.com to enter an appeal. The Cook County Property Tax Portal is a valuable website to check Exemption Statuses and other property information.
Pre-Filing allows a property owner who feels that their property was overassessed to enter an appeal before the Township is in an "Open" status for the particular township with the Board of Review. When you pre-file, your appeal will automatically go into review by the Board of Review when your township goes into an "Open" status. If you need assistance filing an appeal, please contact my office at (773)-395-0143.
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Order Discounted Rain Barrels
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Rain barrels, a type of green infrastructure, capture rainwater from your roof and save for when you need it. By keeping this water out of the sewer system, it can help reduce sewer overflows and flooding. Rain barrels are now available for $21.50 for residents while supplies last. Residents 65 and over receive an additional discounted price of $10.75. Limit 2 discounted rain barrels per household. Order at mwrd.org.
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Small Business Improvement Fund Opening in Hermosa
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Hey Hermosa, the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) opens for applications in October in the Pulaski Corridor TIF district. The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) provides grant funding for permanent building improvements and repairs across the city.
Program participants can receive grants to cover between 30 percent and 90 percent of the cost of remodeling work, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grant, which is administered by SomerCor on the City’s behalf, does not have to be repaid.
Apply at chicago.gov/sbif by Oct. 31st.
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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. The FEMA application deadline is Monday, Oct. 16, 2023.
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The Court wants to hear from you regarding the Federal Consent Degree over the Chicago Police Department. Should the District Court modify the Consent Decree? Should the Consent Decree include traffic stops by the Chicago Police Department? To speak before the Court in person, register here. Non-speakers may write comments to the court or listen in by calling 877-336-1839, access code 6708061. More instructions can be found in the Court's Order. Please email contact@cpdmonitoringteam.com with any questions.
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Public Hearing on the Chicago Police Department Consent Decree
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The Court wants to hear from you regarding the Federal Consent Degree over the Chicago Police Department. Should the District Court modify the Consent Decree? Should the Consent Decree include traffic stops by the Chicago Police Department? Please email contact@cpdmonitoringteam.com with any questions.
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Humboldt Park Advisory Council Survey
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The Humboldt Park Advisory Council wants your help to understand what is important to you by completing this very short survey! Please contact info@humboltparkadvisorycouncil.org with any questions.
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Filming and No Parking Notice
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There will be no parking due to filming taking place tomorrow, Thursday, October 12th, 2023 from 6 AM to 8 PM East side of N Kimball from Bloomingdale to 1721 N Kimball Ave North side of Bloomingdale from Kimball east to the first alley. If you have questions regarding this notice, please contact the City of Chicago Film Office at (312)744-6415.
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CEREBRO (Cognitive Enhancement and Risk-reduction through Exercise for Brain-Related Outcomes) is a research study at the University of Illinois Chicago that examines how virtual dance and exercise programs can affect the health of Latinos.
You may be eligible if you:
● Identify as Latino/Hispanic
● Are 65 years of age or older
● Participate in little or no exercise
● Experience memory or cognition concerns
● Can speak Spanish
● Have access to a tablet or computer with internet access
Please contact Jocelyn Ocampo at (312) 413-0087 or jocamp20@uic.edu or the Principal Investigator Dr. David Marquez at (312) 996-1209 or marquezd@uic.edu if you are interested and/or have any questions. Eligible participants will be compensated for their time.
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Volunteer At Nourishing Hope
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Nourishing Hope is one of the largest, most respected and longest continually operating food pantries in Chicago. Join their passionate community of dedicated volunteers. Volunteers needed Monday through Wednesday, 9am - 4pm, to distribute groceries. Spanish speakers are incredibly helpful! Visit NourishingHopeChi.org/volunteer to register! Questions? Email lacasanorte@nourishinghopechi.org.
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Restore the Bathroom in Humboldt Park
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Casa Central Fall Career Fair
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Casa Central is hosting a career fair at 1335 N California Ave on October 12th from 10 am to 2pm. Interested job seekers will have the opportunity to meet wit hiring managers and interview for various opportunities, including Bilingual Caseworker roles, Spanish or English Home Care Aides, various administrative roles and much more!
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Chicago Public Schools is hosting a CPS Job Fair. They encoThe fair will take place on Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 10:00am - 1:00pm at Truman College, 1145 West Wilson. To register for this event visit bit.ly/CPSJobsFair101223
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Vargas Group is hiring for workers at O'Hare Airport. Notably, they are willing to hire immigrants pending work permits. Starting pay $16.80 and they will get a raise on November 1, 2023. Learn more at wwww.vargasgroupinc.com.
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Other Career Opportunities
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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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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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