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This week was DFSS' highly anticipated Accelerated Moving Event (AME) for unhoused neighbors in Humboldt Park tent encampment. The level of care, competency, and perseverance that was shown at the two-day event was extraordinary. At the AME, DFSS and its partner agencies connected 41 households to housing. 6 households were connected to a CHA voucher program with supportive services outside of the AME. Outreach teams have also identified an additional 16 households living in the park that have previous housing matches. DFSS is coordinating with partner agencies to reengage these participants and ensure that housing occurs. A total of 63 households living in the encampment are connected to housing.
Thank you Commissioner Knazze, Deputy Commission Chatman, Selena, Jeremy, and every DFSS representative for your leadership in this work - it takes a remarkable team to serve our community. Appreciation to all of the delegate agencies and housing partners for your commitment to dignity for all. And to Humboldt Park staff, much gratitude for your continued patience and flexibility! This AME is one step closer to our goal of housing everyone. |
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We also celebrated the Northwest Side Housing Preservation Ordinance win. This ordinance is rooted in one simple principle: our neighborhoods belong to the people who live there, not to developers looking to make a profit at our expense.
One of the community partners who will reinvest the demolition surcharge is the Here to Stay Community Land Trust. The Here to Stay Community Land Trust mission is to retain low-to moderate-income households across Hermosa, Avondale, Logan Square and Humboldt Park through affordable homeownership and communal ownership of the land.
Learn about more about the ordinance and Land Trust HERE, HERE and HERE |
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Last Friday, I had the honor of attending the annual Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation (CLCF) Gala, a powerful celebration of our community’s resilience and impact. As a member of the foundation, every year we work to raise funds for scholarships that make higher education accessible for Latino youth in the communities we represent. The foundation also does transformative through its Leadership Academy, which is paving the way for the next generation of leaders, ensuring our voices are represented in every room. Thank you to everyone who joined us and has supported this important work! |
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Shout out to all our constituents who came out to meet with me to voice their concerns and ideas at Ward Night this week including the St. Francis of Assisi Parish pictured here. I cannot do this work without you. |
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Finally, I want to highlight the work of our Ward Superintendent Jorge who diligently maintains the ward's safety and cleanliness by clearing debris, overgrowths, and trash. This proactive approach prevents rat colonies and enhances our community's beauty. If you notice public areas needing care, please report them through 311 or by contacting our office directly. |
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In solidarity,
Jessie Fuentes, 26th Ward Alderperson |
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Coffee with your Alderperson |
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Coffee with the Alderperson is an opportunity to meet with Alderperson Fuentes about local or city issues. Our next event will be October 12th from 9am - 11am. If you would like to meet with Alderperson Fuentes during Coffee with your Alderperson, please rsvp here: bit.ly/26coffee |
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Welcome new Director of Communications |
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Help us in welcoming Lisa Avila our new Director of Communications. Lisa has worked in movement work for 20 years. They have worked in social services, public philanthropy, labor rights, civil rights, wrongful convictions, and more.
Reach out to Lisa for your communication needs at lisa@the26thward.org. |
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Save the Date: Senior Wellness Fair on October 17 |
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We are hosting our Annual Senior Fair on Tuesday, October 17th, from 10am to 2pm at the Humboldt Park Fieldhouse located at 1440 N. Humboldt Blvd alongside State Representative Lilian Jimenez, State Senator Omar Aquino and, Commissioner Anthony Quesada. This event is all about celebrating and uplifting the seniors who are a vital part of our community. We know how important it is to ensure our seniors feel supported and valued. That’s why we’ve come together to provide a variety of senior resources and health services, along with delicious food and activities. We are looking forward to seeing you there! |
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Board of Elections is Hiring |
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| Are you bilingual in Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean, or Tagalog? Chicago Board of Elections needs your help on Election Day! Learn more and sign up to be an election judge for the November 5th Presidential Election: https://pollworker.chicagoelections.gov/ |
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Youth ages 14-21 are encouraged to apply to be part of the 26th Ward Youth Council! Be part of the participatory budgeting process and help guide me in determining legislative goals. Apply at bit.ly/youth26. |
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NEW TO OUR SITE: Upcoming CDOT Projects |
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Addressing Homelessness Together - Summer Updates |
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Click the image to learn more about the 2024 Humboldt Park Encampment Initiative to house all tent encampment residents and help them move out of the park by December 2024. |
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Join the Call for a New Non-Congregate Shelterin Humboldt Park! |
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As the Alderperson of the 26th Ward, I advocate for compassionate solutions for our residents, including the unhoused in Humboldt Park. Non-congregate shelters provide private, dignified living spaces, unlike traditional shelters. Support our initiative by signing a petition to urge the City of Chicago to establish a non-congregate shelter in Humboldt Park, promoting long-term housing stability.
