In this newsletter
26th Ward Office Updates • Community Events for Youth • Community Events • Public Notices • Job Opportunities • Resources
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Dear neighbor,
This year’s San Juan 5K, held on Father’s Day in Humboldt Park, was a spectacular event that brought together our community in a vibrant display of pride and health. The 5K route was a sea of blue beautifully designed shirts as over 500 enthusiastic participants took part in the walk/run, creating a memorable and festive Father’s Day. One of the most beautiful aspects of the 5K was seeing multiple generations of families participating together. It was heartwarming to witness grandparents, parents, and children all coming together to celebrate the day and support Tú Casa.
I would like to give special recognition to two runners. First, my beautiful wife Becky, who diligently trained for the 5K over the past month. Her dedication paid off as she surpassed her time from last year by an impressive 4 minutes, securing 3rd place in her age group. Second, I want to highlight Xavier Colón a resident who ran as part of our contingent. Xavier has been partnering with our Youth Council for several months, and his commitment to training for the 5K was evident. His hard work earned him 2nd place in his age group and 16th place overall.
Congratulations to the 5K organizers, Michelle and Melissa Gómez, for orchestrating such a wonderful event, and to all the participants for their incredible efforts. The San Juan 5K was not just a race but a celebration of community, family, and the spirit of perseverance. Thank you all for making this event a resounding success.
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Congratulations to the 5K organizers, Michelle and Melissa Gómez, for orchestrating such a wonderful event, and to all the participants for their incredible efforts. The San Juan 5K was not just a race but a celebration of community, family, and the spirit of perseverance. Thank you all for making this event a resounding success.
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Dr. Ige, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health, visited the 26th Ward last week. We thank her for witnessing the excellent work in public health. During the visit, she toured diverse health programs at the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, including the Youth Boxing program, HOPWA Rehab, and El Rescate. These programs demonstrate innovative approaches to healthcare, violence prevention, affordable housing, cultural competency, and community services.
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On Thursday, I hosted my first 26th Ward Business Summit. The event brought together city, county, and state agencies to provide resources to our small business owners. Thank you to SRBCC for hosting and to all participating organizations. Special thanks to BACP Office of Labor Standards, the Department of Planning and Development, the Center for Changing Lives, and One Fair Wage for covering topics like business licensing, the One Fair Wage ordinance, city grants, and social media branding. If you missed any workshops, you can review the presentation here. Appreciation to Luis and Milton from Clemente Academy for serving as our sound engineers.
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Humboldt Park Beach, Chicago's only inland beach, reopened on Monday, June 17th after a four-year closure. This week, it provided much-needed relief from temperatures in the 90s. As an artificial beach, it requires extra care to remain clean and accessible. The Park District encourages visitors to:
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Dispose of trash in the provided receptacles,
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Refrain from feeding birds,
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Use waterproof swim pants for small children, and
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Keep dogs out of the water and away from the beach.
Together, we could keep our beach operable and accessible to all.
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Big shoutout to Director of Policy & Zoning Alexis Smyser-De Leon for stepping up at the last Committee on Zoning! I passed an 8 million dollar bond for 45 affordable housing apartments at last week’s city council meeting. Bonds are a way for the City to invest in large-scale projects without immediately depleting the budget. This allows the city to invest in essential infrastructure and community projects that might otherwise be unaffordable. There is a significant demand for affordable housing in the 26th Ward. Funding new housing developments not only meets this demand, they also reduce homelessness and housing insecurity.
My office is committed to serving every resident and meeting them where they are. I am honored to represent this ward everyday and I am committed to doing the work. If you would like to set up an appointment, please send an email to info@the26thward.org to get signed up for our Ward Nights. Share our newsletter with a friend and ask them to sign up for our weekly updates and news at www.the26thward.org.
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With pride and gratitude,
Alderperson Jessie Fuentes
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The 26th Ward office is located at 2511 W. Division St. Our office's regular hours of operation are as follows:
*The office will be closed everyday from 1-2pm for lunch*
- Monday 2 pm - 5 pm*
- Tuesday 9 am - 5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am - 5 pm
- Thursday 9 am - 5 pm
- Friday 9 am - 5 pm.
*Ward Night: Mondays 5 pm - 7 pm
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Ward Nights are an opportunity to meet with Alderperson Fuentes about local or city issues. Meetings take place every Monday between 5pm - 7pm, are by appointment only, and available 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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Join the Call for a New Non-Congregate Shelter in Humboldt Park!
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As the Alderperson of the 26th Ward, I believe it is imperative that we seek compassionate solutions for the issues that affect all residents of the 26th Ward, including our unhoused neighbors in Humboldt Park.
