In this newsletter
26th Ward Office Updates • Community Events • Public Notices • Ways to get Involved • Job Opportunities • Resources
|
Dear Neighbors,
In late March, I hosted a community meeting about a North Avenue Improvements Project in partnership with CDOT. We discussed exciting upgrades proposed from Kedzie to Kostner avenues that are aimed at creating a unified, safe, walkable and revitalized North Avenue. The project spans three wards and includes wider sidewalks, seating areas, improved crosswalks, bike lanes, and new amenities. This meeting was the first of many and final plans will depend on your feedback! Residents can learn more here via Block Club Chicago and provide feedback in an online survey linked here in English and Spanish.
|
I want to extend my deep appreciation to all the neighbors who joined me. Your engagement and thoughtful discussions regarding improvements to our community were well received. Your participation reflects the strength of our community. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact on our neighborhood.
I also want to thank everyone who participated in our first Shred-a-thon event, co-hosted by State Rep. Lilian Jiménez. It was great to see so many residents taking advantage of the opportunity to recycle and safely dispose of sensitive documents. We are looking forward to hosting more events like this later in the year.
|
On Wednesday, the Immigration Committee met to discuss an ordinance to change what and how often the Department of Family and Support Services reports City of Chicago shelter data. The ordinance, passed by the City Council of Chicago, establishes reporting requirements regarding emergency temporary shelters for immigrants. The Department of Family and Support Services is tasked with reporting the number of individuals removed from shelters weekly, including anonymized data on gender, age, country of origin, and removal details. Additionally, the Department must report every two weeks on the number of individuals in shelters, admissions, grievances, exemptions from removal, and removals. This information will be made available on the Chicago Data Portal with privacy protections. The Department must also provide a report on individuals removed from shelters prior to the ordinance's effective date. The ordinance is subject to existing municipal code and takes effect 30 days after passage, automatically repealing itself 120 days after the city stops enforcing a limited-stay policy for emergency shelters
|
We're thrilled to welcome two outstanding additions to the Ward team! Antoñio Ruiz has returned to the 26th Ward as our Barrio Services Coordinator, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his previous roles as the Neighborhood Services Coordinator in both the 1st and 26th Wards. His expertise in public service is invaluable, and we're excited to have him back home. Joining us as the Director of Community Engagement & Communications is Brendan Alemán, whose background as the District Director for State Senator Villanueva in the 12th Senate District makes him a perfect fit for our team. Together, Antoñio and Brendan bring a passion for serving the community and a dedication to fostering positive change in our neighborhood!
Lastly, I want to send a huge shout out to Principal Rodríguez and her staff at Lowell Elementary for their incredible initiative highlighted in this inspiring Block Club Chicago article!
|
Photo from Block Club Chicago. "Cristina Guaman, Carmen Tello and Katty Eras, all from Ecuador, are taking an English as a Second Language class, which is taught to parents and relatives at Lowell Elementary School in Humboldt Park on March 7, 2024. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago."
|
By offering English literacy classes to parents, they're not just enhancing opportunities for employment and education but also fostering a stronger sense of community within Humboldt Park. Kudos to their dedication to empowering families and creating an inclusive learning environment for our new arrivals.
|
Thank you for reading! Stay connected for more exciting updates next week.
Your 26th Ward Alderperson,
Jessie Fuentes
|
26th Ward Housing Resource Fair
|
Join us to learn about resources for renter homeowners, and prospectives home buyers. Save the date for our Housing Resource fair on Monday, April 22nd, 6pm at Newlife Covenant Church, 3400 W Division St.
|
Your feedback is important to us. My office would like to learn more about your experiences and interactions with city departments. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey regarding your interactions with city departments. Your responses will help us improve our services and identify gaps in service. Complete the survey at:
bit.ly/cityfeedback26.
|
Connect with the 26th Ward Office
|
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.
|
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.
|
We're Hiring Young People!
|
We are hiring 15 young people ages 16-24 to work with our office during the summer. Interested in photography, government, or helping your neighbors? Apply at www.onesummerchicago.org. Make sure you choose Alternative Schools Network for the agency you want to work with. Applications are due FRIDAY, MAY 3.