SIGN THE PETITION
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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.
Zoning Board of Appeals Updates: 1900 N Karlov: Catholic Charities is seeking a special use permit through the Zoning Board of Appeals where there will be a hearing next Friday, September 20th. Our office received a few questions regarding parking plans for this property. Catholic Charities has purchased private parking spaces in an adjacent parking lot for new residents at 1900 N Karlov Ave. There will be no changes to street parking at this address. For further questions or information please email info@the26thward.org.
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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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HIGH SCHOOL ELECTION JUDGES NEEDED |
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Students in grades 11 and 12 can earn up to $230 ($60 for completing an in-person training; AND $170 for serving on Election Day - Nov 5th). Students will not receive payment for training if they attend but don’t serve on Election Day. For more information, email ECCE@cps.edu or click the image.
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Diverse Learners Recovery Fund |
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The Diverse Learners Recovery Fund Program was created by the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) in partnership with Ada S. McKinley Community Services. It is aimed at providing financial assistance to families of children with disabilities, a population that was disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Diverse Learners Recovery Fund provides a one-time grant of $500 to up to 8,000 eligible K-12 students with disabilities through a lottery. To date, the program has selected and awarded 1,000 students with disabilities.
The eligibility requirements are: Reside in the City of Chicago Household income less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Students currently enrolled in K-12 Public or Private Schools Student has a disability covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Up to 2 eligible students per household
To learn more and apply online, visit www.AdaMOPD.com. For questions, email MOPD@adasmckinley.org or call (312) 561-6965. |
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Enroll Your Student with Tutoring Chicago |
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| Tutoring Chicago is a free program offering regular tutoring to economically disadvantaged students, and they are expanding to a new location in Mozart Park. They are still accepting student applications and recruiting volunteers to help tutor their students - sign up your child today! Visit www.tutoringchicago.org |
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Chicago Youth Centers is Now Enrolling |
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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 launched their enrollment application! To enrolled your children please click here. |
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Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant |
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Volunteer Appreciation Day |
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What’s In Your Closet Workshop 9/30 |
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| Join September 30, for a conversation on how you can take charge of your stuff and learn ways to sort and organize. This program is for ages 60 and older. To register, please visit: http://bit.ly/InYourCloset
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El Corillo Original de Humboldt Park |
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El Corillo Original de Humboldt Park is playing every Sunday throughout the summer. Free to all! To donate, contact Ellie at 312-597-5188. |
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Wellness Club 2024 Fall Calendar |
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Bloomingdale Trail Run 2024 |
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Week without Driving September 30th - October 6th |
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Center for Changing Lives - October Workshops |
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First Time Homebuyer Workshop |
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Public Hearing: Expansion Proposal October 3rd |
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Casa Central 70th Anniversary Fundraising Gala |
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DonorsChoose Support for Ms. Torres at Lloyd Elementary |
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Help Ms. Torres give her students fresh school supplies. Many students begin the school year with no school supplies and need notebooks and folders to start the school year. Ms. Torres also likes giving special things for birthdays. Every dollar counts!
Consider Donating to this project |
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Court-Based Rental Assistance Program |
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2025 Budget season has officially started! This year the Chicago Park District will offer three opportunities for community to share ideas on how to plan the 2025 operating budget. The District welcomes public feedback and ideas in shaping next year’s budget. ONLINE VIRTAL MEETING October 1, 2024 at 6pm. IN PERSON on October 3 at 6pm at the Brighton Park Community Campus, 4830 S. Western Avenue The 2025 Budget Forum will be held Community members have the opportunity to participate in the virtual and in person forums. Each individual will have 2 minutes to present their ideas. Click HERE to share your input online.
