In this newsletter
26th Ward Office Updates  • Community Events  • Public Notices • Ways to get Involved • Job Opportunities • Resources.
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Dear Neighbors,Â
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Reflecting on the events of the past week in the 26th Ward has been both rewarding and enlightening. The engagement we experienced during Ward Night at The Clipper was truly encouraging. I extend my sincere thanks to Timo Martinez and The Clipper staff for their gracious hosting and assistance in spreading the word. The high turnout was a testament to the community's eagerness to voice concerns and seek solutions, and my team and I were pleased to address these matters.Â
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A highlight of the week was the insightful tour of the Life Impactors Foundation with Alderperson Carlos Ramirez Rosa. Located in the 35th Ward but serving many from the 26th, Life Impactors impressed us with their dedication to housing asylum seekers, operating a food pantry, and supporting returning citizens. We extend our gratitude to co-founder and program director Yolanda Peña and the Life Impactors team for ensuring our communities are safe, secure, and welcoming for all.
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Visiting Mitchell Elementary provided a valuable opportunity to connect with young minds eager to make a difference. I was invited to speak after a few residents' children insisted I visit their classroom. I visited Mr. Nathan Ramin's 8th grade Social Studies class where students prepared questions for me on issues related to migrants and people experiencing homelessness in the neighborhood.
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The enthusiasm of Mr. Ramin's class, who organized a clothing drive for those in need, reflects the positive impact our youth can have when given the opportunity and encouragement to engage with their community.
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Looking ahead, changes are underway at the 26th Ward office. A recent three-hour retreat allowed my team and I to reflect on our work, celebrate successes, and identify areas for improvement. This commitment to self-assessment and recalibration underscores our dedication to better serving our neighbors. As we make these adjustments, rest assured that we are maximizing our time together to enhance our systems and responsiveness. We are committed to creating a safer, more vibrant community in the 26th Ward. I am grateful for the ongoing support and engagement of our residents and look forward to continued progress.
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Your 26th Ward Alderperson,
Jessie Fuentes
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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. Register at bit.ly/safety26.
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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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Fundraiser for Illinois Union of the Homeless
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You’re invited to join the Illinois Union of the Homeless' Winter Offensive fundraiser, Sunday, December 10th, 4-7 PM at Jessie Fuentes’ Campaign Office, 1746 N Kimball Avenue. Come learn about the work and raise money for heating, blankets and other crucial survival materials. The Winter Offensive is a survival campaign to provide heating, blankets, coats, and food. RSVP here: bit.ly/ILUHRSVP Corrected: Donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/37hf1p7xfc.Â
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Workshops for School LeadershipÂ
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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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Property Tax Appeal Workshop
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Learn about the tax appeal process and how to appeal! Join us for this property tax appeal workshop on December 20th, from 5pm to 7pm at the Humboldt Park Field house. Analysts will be on hand to assist with your appeal and answer questions in English and Spanish.Â
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17th Annual Paseo Boricua Parranda
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Join us for the 17th Annual Paseo Boricua Parranda featuring La Escuelita Bombera de Corazón on Saturday, December 23rd at 4pm beginning at Teresa Roldán Apartments (1154 N Campbell).
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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.
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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.Â
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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.Â
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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.
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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.Â
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On Monday, December 11th Association House of Chicago and ShowerUp will be partnering to serve those experiencing homelessness and anyone in need by providing mobile showers. You can help by dropping off toiletry donations through Friday December 8th at Association House's office located at 1116 N. Kedzie Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60651.
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Las Posadas Rally for Housing
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Join Logan Square Ecumenical Alliance's 11th Annual Las Posada rally for public and affordable housing on Saturday, December 9, at 10:00 am at the Logan Square Eagle Monument. Hot chocolate and tamales will be provided.
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Concierto JĂbaro 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.
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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).Â
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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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Family Night at Humboldt Park Health
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Join Humboldt Park Health for a festive evening on Thursday, December 21st (5-8pm). There will be free gifts including childrens coats and other fun surprises. For more information contact the HPH foundation at 312-824-6715 or foundation@hph.care.
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Winter Parking Ban Started 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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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.Â
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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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Run for your Local School Council
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If you are a parent of a current student at your school or a community member in your school’s attendance boundary or voting district, we encourage you to consider running as a candidate in your school’s LSC election! Interested candidates must submit an application and two forms of identification to your school’s main office by the 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2024. Visit cps.edu/lsc for questions about becoming a candidate.
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You could earn $275 a day working as a LSC Election Judge. Chicago Public Schools is looking for election judges for the Spring 2024 Local School Council Elections. Elections will be conducted in person at individual schools in April. For more information, contact the office of LSC relations at 773-553-1400 or email Iscrelations@cps.edu.
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Humboldt Park Mentoring Programs
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New Life Centers offers free, year-round mentoring programs in Humboldt Park for youth in grades 6th through 12th. For more information visit newlifecenters.org/HPmentoring or call (312)291-1658.
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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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Other Career Opportunities
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Local Jobs
- New Life is hiring for several positions (Near Jackson
Blvd & Central Park Ave). They need help as they work to receive new arrivals. Bilingual language skills are required. For more information contact (773)531-4411.Â
- Monitor from 6pm-10pm - $16 per hour
- Security 10pm -6am - $20 per hour.
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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.
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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.Â
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