In this newsletter
26th Ward Office Updates • Community Events • Public Notices • Ways to get Involved • Job Opportunities • Resources.
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Dear Neighbors,
Co-governance is important not just in between different government offices, but also interdepartmentally. This is why I continue to have hope that we will reach our goal of passing and embedding the Peace Book Ordinance. On Wednesday, the Deputy Mayor of Education Jen Johnson, DFSS Commissioner Brandie Knazze, their respective teams, Verónica Tirado of Health & Human Services Committee, and I were able to understand the mission and scope of the Peace Book and begin diagramming peacekeeper roles in DFSS' youth employment programs. We know that these peacekeeper jobs are vital, as young people have already been fulfilling these roles. We also know that we will be able to utilize the data and outcomes from this youth engagement to concretely tell the Peace Book story. Next steps are to continue working with Good Kids Mad City on further refining the Peace Book Ordinance, meet with the Chicago Department of Public Health, and determine delegate agencies that will host the young people doing this important work. To learn more about Peace Book, check out this opinion piece in The Triibe.
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Three important items that I support were heard in the City Council last week. First, Bring Chicago Home passed, which means that we will see the proposed change to the real estate transfer tax on the March 2024 ballot. Second, Paid Time Off was approved, creating the most progressive paid leave legislation in the country. And lastly, I am a proud co-sponsor of the resolution to call on U.S. President Biden to call for and facilitate peace in the Middle East and provide for increased humanitarian assistance. Like I shared in the Council in October, I continue to condemn the violence of Hamas and therefore cannot support violence on either side of this crisis. This is a difficult time for both Palestinians and Jewish people; my office holds space for the healing of both communities. I appreciate each and every call regarding these issues.
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During our most recent monthly Community Safety Committee meeting, we delved into a comprehensive analysis of safety statistics pulled from the Chicago Police Department's CLEARMap. The data, meticulously compiled and shared by a dedicated DePaul intern collaborating with a VPI organization, offered valuable insights into the safety landscape of our community. As we pored over the statistics, one standout observation emerged: a critical awareness of the time of day when crimes, particularly violent crimes and robberies, are more likely to occur. According to the data, the window of vulnerability peaks on Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday between 5 and 6 am. This revelation underscores the importance of increased vigilance during these hours, especially for those commuting to or from work. We urged community members to exercise caution and avoid engaging with potential assailants during these early morning hours. Our discussion, fueled by a collective commitment to enhancing safety, extended beyond data analysis. Together, we brainstormed strategies to address the identified trends and collaboratively devise proactive measures for the 26th Ward. To see the data referenced, click here.
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I hosted a community meeting about a new affordable housing development being proposed by LUCHA. Along with Full Circle and Design Bridge, the proposed development was presented to residents in attendance and public comments were heard from over 15 residents. This development received wide support from community members. I understand that not everyone could have attended the meeting and considering the proposed development is in its beginning stages, I will continue collecting feedback. Look below for the flier with the link and QR code to submit your opinions on the affordable housing development.
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I am pleased to announce our inaugural turkey giveaway event scheduled for Friday, November 17th, from 11 am to 2 pm in front of our office at 2511 W. Division. Partnering with Senator Aquino, the Puerto Rican Cultural Center's Violence Prevention & Intervention program, and ALSO, we will distribute 500 turkeys to residents of the 26th Ward and the 2nd Senate District. Unidóm will also join us, providing a bag of groceries to the first 200 people. This tradition has long been a staple in our community, and I am excited to give it continuity. Everyone deserves the chance to share a meal with loved ones, and we welcome the opportunity to contribute to this meaningful tradition.
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Participants are kindly reminded to bring proof of residence, as we strive to ensure that the turkeys reach those within our community. This event reflects our commitment not only to addressing safety concerns but also to fostering a sense of unity and support among our residents.
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We would like to give Yumerys Pérez and the Gomez sisters a special shout out. Yumerys cooked lunch for office staff and we are so grateful that she took the time to do it. Yumerys cooked traditional Dominican food that included mangú, salchichas and fried cheese. Melissa and Michelle Gomez hosted an appreciation luncheon at Teresa Roldán senior apartments. Residents enjoyed traditional Puerto Rican dishes, a live band, dominoes and a sip and paint. Thank you Yumerys for cooking for our team and thank you Michelle and Melissa for centering our seniors.
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Your 26th Ward Alderperson,
Jessie Fuentes
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Join us for a Housing and Health Expo at the McCormick YMCA on Saturday, November 18, 2023! We are excited to work together to provide the community with essential resources and services that will assist first-time homebuyers, those looking for affordable housing, rental and mortgage assistance, financial education, and small landlord workshops! We will also have vendors assisting with medical insurance questions and applications, as well as a health truck providing free health screenings and flu vaccines. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/48ZlFQu
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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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Connect with the 26th Ward Office
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The 26th ward office is 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 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.