|
Survey: Bike Lanes on North Ave
|
Complete a public survey today to share your experience with bike lanes on North Ave between Central Park Ave and California Ave!
|
Work Permit Volunteers Needed
|
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.
|
Free Car Light Repair Event
|
Residents can get FREE car light repairs, and there will also be electronic recycling, shredding, and drug takeback at this event on April 11th at Prosser Career Academy from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. To register for the event please visit: https://bit.ly/sherifflightsaver
|
Treatment Not Trauma Meeting
|
Join the Mayor’s Office and the Treatment Not Trauma Working Group for a community meeting. This meeting will give updates about the work of the Treatment Not Trauma Working Group and will provide opportunities for community input that will help inform the Treatment Not Trauma report. Sign up using the following link. cloud.citynews.chicago.gov/TNT
|
Mark your calendars we are excited to announce that Sabin Dual Language School will be hosting their first Annual Sabin Block Party from 12-4pm, on Saturday May 18th.
The Block Party will feature performances by the Jesse White Tumblers, live music, a poetry slam, crafts, games, food trucks, CFD fire truck, vendors, community celebration! Scan the code above for more information.
|
Zero Landfill Material Giveaway
|
Calling all artists, teachers, crafters, and more; join this event on May 4 from 10am-1pm for a FREE material giveaway. Items available include Design and Architectural samples like fabric, tile, laminate, vinyl, rubber, wallcovering, glass, wood, binders, and more!
|
Homebuyer Orientation Workshop
|
Learn how to prepare on becoming a homeowner and see a new construction smart electric home around the corner right after. Saturday April 13, 2024 from 11:00am - 1:00pm at 3507 W Chicago Ave.
|
Contact 2-1-1 for Free Tax Prep
|
This tax season, 211 Metro Chicago is a point of contact for those seeking help filing their taxes. Offered through the City of Chicago and Ladder Up, residents can contact 2-1-1 to get connected to free tax preparation and find a site near them. You can also search for a nearby site by going to www.goladderup.org/locations/.
|
Property Tax Exemptions Now Open
|
Property tax–saving exemptions applications for the 2023 tax year are now available online. Exemptions are savings that contribute to lowering a homeowner’s property tax bill. The most common is the Homeowner Exemption, which saves a property owner an average of $950 dollars each year. New homeowners, first-time applicants, or those that need to reapply can now do so online at cookcountyassessor.com/exemptions. Homeowners are strongly encouraged to apply online so there is a digital record of their application. This allows Assessor staff to easily locate the application, provide a status update, and notify the homeowner if missing documents are needed.
|
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.
|
14th Police District Council
|
Join elected District Councilors every first Saturday of the month at 1pm to work for better police accountability, restorative justice, and evidence based approaches to public safety. Please sign up at bit.ly/do14news for Councillor David Orlikoff's newsletter or email David.Orlikoff@cityofchicago.org with questions.
|
Humboldt Condos Now Listed
|
The Chicago Housing Trust has recently listed Six 2BR condos at 1508 N Harding near North and Pulaski. These condos are restricted to households making under 100% of the area median income.
Live in a beautifully renovated 100-year-old Chicago 6-flat with a huge yard, five minutes to Humboldt Park, a short bike ride to the 606/Bloomingdale Trail, and 2 blocks from the North and Pulaski bus lines.
