Feliz Acción de Gracias desde el Distrito 26 🦃🍂

Estimados vecinos,

En primer lugar, algunas actualizaciones de nuestro Superintendente Barrio Hugo. A medida que avanzamos en las vacaciones, asegúrese de comprobar periódicamente el sitio web de reciclaje de la ciudad para comprobar los días de su reciclaje y recogida de basura. Todas las recogidas programadas para este jueves serán recogidos el miércoles. Además, hoy es el último día de barrido de calles para 2023.

El lunes pasado, el Consejo de la Juventud del Distrito 26 dio la bienvenida a los nuevos miembros de Stowe Elementary y Chi Arts. Los miembros discutieron sus propuestas de mejoras para el patio de recreo y el campo de fútbol, integrando características acogedoras que podrían involucrar a la juventud local. Los jóvenes de 12 a 24 años son bienvenidos a nuestra reunión del 11 de diciembre para finalizar nuestro proceso de votación. Un agradecimiento especial a Jeannette de los Apartamentos Teresa Roldan por permitirnos usar su espacio para reunirnos a medida que crece nuestra membresía. Vea el volante a continuación para obtener información sobre nuestra reunión de diciembre.

Antes de la votación del presupuesto el pasado miércoles, la Plataforma de Unidad Popular organizó una rueda de prensa, en la que tuve el orgullo de ver a James representando a GoodKids MadCity y hablando sobre la importante inversión en la Ordenanza Peacebook.

Seguimos trabajando con el DFSS y ahora con el Departamento de Salud de Chicago para ofrecer puestos de guardianes de la paz a los jóvenes.

Nuestros próximos pasos son trabajar con la Oficina de Referencia Legislativa para asegurar que la Ordenanza sea escrita para ser totalmente aprobada en el Consejo de la Ciudad el próximo año.

Entre los logros más destacados del presupuesto de 2024 se incluyen inversiones en: el restablecimiento del Departamento de Medio Ambiente; 15 millones de dólares en salud mental para avanzar en el Tratamiento, no en el Trauma; 250 millones de dólares en ayudas a los sin techo; 150 millones de dólares en recién llegados; y 209 millones de dólares en programas contra la violencia, justicia restaurativa y prevención e intervención en casos de violencia de género. Este presupuesto es un documento moral, y felicito al Alcalde por depositar en él las promesas que muchos de nosotros hemos hecho de invertir en nuestras comunidades. El presupuesto reafirma el compromiso del Ayuntamiento con las personas.

Fue un honor participar en la reunión regional del Comité Asesor Bilingüe (BAC) de las Escuelas Públicas de Chicago (CPS) celebrada en Funston Elementary la semana pasada. Extendemos nuestro sincero agradecimiento al Director Trevino y al Subdirector Toledo por la invitación. El BAC juega un papel fundamental en el empoderamiento de los padres para navegar por las complejidades del sistema de CPS, especialmente para aquellos cuyo idioma principal no es el Inglés. Sirve como plataforma para fomentar la comprensión y la comunicación, asegurando que todos los padres, independientemente de las barreras lingüísticas, tengan los recursos y el apoyo que necesitan para participar activamente en la educación de sus hijos. Al participar activamente en iniciativas como el BAC, reforzamos colectivamente el vínculo entre la escuela y los padres, creando un entorno en el que todos los niños pueden prosperar académicamente. Una mención especial a los alumnos de Funston por mostrar su talento a través de la música y el baile antes de que se convocara la reunión.

Tuvimos una reunión constructiva con la Unión de Illinois para las personas sin hogar para garantizar la protección de su propiedad y abordar las necesidades apremiantes de nuestros vecinos sin vivienda. Nuestros vecinos sin techo necesitan urgentemente tanques de propano, ropa de cama y mantas para hacer frente a los retos que se avecinan. Invitamos a la comunidad a contribuir a este esfuerzo dejando suministros en nuestra oficina. Trabajando en estrecha colaboración con la Unión de Illinois para las personas sin hogar, nos aseguraremos de que estos recursos lleguen a quienes más los necesitan. Juntos, podemos marcar una diferencia significativa en las vidas de la población sin techo, fomentando un sentido de comunidad y compasión.

Combinando esfuerzos con el senador Omar Aquino, ALSO y Unidóm, nuestras oficinas pudieron regalar 450 pavos y comestibles. Muchos desafiaron el frío y esperaron pacientemente las entregas, y nos sentimos agradecidos por haber puesto sonrisas en tantos rostros. Si recibiste un pavo, ¡nos encantaría ver cómo preparó tu familia la comida! Comparte tus fotos con info@the26thward.org.

