In this newsletter
26th Ward Office Updates • Community Events • Public Notices • Ways to get Involved • Job Opportunities • Resources.
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Dear Neighbors,
I am proud to lead in a city that can boldly claim Sanctuary City status. Chicago is a place of abundant, joyful, and just life because of our Black, brown, and immigrant coalition. We depend on being in community with each other. After a transformative conversation with Palenque LSNA, I, too, seek to challenge my colleagues to consider how Chicago can be an even greater sanctuary city. We must broaden and deepen our sanctuary status, which requires understanding our intersecting and common struggles while building toward a goal of solidarity. We have the tools, the will, and the power. It is our responsibility to protect those who are most vulnerable, and when we do, we are a stronger and more formative city.
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Last week's San Lucas Thanksgiving event went wonderfully. San Lucas Church opened their doors to the community for nearly five hours to provide those in need with a delicious dinner. The tables were as full as the people who were filling them. I joined volunteers, who were happy to serve over 100 neighbors, providing a much needed space to celebrate each other's company. Additionally, I am excited to see San Lucas’ new Pan y Liberación program grow. In partnership with Live Free Illinois, the program is designed to provide essential support to individuals who have experienced trauma. If you are interested in getting involved, supporting, or learning more about Pan y Liberación, reach out to 773-227-5747. San Lucas’ meals and case management are invaluable lifelines for some of our most vulnerable neighbors.
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I am excited to partner with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) on Thursday, December 14 for a training for school leadership from all of the schools in our Ward (see more details below). ICIRR is dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees to full and equal participation in civic, cultural, social, and political life in our diverse society. Hosted by Roberto Clemente Community Academy's Welcoming Center, school leaders will learn about the many resources to support our newcomer students. Space is limited, but if you or your organization provides direct services to migrant young people, please reach out to marie@the26thward.org to attend.
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Your 26th Ward Alderperson,
Jessie Fuentes
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Save the Date: 26th Ward Community Safety Town Hall
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Save the date for a 26th Ward Community Safety Town Hall on Monday, December 18th at Mcauliffe Elementary, 1841 N Springfield. At this Town Hall there will be reports from the Deputy Mayor of Community Safety, updated from violence prevention organizations, and information on ways to get engaged. Stay tuned for more details.
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Join us on Thursday, December 14, 2023 from 12pm - 3pm for a Winter Senior Gala to be held at Regency Inn Banquets located at 5319 W. Diversey Ave. Guests can RSVP at: bit.ly/26gala. If you have any questions, please call 773.292.0202. Each senior (65+) needs to register individually. We look forward to celebrating with you all!
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Workshops for School Leadership
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You are invited to join the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) for interactive workshops tailored for school leaders who work directly with migrant students and families. Share strategies, networks, and partnerships so we can better serve our newcomers. This workshop will take place on Thursday, December 14th from 8am to 11am at the RCCA Welcoming Center (1147 N Western Ave). RSVP at marie@the26thward.org.
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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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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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Free Table Talk at El Schomburg
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Table talk featuring Aysha E. Schomburg, great-grandaughter of Afro-Boricua scholar Arturo Alfonso Schomburg. Join on December 2nd to welcome Aysha and learn more about Schomburg’s impactful legacy and contributions to Black and American History. Click here for more info.
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Concierto Jíbaro Navideño
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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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Girls' 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 Paint & 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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Winter Parking Ban Starts Dec 1st
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Beginning December 1st , if you see a posted sign that says no parking between 3AM and 7AM that means that the winter overnight parking ban is in effect on this street, whether it snows or not. In the 26th Ward, Division Street is effected. Do not park at these locations between 3AM & 7AM from now until April 1st or you will be ticketed and towed. You should also avoid parking here during heavy snow storms when more than 2 inches of snow has fallen. If you believe that your vehicle has been towed you can dial 311 for more information or consult the City of Chicago’s homepage at www.Cityofchicago.Org.
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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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Universal Television, LLC will be filming several scenes in your neighborhood on Monday, December 4th. In order to park the necessary vehicles and equipment for filming, the following streets will be posted as a NO PARKING / TOW ZONE from 8PM Sunday, December 3rd - 11PM Monday, December 4th:
-> West side of Luis Munoz Marin Drive from Albany to Beach
-> South side of North Ave from 3147 W. North Avenue east to driveway.
PLEASE NOTE: On Monday, December 4th from 9AM - 3PM there will be INTERMITTENT TRAFFIC CONTROL on Humboldt Boulevard from North Ave south to Luis Munoz Marin Drive during filming.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Location Manager, Curtis Lehmkuhl, at 312-725-9754.
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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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Attend the 14th District CCPS for a public meeting on Saturday, December 2nd at the Chicago Public Library, Humboldt Park Branch
1605 N Troy St. Join the Committee's mailing list, ask questions, and submit your suggestions via email: 14thDistrictPublicSafety@gmail.com.
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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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ENLACE Scholarship Fundraiser
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Join ENLACE's leadership institute to celebrate a night of community, laughter, food, dance, and culture. This year ENLACE’s Leadership Institute Cohort committed to organizing a fundraiser to support "Proyecto Pa’Lante's endowment scholarship" fund at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU). Proyecto Pa’Lante supports first-generation, low-income, undergraduate Latinx students by eliminating systemic barriers to their educational and professional dreams. Register here.
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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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Computer Science Education Week
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If you like working with computers, Wright College has a program that can prepare you for a career in it. High school students, high school graduates, those looking for a college degree, workers who want to change careers, and other community members: there are programs for you at Wright. Attend information sessions on Decembet 6th and 7th starting at 9am at WIlbur Wright College (43oo N Narragansett Ave).
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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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