Contact 1508nharding@gmail.com or call/text Denise Reyes at (773) 391-1960 for details. Click here to apply.
|
Garbage and Recycling Reminders
|
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.
|
The American Association of Blacks in Energy Scholarship is now open
|
This year the Chicago Metropolitan Chapter will be awarding up to $20,000 in funds to Chicago and surrounding area scholars, along with additional opportunities to qualify for National scholarships as well. For more information on scholarships please visit: https://www.aabe.org and click on the "Student Opportunities" tab.
|
Scholarship program for the 2024-2025 academic year. The CCLF will award over $200,000 scholarship dollars in the form of $5,000 scholarships to 40 qualified students from across Chicago. Scholars can apply online at ccclatinocaucus.org/about-scholarships. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 3, 2024 at 11:59pm. Eligibility:
- U.S. Citizenship is NOT required for this scholarship
- Students must be at least one-half Hispanic/Latino. Hispanic/Latino is an ethnic category, not a racial category; students may be of any race
- Applicants must be a resident of the City of Chicago
- Applicant must be a current high school senior graduating in 2024, OR a General Education Diploma (“GED”) certificate holder, OR an undergraduate student with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0/4.0
|
Residential Electronics Recycling
|
See the flyer for information on drop-off locations for electronics ranging from computers and TVs to printers and game consoles.
|
Pet Adoption Fees Waived in April
|
Spring has sprung at Chicago Animal Care Control (CACC), and it's the purrfect time to welcome a furry friend into your life! Throughout the entire month of April, CACC is hosting its "Spring Furever" adoption event, offering a second bloom for shelter pets and a chance for them to find their forever homes! Adoption fees will be waived every weekend at CACC, giving you the opportunity to open your heart and home to a deserving animal companion. Additionally, adoption fees will be waived throughout April for any pet who has been at the shelter for 30 days or longer.
|
Vaccine and Microchip Clinics
|
Animal Care and Control is also offering Vaccine and Microchip Clinics for dogs now through July. See the dates, locations, and details above.
|
Introductory Guide to City Services
|
If you want to learn how to access city resources and take an active role in your community, you can download our Introductory Guide to City Services. The guide includes steps to submit an infrastructure request, host a community event, get immigration, re-entry or domestic violence support, find your elected officials, and engage with various city departments. It also provides information on how to access critical services.
|
Park District Spring Classes
|
See the flyers above for information on Spring 2024 classes being offered at Humboldt Park and Mozart Park, April through June. For specific program details. registration dates and more information, visit: ChicagoParkDistrict.com/Programs.
|
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
|
CEDA is offering financial assistance to eligible families who reside in Suburban Cook County and are looking to register their children in enrichment activities including summer camp, sports, performing arts and more. Learn more at (312) 795-8948 or visit www.cedaorg.net.
|
Cannabis Retail Management Vendor Training
|
The citywide Earth Day Parks Clean Up is Saturday, April 20. Join thousands of volunteers in parks across Chicago in picking up litter and putting down mulch to give our precious green spaces a fresh start for the season. To make this event possible, we need site captains to recruit and organize all those wonderful volunteers. Click here to sign up to be a site captain for your park.
|
Tree Ambassador Training Program
|
The Tree Ambassador Training Program offers a $100 cash incentive for every participant who finishes the indoor/online and outdoor training sessions. The indoor/online training session is 1-hour long.
|
Restore, Reinvest, & Renew Grants Now Open
|
Apply now for the Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (#R3) Program! This grant will help us continue providing services such as youth development and violence prevention. Nonprofits, faith-based organizations, businesses, and other community or neighborhood associations may apply for grants individually or in a collaborative with other groups. Click here to learn more. The deadline is April 30th.
|
The Chicago Public Schools Talent Office is hosting the monthly CPS Job Paraprofessional Fair in the community for positions with Chicago Public Schools on Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 10:00am - 1:00pm at St. Sabina - McMahon Hall, 1210 West 78th Place, Chicago, IL 60620. We want to encourage members of the community to apply for positions within CPS in the area in which they live at www.cps.edu/careers.
|
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.
|
High School Internships at CTA
|
We're working with One Summer Chicago to provide 250 high school students with a 7-week paid internship at CTA! Interns will participate in a robust hybrid experience that includes an innovative approach to our hallmark model of work experience, professional development, and mentorship from transportation industry leaders. Apply today: https://ow.ly/uTqv50QFVJX
|
School to Work Program for Young Adults
|
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.
|
Career Opportunities with the City
|
New Program Connects Landlords and Vacant Apartments To Folks In Need
|
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.
|
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.
|
|