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Court-Based Rental Assistance Program |
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CBRAP will provide up to $15,000 in emergency rental assistance to households currently going through the eviction court process due to non-payment of rent. Program funds can be applied to past due rent, up to $500 for court costs, and up to two months’ future rent. Approved grant payments are made directly to the landlord, on behalf of the tenant, and the landlord must agree to dismiss the eviction proceedings. This ensures that the tenant can remain safely housed as they regain their financial footing. This rental assistance does not need to be repaid. Other eligibility requirements for CBRAP assistance include that the rental unit must be in Illinois, and the household must earn at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). For this round of CBRAP, households are only eligible for assistance once and cannot reapply for funding after receiving an initial payment. Eligible tenants and landlords can start an application online at www.illinoishousinghelp.org. Additional information about CBRAP can be found at www.illinoishousinghelp.org/resources. |
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Chicago Senior Risk Assessment Program |
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Chicago Senior Risk Assessment Program |
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Call 312-747-6691 for your senior assessment by the Chicago Fire Department today |
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Free Chore Services from DFSS for 60+ Seniors |
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Foster Care: Ready to Make a Difference? |
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Free Classes at Humboldt Park Library |
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Community Development Grants |
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Community Development Grant - Small The Department of Planning and Development is now accepting applications for awards up to $250,000. This grant supports small businesses, nonprofits, and property owners involved in local commercial, mixed-use, and light manufacturing development.
Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. Friday, November 8, 2024
Learn More and Apply: Visit chicago.gov/cdg for more information. For questions, email DPDGrants@CityofChicago.org.
Grant Information Sessions: Attend a session online or in-person to learn more about grant eligibility and application requirements. Register at chicago.gov/cdg. |
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Community Development Grant – Medium
Grants ranging from $300,001 to $5 million are available to support eligible commercial, cultural, industrial, institutional, social service, and mixed-use projects. These grants can cover up to 50% of total project costs involving new construction, rehabilitation, or both.
Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. Friday, February 14, 2025
Learn More and Apply: Visit chicago.gov/cdg for more information. For questions, email DPDGrants@CityofChicago.org.
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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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Special Concession Opportunity with the Chicago Park District |
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The Chicago Park District has opened its Notice of Application for a Special Concession Opportunity for 2025, which presents substantial opportunity for small businesses. |
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Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund |
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The Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund (ESVF) provides economic relief to victims and survivors of gunshot wounds and homicides. ESVF has now expanded to 15 priority communities with the highest levels of violence.
Who qualifies?
Victims or family members of victims who have suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds or homicide in the calendar year The incident occurred in one of the 15 communities listed Victim is a resident of one of the 15 communities who was victimized within the City of Chicago Families of people 24 years of age or younger who have been victims of homicide in the City of Chicago Victims and applicants must have proof of residency in the City of Chicago
You must work with a victim advocate from one of the funded delegate organizations that administers the program. See chicago.gov/ESVF for the complete list of funded organizations. |
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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. Request a free parkway tree by calling 3-1-1, on the mobile CHI311 app, or by visiting www.311.chicago.gov/s/article/Tree-planting |
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Residential Electronic 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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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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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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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. 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 Councilor David Orlikoff's newsletter or email David.Orlikoff@cityofchicago.org with questions. |
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Career Opportunities with the City |
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| Click Here to view and apply for Chicago Department of Public Health jobs |
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| Chicago Fire Department is hiring a paramedic
Job Number: 8750-CFD-2024
For support, call the Help Desk at (312) 744-4976 between the hours of 8:30am (CST) and 4:30pm (CST), Monday through Friday or email fire-application@cityofchicago.org. |
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| Get paid for 9 weeks of virtual preparation (in the evenings) to be considered for a Mechanical Maintenance full time role at the nation’s largest producer of carbon-free energy.
If you are interested in learning more, complete an assessment form and join an info session which are ongoing through September 23.
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| Shipping & Receiving Training - visit sr.gwtp.org for more info 12-week training at no cost, includes supportive services once enrolled Average $18+/hour wage upon job placement Training Includes: Computerized inventory control Forklift certification OSHA 10-hour General Industry Safety Card RF scanners UPS WorldShip Picking, packing, documentation Warehouse design, material handling, quality control And much more…
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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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| If you need assistance with a city service, let us know! You can submit your request through our website, by giving us a call, or submitting a request directly to 311.chicago.gov. Our team is here to provide the support you need and ensure our community thrives. |
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