In this newsletter
26th Ward Office Updates • Community Events • Public Notices • Ways to get Involved • Job Opportunities • Resources.
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Dear Neighbors,
Earlier this month, I, along with the City Council, voted in support of calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. As the state with the largest Palestinian population in the U.S., and with the 5th largest Jewish population in the world, I know that we all are feeling the immense and ongoing pain and suffering. We all vote based on our experiences and historical analysis, and for me, the impacts of the colonization of Puerto Rico reverberate with the island and the diaspora alike. From the U.S. Navy bombing of Vieques has resulted in higher, ongoing rates of cancer among residents, to the involuntary sterilization of Puerto Rican women and the onslaught of gentrification of the island. I am proud that Chicago is the largest U.S. city to call for a ceasefire, and it is in part due to the hard work of organizers, including the CPS students who exercised their constitutional rights to demonstrate and speak up. We must always act in alignment with our values. If we value human life, if we value children, if we value caring for those who are injured, then we must demand the release of ALL hostages and humanitarian aid for Gaza, West Bank, Israel, and the broader region.
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In last week's Community Safety Committee meeting, participating community organizations joined together to discuss responses to crime in the 26th Ward. The group reflected on the December 18th Town Hall meeting, noting improvements to be made for future meetings to further highlight community voices. Student researcher Brielle Miles provided updates on crime trends in the 26th Ward from December 11, 2023–January 16, 2024. During this period, she found that violent crimes, particularly robberies, had decreased. The 26th Ward had 10 days with 0 reported violent crimes and 18 days with 0 reported robberies. The Committee also defined each organization's goals and plans for the coming year, particularly for increasing safety and resources for the community. The committee will meet again in late February to continue ongoing discussions about the ward's safety needs.
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In this coming week, I will be hosting two pop-ups where residents can join me for a drink (Coffee with Your Alderperson and Ward Night at Uncle Mike's). These pop-ups allow neighbors to meet with me and bring up any concerns or ideas you may have. I also provide legislative updates and will have staff available to process service requests.
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I would like to thank everyone for contacting our office when action is required. From dozens of calls and emails in support of the ceasefire resolution, our vulnerable neighbors, dogs off leashes, rodents, graffiti, and garbage. Collectively we are transforming our communities into safer, healthier and beautiful neighborhoods where we could live, eat, shop and enjoy the arts and cultures of the many great people who make up the 26th Ward. Please continue taking care of yourselves, our neighbors, our communities, and our ward.
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Your 26th Ward Alderperson,
Jessie Fuentes
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Coffee With Your Alderperson
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Join me on Saturday, February 17th at Café Calidá for free
coffee and pastries from 10am - 12pm. Ask questions, share your ideas, and communicate your community concerns. RSVP at: bit.ly/26coffee
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Humboldt Park Cleaning Dates
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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. Starting this week, our office's new regular hours of operation are as follows:
- Monday 1 pm - 7 pm*
- Tuesday 10 am - 5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am - 5 pm
- Thursday 10 am - 5 pm
- Friday 10 am - 5 pm.
*Ward Night: Monday's 5 pm - 7 pm
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26th Ward Alderperson Jessie Fuentes will host a special Ward Night on Monday, February 19th at Uncle Mike's (4010 W. Armitage) from 5:00-7:00pm.
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. Stay stunned for our next meeting date.
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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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Volunteer & Donate to Asylum Seekers
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El Árbol is a new free store in Logan Square. Visit elarbolchicago.com to arrange donation drop offs or to signup for a volunteer shift.
Donations of winter clothing and supplies for asylum seekers can also be dropped off at our office (2511 W Division St). Winter coats, blankets, winter gear and sleeping bags are especially in need.
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The 26th Ward community-driven zoning process requires that anyone requesting a zoning change must first complete a zoning intake form. Once their intake form has been reviewed they are 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, and to provide feedback on pending zoning requests, go to: the26thward.org/zoning.
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Remedios: A Collective Care Exchange
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Visit the Honeycomb Network this weekend for “Remedios: A Collective Care Exchange” on February 17th - 18th.This event is a transformative weekend event that offers a sanctuary for community members to explore and receive holistic care. This FREE community offering is a nexus for individuals to connect with an array of healers, service providers, and wellness practitioners, each showcasing their unique contributions to health and healing. Click here for more info on Honeycomb Network events.
