In this newsletter
26th Ward Office Updates • Community Events • Public Notices • Ways to get Involved • Job Opportunities • Resources.
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Dear Neighbors,
First, a few updates from our Ward Superintendent Hugo. As we move into the holidays, be sure to regularly check the Recycle By City website to double check the days of your recycling and garbage pickup. All pickups scheduled for this Thursday will be picked up on Wednesday. Additionally, today is the final day of street sweeping for 2023. See below for more details regarding schedule changes.
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Last Monday, the 26th Ward Youth Council welcomed new members from Stowe Elementary and Chi Arts. Members discussed their proposals for playground and soccer field upgrades, integrating welcoming features that could engage local youth. Youth ages 12-24 are welcome to our December 11th meeting to finalize our voting process. Special thank you to Jeannette of the Teresa Roldan Apartments for allowing us to use their space to meet as our membership grows! See the flyer below for information about our December meeting.
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Before the budget vote last Wednesday, the People’s Unity Platform hosted a press conference, where I was proud to see James representing GoodKids MadCity and speaking about the important investment in the Peacebook Ordinance.
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We are continuing to work with DFSS and now the Chicago Department of Health to bring peacekeeper positions to young people. Our next steps are to work with the Legislative Reference Bureau to ensure that the Ordinance is written to be fully passed in City Council next year.
Highlighted wins in the 2024 budget include investments in: re-establishing the Department of Environment;
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$15 million in mental health to advance Treatment Not Trauma; $250 million in houselessness supports; $150 million in new arrivals; and $209 million in anti-violence programming, restorative justice, and gender-based violence prevention and intervention. This budget is a moral document, and I congratulate the Mayor on making a deposit on the promises that many of us have made to invest in our communities. The budget reifies the City’s commitment to people.
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It was an honor to participate in the Chicago Public School's (CPS) regional Bilingual Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting held at Funston Elementary last week. We extend our sincere appreciation to Principal Trevino and Assistant Principal Toledo for the invitation. The BAC plays a pivotal role in empowering parents to navigate the complexities of the CPS system, especially for those whose primary language may not be English. It serves as a platform for fostering understanding and communication, ensuring that all parents, regardless of language barriers, have the resources and support they need to actively engage in their child's education. By actively participating in initiatives like the BAC, we collectively strengthen the bond between the school and parents, creating an environment where every child can thrive academically. A special mention to the students of Funston for displaying their talents through music and dance before the meeting convened.
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We had a constructive meeting with the Illinois Union for the Homeless to ensure the protection of their property and address the pressing needs of our unhoused neighbors. Our unhoused neighbors urgently require propane tanks, bedding, and blankets to navigate the upcoming challenges. We invite the community to contribute to this effort by dropping off supplies at our office. Working closely with the Illinois Union for the Homeless, we will ensure that these resources reach those who need them most. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of the unhoused population, fostering a sense of community and compassion.
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Combining efforts with Senator Omar Aquino, ALSO, and Unidóm, our offices were able to give away 450 turkeys and groceries! Many braved the cold and waited patiently for the deliveries, and we were grateful to put smiles on so many faces. If you received a turkey, we would love to see how your family prepared your meal! Share your photos with info@the26thward.org.
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We were also able to give away turkeys at our Health & Housing Expo on Saturday at the McCormick YMCA. Appreciation to all of our vendors who connected our constituents with many services, from tax appeals to turkey cooking instructions to health screenings to so much more. I also reconnected with Milagros, a case worker I worked closely with at Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School. She, too, was able to take home a turkey.
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While at the expo, YMCA’s Youth Council invited me to join their meeting. I am constantly inspired by the work young people engage in. We talked about the importance of affordable housing and community safety. I shared how we developed the 26th Ward Community Safety Committee and Youth Council, and I envision building coalition between the separate groups. Thank you for allowing me to sit in and learn!
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Tis the season of gratitude, and I cannot express how proud I am to represent each and every one of you. You all trust me to support our communities with an ethos of love and care, and I feel that support reciprocated. I hope you are able to share this holiday break with your loved ones as we stand in solidarity with indigenous people.
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Your 26th Ward Alderperson,
Jessie Fuentes
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Due to the holiday, anyone with a Thursday 11/23/23 trash pickup day will be picked up 1-2 days prior. Have your trashcans out early! For questions, call Streets and Sanitation's office division at: 312.742.4119. For recycling, be aware that pick-up is every other week. Click here to review your garbage and recycling pick-up schedule.
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Make sure to pick up and bag your leaves, and do not sweep them into the street. Thank you all for doing your part in keeping our Ward clean! The City of Chicago coordinates dedicated bagged leaf and other yard waste collection trucks to assist residents in clearing their yards, parkways and storm drains of leaf debris.
Residents can call 311 to request separate yard waste collection. Yard waste should be left in the alley or at the curb for collection, and bagged separately from garbage in the black cart and separately from recycling in the blue. The Department will collect the bags based on 311 requests and take it to be composted. Yard waste consists of leaves, grass clippings, branches, brush, clippings from shrubbery, and garden waste. Yard waste does not include dirt, rocks, or gravel.
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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 will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 23rd and 24th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Normal operations will resume on Monday, November 27th from 1pm-5pm. Contact us with pressing concerns at info@the26thward.org
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, December 11th 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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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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Chicago Cuatro Orchestra Concert
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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. On Saturday, December 9th at 7pm.
Click here for more information and tickets.
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Girl's Day at Play Sports Clinic
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Join an interactive Sports Training for middle school girls on Saturday, December 9th from 10am to 2pm at Roberto Clemente's Physical Education Building (2334 W Division St).
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Spray Paing & Sing Holiday Party
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Join Chicago a cappella at The Graff (3525 W. Grand Ave. Chicago, IL 60651) on Friday, December 15 at 7 pm for a unique all-ages, family-friendly holiday party featuring an interactive spray paint workshop led by Studio W.I.P., photo booth, raffle prizes, drinks, local food, and singing! Chicago a cappella is a non-profit choral ensemble dedicated to advancing the art and appreciation of ensemble singing. Tickets are available on a sliding scale. Click here for more information.
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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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On November 27th, Peoples Gas will be begin replacing main pipelines at the intersections of: Central Park Ave and Shakespeare; Central Park and Dickens Ave; Kedzie and Dickens Ave. This will provide better service for customers. Please see the map here as a reference. The project is expected to be done by the spring of next year. Impacted residents received letters on 11/2/23.
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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.
PSA: This week is the final week of the year for street sweeping!
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Postponed: Mobile Hours with Team Jimenez
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Mobile hours with State Rep. Lilian Jimenez's team are postponed this month.
For assistance with state services please contact their office or fill out a 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 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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The 11th District CPD is hosting a Gun Turn In on Saturday December 2nd, 2023, 10:00 am to 2:00pm at the JLM Center 2622 W. Jackson Blvd. If there are any questions and/or concerns, please reach out to 11th District CAPS.
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Call for Proposals: Night Out in the Parks
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Calling all arts performers, collectives, and organizations! The application to be part of the 12th annual Night Out in the Parks season is OPEN. The season will run from June 2024 to December 2024.
Submit your proposals at www.nightoutintheparks.com by December 10, 2023.
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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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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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Cook County Health Nursing Job Fair
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Join Cook County Health on Wednesday, November 29th from 9am to 3pm at the Cook County Health Professional Building (1950 W Polk St, 5th floor).
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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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