To my 26th Ward neighbors,
On Monday, July 3, my team and I surveyed the tent encampment in Humboldt Park. We are preparing an official report on our findings that will be presented at a community meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 27th 2023. Providing our unhoused neighbors housing and wrap-around services is a priority. I will continue to work with community based organizations, city agencies, and clergy partners to meet the needs of our neighbors. I want to thank every 26th Ward resident who has come to our office to offer support and ideas on how to combat homelessness in our community.
While we work everyday to provide housing in the 26th ward we know that the need for affordable rental units increases every day in our community. I was privileged to meet with the Latin United Community Housing Association (LUCHA) this past week to celebrate the closing of the Encuentro Square project that will bring 89 affordable rental units at 3745 W. Cortland St. and 1844 N. Ridgeway Ave. LUCHA’s Executive Director, Lissette Castañeda and her team also shared LUCHA’s programmatic services and their vision for housing in the 26th Ward. We are lucky to have LUCHA as a partner in the 26th Ward.
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On Thursday, July 6, I attended the first Humboldt Park Advisory Council (HPAC) meeting since its suspension over a year ago. HPAC’s election will take place August 10, 2023 at 6:00pm. If you are interested in nominating yourself for one of the leadership positions, you must send an email to LCA@chicagoparkdistrict.com by August 8, 2023. To become a member of the advisory council, please submit a membership form to the email address listed above.
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I have partnered up with Casa Central and they will be hosting a job fair at my office. Casa Central is hiring for a range of positions. They will be facilitating the filling out of job applications and conducting interviews on Tuesday, July 11th from 10am to 2pm. Please bring a copy of your resume and a valid ID.
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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 a Ward Nights. Share our newsletter with a friend and ask them to sign up for our weekly updates and news at www.the26thward.org.
In partnership,
Your 26th Ward Alderperson, Jessie Fuentes
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The Honeycomb Network Fundraiser
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The Honeycomb Network is hosting a fundraiser to sustain their beautiful community space and the services they provide. The fundraiser, "The Propolis Plan" will be held on July 19th from 6-8pm at the Honeycomb Network (2659 W Division St). Delicious foods, herbal teas, live performances, and other goodies.
"In nature, bees create a substance called propolis as a way to seal and strengthen their hive. In this same way, we are calling on the help of our community to assist us in creating our rendition of propolis, to protect + sustain our important space as we are confronted by possible displacement.
This event is co-hosted by Alderwoman Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward."
Click here to RSVP.
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Meal Request for Asylum seekers staying in the 14th District Lobby
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The 14th District Support Network is hoping to find ways for organizations, churches, and volunteers to step in to help feed people. If you are able to volunteer, your generosity is greatly appreciated. There are anywhere from 5-30 migrants staying in the station at any one time with a mix of families and solo travelers. Sign up here.
Our 26th Ward office (located at 2511 W Division St.) is also accepting donations in direct response to asylum seeker's needs in the ward. Donations needed this week include:
- Sleeping pads
- Phones
- Sim cards
- Suitcases
- Bikes and Ventra cards.
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Did you know there's a computer lab offering free classes in the Humboldt Park Field House? Dándole Tech is welcoming young people 9-15 years old to learn how to build fully functional apps for Android phones, iPhones, and Android/iOS tablets. Those new to design and programming can have a simple first app up and running in less than 30 minutes!
Registration is free, but donations are encouraged and will go towards updating the lab's needs.
Program Name: Tween+ Tech Class at Humboldt Park
Location: Dandole Tech Lab, Humboldt Park Field House (1400 N. Humboldt Blvd)
When: Monday’s & Wednesday’s ⚉ 4:00pm - 5:30pm ⚉ July 10, 2023 to August 2, 2023
Register: www.DandoleTech.org
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Street Closure and No Parking Notices
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Resurfacing Construction - Western Ave
A resurfacing project on N. Western Ave. from W. Bloomingdale Ave. to W. Augusta Blvd is scheduled to begin on July 13, 2023.