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Small Business Tax Planning Workshop
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Do you have questions about federal taxes for your small business? Join the Center for Changing Lives for this 4-week series to support your small business with IRS Senior Stakeholder Liaison, Michael Mudroncik. Click here to register.
Topics include:
3/6/24: Federal Taxes and Your New Business
3/13/24: Schedule C and Other Small Business Taxes
3/20/24: Federal Taxes When Hiring Employees or Independent Contractors
3/27/24: Hiring People Who Live in the US Who Aren't Citizens
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Phoenix Electric Grand Opening
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Join Phoenix Electric as they celebrate moving into their new building in the 26th Ward. Food and drinks will be served. Plus, stop by to give input on a new mural proposal. Register here.
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Filming Notice 2/16 - 2/21
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Please be aware that Chicago Fire will be filming in the area this week and next week starting this Friday, February 16th at 7am which may affect parking on your street. See the flyer below for above for a list of all the blocks that will be affected from Friday, February 16th to Wednesday, February 21st.
Simulated smoke and fire will be performed on February 21st. For questions or concerns, please reach the location manager: Luis Perez (773) 525-2326.
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NEW Round of Community Development Grants
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The Chicago Department of Planning and Development is accepting applications for Community Development Grants for more than $250,000 until February 16, 2024. Community Development Grants support small businesses, nonprofits and property owners for local commercial, mixed-use and light manufacturing development. These grant programs are open to businesses, nonprofits, community developers and property owners.
Click here to register for an upcoming webinar on February 1, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. If you or your organization is interested in applying, you can find more information at bit.ly/chicagocdg.
Other financial incentives from the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development:
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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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Learn about City Contracting Opportunities
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The Department of Procurement Services provides opportunities to small, local, minorities, women, people with disabilities and veterans to ensure that the businesses that work on City contracts reflect the rich diversity of the City of Chicago. And they are now offering workshops
virtually. To register, sign-up at chicago.gov/dpsevents.
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Rodent Control Program Evaluation
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The Chicago Office of Inspector General is evaluating the City's Rodent Control Program. If you have information you would like to share please reach out by March 1st. Contact OIG at 833-TALK-2-IG, igchicago.org, or talk2ig@igchicago.org.
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Garbage and Recycling Reminders
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Get your trash and recycling pickup schedule and reminders (holidays, recycling events, bulky item pickup) emailed to you by using Recycle by City. Severe weather can affect the collection schedule. In the event of a delay, please leave your carts out until they have been collected. For missed pickups, please call 311.
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As part of a larger investment to accelerate an equitable adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in northern Illinois, ComEd launched a new rebate program to increase access to EV chargers. Through the $5 million EV Charger and Installation Rebate Program, ComEd customers can receive rebates of up to $3,750 to offset the cost of purchasing and installing a Level 2 charger in their home in 2024. For more information on application requirements, and to apply, visit ComEd.com/clean.
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Ballot Initiative Info: Bring Chicago Home
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The Bring Chicago Home (BCH) initiative seeks to restructure the Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT) to generate dedicated funds for permanent affordable housing, with voters deciding on this initiative on March 19, 2024. The proposal involves decreasing taxes for properties under $1 million and increasing them for properties exceeding $1 million. Click here to read the language on the referendum. If you have any questions, please contact our office.
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The Lowe’s Hometowns program is accepting applications until February 19, 2024 at 11:59pm ET. Any type of project that involves the physical improvement or renovation of a community space is eligible. All grants must go to a local nonprofit, school or city/municipality that is willing and able to take on the project. Past nominations have included: Community Resources/Space (e.g. park, senior citizen center, youth center, etc.); Safe Affordable Housing (e.g. critical repairs for shelters, block of homes, accessible home needs, etc.); Cultural Preservation (e.g. theatre or memorial renovation, etc.); Area Revitalization (e.g. a new playground at a community park, community garden, renovations to downtown areas, etc.). Click here to learn more.
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Northern Illinois Justice for Our Neighbors is a nonprofit organization that provides free high-quality legal services to low-income immigrants, engages in education and advocacy efforts and builds cross-cultural communities. They currently provide citizenship classes at the Northwest Community Church in Belmont Cragin. Once a student is ready to become a citizen, they schedule free consultations for them to complete their Applications for Naturalization with an attorney and help students apply for the Citizenship Scholarship, which covers the $725 USCIS fee. Learn more at www.nijfon.org.
