¡Eventos comunitarios, avisos públicos, recursos y más!

Nov 28

Estoy orgulloso de liderar una ciudad que puede reclamar con valentía el estatus de Ciudad Santuario. Chicago es un lugar de vida abundante, alegre y justa gracias a nuestra coalición de negros, morenos e inmigrantes. Dependemos de estar en comunidad unos con otros. Después de una conversación transformadora con Palenque LSNA, yo también busco desafiar a mis colegas a considerar cómo Chicago puede ser una ciudad santuario aún mayor. Debemos ampliar y profundizar nuestro estatus de santuario, lo que requiere comprender nuestras luchas comunes y entrecruzadas mientras construimos hacia un objetivo de solidaridad. Tenemos las herramientas, la voluntad y el poder. Es nuestra responsabilidad proteger a quienes son más vulnerables y, cuando lo hacemos, somos una ciudad más fuerte y formativa.

El evento de Acción de Gracias de San Lucas del martes transcurrió de maravilla. La Iglesia San Lucas abrió sus puertas a la comunidad durante casi cinco horas para brindarles a los necesitados una deliciosa cena. Las mesas estaban tan llenas como las personas que las ocupaban. Me uní a los voluntarios, quienes estaban felices de servir a más de 100 vecinos, brindando un espacio muy necesario para celebrar la compañía de los demás. Además, estoy emocionado de ver crecer el nuevo programa Pan y Liberación de San Lucas. En asociación con Live Free Illinois, el programa está diseñado para brindar apoyo esencial a personas que han experimentado un trauma. Si estás interesado en involucrarte, apoyar o aprender más sobre Pan y Liberación, comunícate al 773-227-5747. Las comidas y la gestión de casos de San Lucas son salvavidas invaluables para algunos de nuestros vecinos más vulnerables.

Estoy emocionado de asociarme con la Coalición de Illinois por los Derechos de los Inmigrantes y Refugiados (ICIRR) el jueves 14 de diciembre para una capacitación para el liderazgo escolar de todas las escuelas de nuestro distrito. ICIRR se dedica a promover los derechos de inmigrantes y refugiados a una participación plena e igualitaria en la vida cívica, cultural, social y política de nuestra sociedad diversa. Organizado por el Centro de Bienvenida de la Academia Comunitaria Roberto Clemente, los líderes escolares aprenderán sobre los muchos recursos para apoyar a nuestros estudiantes recién llegados. El espacio es limitado, pero si usted o su organización brindan servicios directos a jóvenes inmigrantes, comuníquese con marie@the26thward.org para asistir.

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26th Ward Office Updates

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Save the Date: 26th Ward Community Safety Town Hall

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. Stay tuned for more details.

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Winter Senior Gala

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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Workshops for School Leadership

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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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 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.

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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

Free Table Talk at El Schomburg

Table talk featuring Aysha E. Schomburg, great-grandaughter of Afro-Boricua scholar Arturo Alfonso Schomburg. Join on December 2nd to welcome Aysha and learn more about Schomburg’s impactful legacy and contributions to Black and American History. Click here for more info.

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Concierto Jíbaro Navideño

¡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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Girls' 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 Paint & 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

Winter Parking Ban Starts Dec 1st

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

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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Filming Notice

Universal Television, LLC will be filming several scenes in your neighborhood on Monday, December 4th. In order to park the necessary vehicles and equipment for filming, the following streets will be posted as a NO PARKING / TOW ZONE from 8PM Sunday, December 3rd - 11PM Monday, December 4th:

-> West side of Luis Munoz Marin Drive from Albany to Beach
-> South side of North Ave from 3147 W. North Avenue east to driveway.

PLEASE NOTE: On Monday, December 4th from 9AM - 3PM there will be INTERMITTENT TRAFFIC CONTROL on Humboldt Boulevard from North Ave south to Luis Munoz Marin Drive during filming.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Location Manager, Curtis Lehmkuhl, at 312-725-9754.

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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.

Attend the 14th District CCPS for a public meeting on Saturday, December 2nd at the Chicago Public Library, Humboldt Park Branch
1605 N Troy St. Join the Committee's mailing list, ask questions, and submit your suggestions via email: 14thDistrictPublicSafety@gmail.com.

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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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ENLACE Scholarship Fundraiser

Join ENLACE's leadership institute to celebrate a night of community, laughter, food, dance, and culture. This year ENLACE’s Leadership Institute Cohort committed to organizing a fundraiser to support "Proyecto Pa’Lante's endowment scholarship" fund at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU). Proyecto Pa’Lante supports first-generation, low-income, undergraduate Latinx students by eliminating systemic barriers to their educational and professional dreams. Register here.

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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

The Department of Water Management has opened up 3 "Painter" positions. Click here to learn how to apply.
The Department of Assets, Information, and Services (AIS) has opened up 18 "Machinist Automotive" positions for it's Fleet Operations Division. Click here to learn how to apply.
O’Hare airport is hiring for for Custodian work. Click here to read the full job description and apply.
The Chicago Department of Aviation has opened up a position for "Projects Administrator – Utilities" and "Assistant Commissioner". Click here to apply.

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Additional Resources

Computer Science Education Week

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

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.