The work will include ADA sidewalk improvements, curb and gutter removal and replacement, milling and paving the existing asphalt pavement and striping. This work is part of the Chicago Department of Transportation’s Arterial Street Resurfacing Project Central Area in the 26th Ward.
During construction, temporary “No Parking” signs will be periodically installed as required for each activity listed above. These temporary signs will restrict parking during working hours, while adhering to rush hour restrictions, for the completion of the work. All work on this corridor is estimated to be completed by September 30, 2023.
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Filming Related Street Closure - Bloomingdale Ave
There will be a filming related street closure by Kimball Arts Center the weekend of 7/15/23 for a shoot on Bloomingdale Ave between Kimball and Spaulding. More details will be shared when available.
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The 26th ward office is currently located at 2511 W Division St. The office's 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
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Ward nights are an opportunity to meet with Alderperson Fuentes to talk to her about any local or city issues. Ward nights will take place every Monday from 5pm - 7pm. Ward night meetings will be by appointment only and on a first come, first served basis.
If you’d like to meet with Alderperson Fuentes during ward night, please call or email the ward office at 773-395-0143 or info@the26thward.org. The ward night schedule for the next few weeks is as follows: 7/17, 7/24 and 7/31.
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We are excited to inspire our young people to get involved in government and organize in the community. If you are a youth (15-24 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.
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14th District Public Safety Meetings
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Have concerns about police and public safety?
Come share your experience with the 14th Police District Council on
Saturday, August 5th from 1-2:30pm at the Logan Square Library (3030 W Fullerton) with guest speaker Sharlyn Grace, Sr. Policy at Public
Defender's office, explaining the Pretrial Fairness Act.
Give your public comments at these meetings or by emailing it along with your district (14) to: Javon.Lewis-Brown@cityofchicago.org.
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Chicago Recovery Plan Grants — Information Webinar
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Looking to build or grow your organization? Interested in applying for City funding? Join the Chicago Department of Planning and Development for a virtual grant information session on July 13 to learn about opportunities for businesses and nonprofits through the Chicago Recovery Plan (CRP).
CRP grants include Community Development, Equitable Transit Oriented Development and Climate Infrastructure Fund. The CRP team will answer questions about each grant type, eligibility criteria and application requirements. The July 13th session will be held with live Chinese translation, and content will be displayed in simplified Chinese.
Explore events and register at bit.ly/3PA6oyk. Applications are accepted through August 18th.
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Humboldt Park Advisory Council Election
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The Humboldt Park Advisory Council is re-activating and holding an election on August 10th, 2023 at 6:00pm, if you are interested in nominating yourself for one of the leadership positions you must send an email to LCA@chicagoparkdistrict.com by August 8th, 2023. To become a member of the advisory council please submit a membership form to the same email address listed above. This meeting is open to the public.
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Job Opportunity at Streets and Sanitation
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The Department of Streets and Sanitation is currently accepting applications for the position of Pool Motor Truck Driver, starting at $31.40 per hour.
We are providing you with a link to the Job Description that you can use share. Any individual who meets the qualifications can apply online by clicking here or scanning the QR code above.
Applicants who have questions about how to apply can contact the Department of Human Resources directly at (312) 744-4976 or humanresources@cityofchicago.org.
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Restore the Bathroom in Humboldt Park
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Join Palenque LSNA and partners on August 12, 2023 from 10-4pm on Armitage and Keeler Ave for a one day food festival featuring all your Latine favorites including but not limited to: tamales, arepas, empanadas and pupusas!
There will be over 30 food vendors serving authentic and delicious home cooked food from all over Latin America. Try Honduran tamales, Colombian and Venezuelan Arepas, Guatemalan chuchitos and Mexican corundas. Click here for more info: https://fb.me/e/1pMHJh8aq
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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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