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I encourage you to apply to become an election day judge in the 26th ward. We aim to fill all judge vacancies in our polling locations, to ensure a transparent and vibrant electoral experience for our community. This paid position offers a great opportunity to support our democratic process. Reach out to the 26th ward staff with any questions or to express your interest!
Office location: 2511 W Division Street, Chicago, IL 60622
Hours:
- Monday 1 pm - 5 pm*
- Tuesday 10 am - 5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am - 5 p
- Thursday 10 am - 5 pm
- Friday 10 am - 5 pm
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Las Damas de Belmont Cragin Fundraiser
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Las Damas de Belmont Cragin is a community organization focused on educating children, empowering women, and uplifting the community. This year their goal is to raise $5000 by March 8th—International Women’s Day and our theme is “Women of Impact”. Click here to support their fundraising goal.
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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Spring Registration
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If you’re looking for fresh ideas, engaging discussions, and meeting new friends, see the 2024 "Osher Lifelong Learning Institute" Spring Catalog of 100 study group descriptions, and how to join a friendly, active community of 1,000 adult learners age 50+. Together, they explore a wide vista of intriguing topics in contemporary issues, science, technology, history, creative arts, literature and more, starting March 5. Register online by February 19 for seven and 14-week study groups held in-person on Northwestern’s Chicago and Evanston campuses--and online. No tests or grades, just the enjoyment of learning together. To find out more, view their video: “A Taste of OLLI.” Questions? Email olli@northwestern.edu.
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Become an LSC Election Judge
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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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Apply to be a Park District Lifeguard
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Apply Now to be a Chicago Park District Summer Lifeguard!
Complete three easy steps: (1) Apply (2) Take the swim test (3) Get hired. Get a $50 Amazon gift card for taking the test, and $400 for completing the training. Must be a Chicago resident age 16 or older by July 1, 2024. Enjoy a summer job in the parks! Apply now at chicagoparkdistrict.com/lifeguards/CPS.
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Erie Family Health Centers makes healthcare more accessible and affordable for everyone in our community, and they’re inviting people to join their mission-driven team. Check out these opportunities to work as a Medical Assistant or Patient Access Representative.
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Cook County Sheriff's Office
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High School Fashion Competition
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"The Light" is holding auditions to join their 2024 ensemble where you can get paid $18/hour to create work for social change and tour the city in the summer. See dates above and go to collaboraction.org/the-light for more info and to sign up!
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Attend a Career Fair for Casa Central on February 22nd from 10am to 2pm at the Fisher Family Commuity Center (1335 N California). Learn more at casacentral.org/careers.
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Apply to be a Home Care Aide at Casa Central. Training is provided and there is a $500 sign-on bonus. Learn more at casacentral.org/careers.
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O'Hare Airport Concessions Symposium
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Join the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) to learn everything you need to know about financing an airport concession business, building upon the knowledge gained and shared at the 2024 O’Hare Airport Concessions Symposium. You will meet banks looking to work with small businesses and learn the ins-and-outs of the concessions industry. The Symposium is a great opportunity to mingle with others interested in airport concessions opportunities. Click here to learn more.
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School to Work Program for Young Adults
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Bridges is a program that assists young adults in Chicago with job readiness, work maturity skills, job search, interviewing skills, entry level job placement, retention, and follow‐up. For more information go to bridgestowork.org.
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The Department of Procurement Services Annual Construction Summit will take place on February 22nd at Malcom X from 9am to 4pm. The Construction Summit is a full-day, immersive resource fair that aims to assist small, women-owned, and minority-owned firms with building their capacity to participate in construction contracting opportunities with the City. The Summit is the ultimate gathering of construction enthusiasts that will feature an immersive agenda with interactive panel discussions, networking, and keynote presentations, offering businesses a must-attend opportunity to hear about upcoming projects.
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Other Career Opportunities
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Small Business Spotlight: Dove K9
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At Dove K9, we aspire to educate dog owners alike to troubleshoot the science behind canines behaviors in everyday scenarios. DoveK9 LLC provides dog training services that guarantee results! After a free consultation is completed, you and your dog team will get to experience the benefits of advocacy and accountability training. Learn more at: dovek9potential.com.
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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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