Non-congregate shelters offer safer, more dignified living conditions than congregate shelters by providing individual rooms that grant privacy and autonomy to individuals experiencing homelessness.
By establishing a non-congregate shelter in Humboldt Park, we can address immediate needs while working towards long-term solutions for affordable housing and housing stability. By supporting this community initiative, we can work towards ensuring that all residents have access to safe shelter. Join me by adding your name to this petition if you want the City of Chicago to invest in a non-congregate shelter in Humboldt Park.
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Street Sweeping Map & Schedule
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Street sweeping takes place between April and November. Click map to enlarge.
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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.
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We are currently reviewing zoning change requests for the following properties. You are invited to provide feedback at: the26thward.org/zoning.
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Community Events for Youth
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Summer Film Club at Clemente
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Join the Cocuyo Summer Film Club for elementary students at Clemente Community Academy from 7/1/24 - 7/19/24. For more information please click here.
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Culinary Club Club at Clemente
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The Plates & Pixels Culinary Club is looking for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders! Join Chef Pérez to learn about food styling, photography, and online portfolios. For more information please click here.
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ChiArts has announced their summer camp for 6-8th graders from July 8th - 26th. For more information regarding their summer camp, please email summercamp@chiarts.org.
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CTO 2024 Empowerment Scholarship
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To be eligible for a $5,000 award, which a student can use to pay for any education-related expenses, a student must be a graduating senior enrolled in an institution of higher learning in the fall of 2024 and submit a completed application, including an essay, high school transcripts and other materials by 11:59pm, on Sunday June 30, 2024. To apply, visit www.cps.academicworks.com/users/sign_in.
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Chicago Youth Centers is Now Enrolling for Head Start & Early Head Start Programs
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Are you looking for a Head Start and/or Early Head Start child program? Look no further as Chicago Youth Centers has announced they have launched their enrollment application as they plan to unveil a new center in the 26th Ward! To enrolled your children please click here.
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New Life Centers: Beloved Community Bash
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New Life Center is hosting a series of Community Bashes! Stop by for free food, resources music and fun activities for the youth!
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El Corillo Original de Humboldt Park
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El Corillo Original de Humboldt Park is starting up music at LeMoyne & California this Sunday, June 23! Music will continue every Sunday throughout the summer.
To donate, contact Ellie at 312-597-5188
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Casa Central is hosting its 2024 Health Fair on Thursday, June 27th from 2-6pm, at the Casa Central Fisher Family Community Center at 1335 N. California Ave. Free and open to the public.
An array of organizations will be present to provide information about their health-related services. Plus — Casa Central is hiring! Job seekers are encouraged to attend to learn about career opportunities and fill out applications.
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Financial Fundamentals Workshop
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Money Matters Institute (MMI), is a free comprehensive and convenient money management and financial wellness program. MMI is designed to equip all Chicago residents, no matter their age, income or background, with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to build wealth today for tomorrow. To register, click here.
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FREE CONCERT presented by Chicago a cappella on Thursday, July 11 at 7:30 pm at the Humboldt Park Boathouse. Bring your lawn chairs! Chicago a capella returns to Humboldt Park neighborhood for a performance featuring selections from our History of Harmony program with nature as their backdrop.
You can learn more about the event and CAC here.
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Project Vida's Latiné/x Health Summit
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Project Vida & the Chiago Department of Public Health present Latiné/x Health Summit, featuring fun and informative speakers and for the LGBTQ community. They are partnering with over 15 local organizations to provide resources for our underserved communities. For more information please click here.
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Encuentro Square Waitlist is Open!
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Excited to share that first of the Encuentro Square buildings located at 3745 W Cortland are scheduled to open late Fall of this year. The buildings will include 89 apartments, one-, two-, and three-bedroom all affordable to those making less than 60% AMI.
There will be two waitlists for units within the building. Residents are encouraged to sign up on both waitlists when they open.
Evergreen’s Waitlist
Send an email to encuentrosquare@evergreenreg.com and you will be notified via email when the waitlist opens so you can apply.
CHA’s Waitlist - NOW OPEN
To sign up for CHA’s waitlist, visit https://applyonline.thecha.org/ and either select to submit a new application or update their existing application. When selecting a waitlist, search Project Based Voucher and select Encuentro Square.
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Chicago City Key Appointments Now Open!
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Be Informed: Using a Towing Service
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Be aware of "Rogue Towing," which is when unsolicited tow trucks arrive at accident scenes and rush you into signing a form that requires thousands of dollars in payment to retrieve your vehicle. For more information please read the graphic above or click here.