También pudimos regalar pavos en nuestra Exposición de Salud y Vivienda el sábado en el McCormick YMCA.

Agradecimiento a todos nuestros vendedores que conectaron a nuestros constituyentes con muchos servicios, desde apelaciones de impuestos hasta instrucciones para cocinar pavos, exámenes de salud y mucho más. También me reencontré con Milagros, una trabajadora social con la que trabajé estrechamente en la Escuela Secundaria Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos. Ella también pudo llevarse un pavo a casa.

Es la temporada de la gratitud, y no puedo expresar lo orgulloso que estoy de representar a todos y cada uno de ustedes. Todos ustedes confían en mí para apoyar a nuestras comunidades con un ethos de amor y cuidado, y siento que ese apoyo es recíproco. Espero que puedan compartir estas vacaciones con sus seres queridos mientras nos solidarizamos con los pueblos indígenas.

Su Concejal del Distrito 26,

Jessie Fuentes


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26th Ward Office Updates

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Garbage Collection PSA

Due to the holiday, anyone with a Thursday 11/23/23 trash pickup day will be picked up 1-2 days prior. Have your trashcans out early! For questions, call Streets and Sanitation's office division at: 312.742.4119. For recycling, be aware that pick-up is every other week. Click here to review your garbage and recycling pick-up schedule.

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Leaf Pick-up Reminder

Make sure to pick up and bag your leaves, and do not sweep them into the street. Thank you all for doing your part in keeping our Ward clean! The City of Chicago coordinates dedicated bagged leaf and other yard waste collection trucks to assist residents in clearing their yards, parkways and storm drains of leaf debris.

 

Residents can call 311 to request separate yard waste collection. Yard waste should be left in the alley or at the curb for collection, and bagged separately from garbage in the black cart and separately from recycling in the blue. The Department will collect the bags based on 311 requests and take it to be composted. Yard waste consists of leaves, grass clippings, branches, brush, clippings from shrubbery, and garden waste. Yard waste does not include dirt, rocks, or gravel.

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26th Ward Ambassadors

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

Ward Hours

The 26th Ward Office will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 23rd and 24th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Normal operations will resume on Monday, November 27th from 1pm-5pm. Contact us with pressing concerns at info@the26thward.org

 

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

Ward Nights

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

On Monday November 27th, we will host a Ward Night at the California Clipper (1002 N California Ave) from 6pm to 8pm. If you would like to meet with Alderperson Fuentes during this ward night, please call or email the ward office at 773-395-0143 or email us at info@the26thward.org

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26th Ward Youth Council 

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

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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26th Ward Zoning

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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Community Events

Chicago Cuatro Orchestra Concert

¡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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Girl's Day at Play Sports Clinic

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 Paing & Sing Holiday Party

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.

Public Notices

Senior Freeze Property Tax Exemption

If you are a senior and home owner, you may need to reapply for the “Senior Freeze” Exemption which provides significant savings on your property tax bill. For the past few years, the “Senior Freeze” automatically renewed due to COVID-19, however, the auto-renewal has ended and you must reapply. 

 

Please review the bottom left corner of your Second Installment Property Tax Bill. If there are no savings listed next to the Senior Freeze Exemption, then you are encouraged to immediately mail the completed application to: 

 

Cook County Assessor’s Office
Taxpayer Services Department 
118 N Clark Street, Room 320, Chicago, IL 60602

 

You may also apply online at cookcountyassessor.com/certificates-error or pick up a printed copy at our office.

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Now Open: Emergency Heating Repair Program

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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PSA: Peoples Gas Work

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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Street Sweeping Reminders

You have probably noticed that the city's street sweeping schedule has changed this year. Use "wethesweeple.com" to search for your Chicago street address and find out when your street will be swept next. Then, register for email alerts or subscribe to a calendar feed so that you get a reminder when the next sweep is coming up. 

 

PSA: This week is the final week of the year for street sweeping!

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Postponed: Mobile Hours with Team Jimenez

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

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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Public Safety Meetings

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. 

 

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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Call for Proposals: Night Out in the Parks

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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Get Involved

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Toy Drive in Belmont-Cragin

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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 Restore the Bathroom in Humboldt Park

Neighbors in the 26th Ward have put together a petition on Change.org that urges park district officials to restore the restrooms in Humboldt Park. Sign click here to sign the petition if you support this effort.

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Job Opportunities

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Job Training Programs

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

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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Additional Resources

Free Wi-Fi and Afterschool Space

Hermosa Neighborhood association is hosting a Youth After School space where they provide free wi-fi. See the hours listed above and visit ourhermosa.org for more info.

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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.

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Reproductive Justice

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

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2511 W Division Street, Chicago, IL 60622

 

Hours:

 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