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On Monday November 27th, we will host a Ward Night at the California Clipper (1002 N California Ave) from 6pm to 8pm. If you would like to meet with Alderperson Fuentes during this ward night, please call or email the ward office at 773-395-0143 or email us at 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 Monday, November 13th 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.
Click here to purchase donation items.
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LUCHA is partnering with Full Circle Communities to bring new affordable housing to Humboldt Park at 3305 W Division St. We want to hear from the community as we plan for zoning changes to make this possible. Neighbors are invited to provide their input using the form linked here: bit.ly/3305wdivision.
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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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Film Screening at the Humboldt Park Library
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¡Parrandeando en Comunidad! with The Chicago Cuatro Orchestra Featuring a signature blend of Latin rhythms based on the unique sound of Puerto Rico’s national stringed instrument, the cuatro and from Puerto Rico: ¡"El Junte del Año"! Mariano “Juradito” Torres Enrique Diaz Carlos Vizcarrondo.
Click here for more information and tickets.
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Senior Freeze Property Tax Exemption
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If you are a senior and home owner, you may need to reapply for the “Senior Freeze” Exemption which provides significant savings on your property tax bill. For the past few years, the “Senior Freeze” automatically renewed due to COVID-19, however, the auto-renewal has ended and you must reapply.
Please review the bottom left corner of your Second Installment Property Tax Bill. If there are no savings listed next to the Senior Freeze Exemption, then you are encouraged to immediately mail the completed application to:
Cook County Assessor’s Office
Taxpayer Services Department
118 N Clark Street, Room 320, Chicago, IL 60602
You may also apply online at cookcountyassessor.com/certificates-error or pick up a printed copy at our office.
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Now Open: Emergency Heating Repair Program
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The Emergency Heating Repair Program (EHRP) is a grant program available to income-eligible Chicago homeowners for service to repair or replace their furnace or boiler heating system. Grant funds are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The program is open to Chicagoans who own and occupy a 1-to-4 unit residential property within the city limits. The property must be in habitable condition and not at risk of foreclosure. Commercial and mixed-use properties do not qualify.
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Peoples Gas will be installing a cable for services near the intersection of Sacramento and Thomas starting on Tuesday, November 7th. The project will take up to 4-5 weeks. No services will be interrupted by this work. Please see the map here as a reference.
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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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Mobile Hours with Team Jimenez
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Message from State Rep. Lilian Jimenez's office:
Dear Community! We will be sharing a monthly calendar with the dates we will be having mobile hours with 26th Ward Alderperson Jessie Fuentes.
Please view our November 2023’s calendar!
For assistance with state services please contact our office or fill out our Constituent Service Request form: bit.ly/4thofficehelp
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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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The Secretary of State has launched two “Senior Only” walk-in centers in the Chicago area. The two locations include the Evanston Civic Center, 2100 N. Ridge Road in Evanston and Seat Geek Stadium, 7000 S. Harlem Ave. in Bridgeview. Seniors at these locations will not need appointments, as these walk-in centers are specifically designed to meet their needs.
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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.
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Join CCPS tonight, Monday, November 13, 2023 at 6:30pm, for their monthly public meeting at Kennedy-King College U-Building (740 W 63rd Street Chicago, IL 60621). For those who are unable to attend the meeting in person, we offer the opportunity to join virtually, via Zoom.
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Picnic Permits Opening Day
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Forest Preserve picnic permits will be going on sale starting November 15th online and November 16th in person. Refer to the flyer above for additional information on locations.
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Toy Drive in Belmont-Cragin
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Las Damas de Belmont-Cragin are hosting a Toy Drive. Donate a minimum $25 new toy and receive a professional digital holiday photo in a Winter Wonderland setting! Sunday, December 3rd from 10am-1pm Emanuel Church, 5016 W Armitage Ave.
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Mentor Youth with iMentor Chicago
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iMentor Chicago is hosting two Fast Track to Mentoring Events on November 4th. This offers a fantastic opportunity for new participants to complete all the necessary steps to become a mentor in just one hour. Could you please include this opportunity in the upcoming newsletter under the heading "Fast Track to Mentoring"? Click here to register and learn more.
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Restore the Bathroom in Humboldt Park
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Does Your Future Need a Lift? Greater West Town's Shipping and Receiving Training Program gives you a competitive edge. All of their programs offer hands-on instruction, industry-level work environment, and job placement assistance at no cost. For more information go to: https://sr.gwtp.org/register.
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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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Free Wi-Fi and Afterschool Space
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Hermosa Neighborhood association is hosting a Youth After School space where they provide free wi-fi. See the hours listed above and visit ourhermosa.org for more info.
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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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