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City Grants Open for Manufacturers
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TIFWorks Manufacturing Program is available in the Northwest Industrial Corridor. TIFWorks is actively accepting applications from manufacturers looking to train current employees and/or new hires. Manufacturing companies in the Northwest Industrial and Pulaski Industrial TIFs can apply.
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Small Business Advocacy Council: We Rise Grant Program
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This program identifies small businesses that wish to expand into brick-and-mortar spaces in one of the following neighborhoods: Auburn Gresham, Austin, Back of the Yards, Englewood, Gage Park, North Lawndale, South Lawndale, South Shore, Washington Park, and West Lawn.
The We Rise Grant Program will be providing eligible businesses coaching and educational services. They also work to connect businesses with the owners of vacant commercial properties, and provide funds these businesses can use to facilitate their transition into vacant properties. For more information about the program please reach out too Natalia Borowska at natalia@sbacil.org.
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Small Business Advocacy Council: We Rise Grant Program
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There are far too many vacant commercial properties in disinvested neighborhoods. The goal of the Small Business Advocacy Council is to support property owners struggling to fill their commercial spaces by connecting them with potential tenants with the knowledge and resources to transition into a brick-and-mortar space.
This program will:
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Identify small businesses that wish to expand into brick-and-mortar spaces
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Provide eligible businesses coaching and educational services.
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Connect businesses with the owners of vacant commercial properties.
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Provide funds these businesses can use to facilitate their transition into vacant properties.
To learn more reach out to the Small Business Advocacy Council at (312) 548-8608 or email Natalia at natalia@sbacil.org.
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Trees provide numerous health benefits and can help our communities be more resilient to the impact of climate events and reduce greenhouse gasses, one of the leading causes of climate change. Join communities around the city and request a free parkway tree in front or your home.
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Each year, the Jumping Jack Program delights children across Chicago. This inflatable playground, provided by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, is available for FREE and runs from Saturday, May 25 through Sunday, September 1, 2024. Please visit their website here for more information.
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The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) has introduced 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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14th Police District Council
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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 Councilor David Orlikoff's newsletter or email David.Orlikoff@cityofchicago.org with questions.
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Humboldt Condo Now Listed
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The Chicago Housing Trust still has one 2 bedroom condo 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.
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Garbage and Recycling Reminders
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Sign up to receive your trash and recycling pickup schedule and reminders (holidays, recycling events, bulky item pickup) emailed to you by using Recycle by City. Severe weather and holidays 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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Residential Electronics Recycling
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See the flyer for information on drop-off locations for electronics ranging from computers and TVs to printers and game consoles.
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Vaccine and Microchip Clinics
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Animal Care and Control is also offering Vaccine and Microchip Clinics for dogs now through July. See the dates, locations, and details above.
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Don't Let a Tick Make You Sick!
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If you find a tick, don't panic! IDPH has released an infographic to demonstrate the proper protocol for removing ticks from oneself, family, friend, and even your furry friends. To learn more about tick prevention and removal and other pest control information please visit IDPH Site here.
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Introductory Guide to City Services
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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.
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY WITH CHICAGO YOUTH CENTERS!
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Chicago Youth Center is opening two new centers and are seeking to fill various vacancies. For more information regarding the different available positions please click here.
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Obama Foundation Career Opportunities
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Landis Hardtech Development Fellowship
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Are you a woman, Black, or Latine HardTech entrepreneur, product development specialist, or engineering contractor looking to freelance in the gig economy? Apply for this fellowship to access a pipeline of paid contractor work and get access to $6M worth of prototyping equipment, workshops, and a potential pipeline of paid contract work. Learn more here.
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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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Career Opportunities with the City
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The Office of Emergency Management & Communication is hiring a Traffic Aide. You can learn more about the position here.
You can also explore the latest job openings with the City of Chicago. Visit www.chicago.gov/careers to discover your next career move today!
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Life Impacters:Food Pantry
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LIF (Life Impacters Foundation), operates as a beacon of support and change on the vibrant greater west side of Chicago, nestled within Cook County, Illinois. LIF offers a comprehensive array of multi-social services aimed at uplifting the community.
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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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info@the26thward.org
(773)395-0143
Se Habla Español
Subscribe to this newsletter here.
2511 W Division Street, Chicago, IL 60622
Hours:
*Office will be closed every day from 1-2 pm for lunch*
Monday 2 pm - 7 pm | Tuesday 9 am - 5 pm
Wednesday 9 am - 5 pm | Thursday 9 am - 5 pm
Friday 9 am - 5 pm
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