Dear Neighbors,
I started my week at Roberto Clemente Community Academy alongside colleagues, Mayor Brandon Johnson and CPS CEO Pedro Martinez as we inaugurated the Welcome Center. CPS staff at the new Welcome Center will guide families through the registration and enrollment process, assessing each student’s language, academic, and social-emotional needs and placing them in the appropriate learning environment.
|
This past week was a hot labor week. On Wednesday, July 19, 2023, I filed the One Fair Wage Ordinance to end the subminimum wage in our city with 24 co-sponsors. I am extremely grateful to join One Fair Wage, a national coalition, campaign, and organization seeking to end all subminimum wages in the United States and increase the sustainability of wages and working conditions in the service sector. We will end subminimum wages in Chicago because to live in one of the richest cities in the country means we must make all of our workers whole.
|
On Thursday I joined Sasha-Ann Simons, the host of Reset on WBEZ, to discuss how we will move One Fair Wage forward in council and that passing One Fair Wage is not a matter of “if” we will pass One Fair Wage, rather it is a discussion of “how” will we pass One Fair Wage. After an amazing morning on WBEZ, I joined SAG-AFTRA on the picket line at Millennium Park to demand for a fair contract. SAG-AFTRA members deserve livable wages and protections against the threat AI poses to their careers.
|
Our week did not end there. I joined the Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR) for the Unity Summit to discuss how to inspire young people and how young people can be civically engaged. After my discussion at Malcolm X College with CCHR, I wrapped up my day with the Humboldt Park Film Skool for an interview in which we discussed my position on affordable housing and Bring Chicago Home. On Thursday, July 27th the Committee on Housing and Real Estate will have a hearing on Bring Chicago Home, and I will then host a Housing Town Hall in the ward at 5:00pm to discuss our efforts to continue to build affordable housing, affordable home ownership opportunities, and support for our unhoused neighbors (details below).
|
Lastly, I would like to invite you to our first 26th Ward Back to School Fair that will be held on August 16th, 2023 at North Grand High School. We will give out over 500 book bags with school supplies, provide free haircuts and vaccines, and we will be joined by community based organizations that will provide services and resources to families. See more details below!
I want to remind you that my office is committed to serving every resident and meeting them where they are. 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.
In partnership,
Your 26th Ward Alderperson, Jessie Fuentes
|
26th Ward Back to School Fair
|
Join us for our first 26th Ward Back to School Fair on Wednesday, August 16th from 3-5pm at North Grand High School (4338 W Wabansia Ave). Hosted by 26th Ward Alderperson Jessie Fuentes and State Representative Lilian Jiménez.
|
26th Ward Housing Town Hall
|
The 26th Ward office will be hosting a Housing Town Hall on July 27th, from 5pm to 6:30pm at 1402 N Kedzie Ave. Register at bit.ly/housing26.
|
Meal Request for Asylum seekers staying in the 14th District Lobby
|
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.
|
The Office of Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago's Office of Budget and Management invite you to help shape Chicago's 2024 Budget through a series of community engagement roundtables scheduled during July. You will be joined by representatives from the City's departments and sister agencies who are excited to hear directly from you and your priorities for making a Better, Stronger, Safer Chicago in a series of small group roundtable discussion.
Sign up to join the conversation most convenient for you. There will be meetings at Malcolm X College, Truman College and Kennedy King. For more information visit: http://chicago.gov/2024budget.
|
Street Closure and No Parking Notices
|
Department of Water Management Construction Notice
The Department of Water Management will install catch basins, manholes, and other drainage structures in the 26h Ward beginning the week of July 24, 2023, and it will take approximately two months to complete.
The limits of work are as follows:
- North Limit – W. Fullerton Ave.
- South Limit - W. North Ave.
- West Limit – N. Pulaski Ave.
- East Limit – N. California Ave.
You may notice manhole and catch basin cleaning trucks in your neighborhood. This work will extend the life of our water management structures by 30-50 years.
|
Peoples Gas Construction Notice
Peoples Gas is doing construction on Hamlin between 1400 to 1600. Construction got underway 7/11/22 and final retirement is currently forecasted to be completed in August 2023.
|
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.
This week, the 26th Ward Office will host a special Ward Night on Tuesday, July 25th at Blackhawk Park (2318 N. Lavergne Ave) from 5-7pm. Due to this change in this week's Ward Night schedule, our hours of operation this week (July 24th - July 28th) are as follows:
Monday 10 am - 5 pm
Tuesday 1 pm - 7 pm
Wednesday 1 pm - 5 pm
Thursday 10 am - 5 pm
Friday 9 am - 3 pm.
Normal hours of operation will resume the following Monday, July 31st.
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: 7/25 and 7/31.
|
The 26th ward office is currently 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.
|
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.
|
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.
They will meet again on Saturday, September 2nd from 1-2:30pm at the Humboldt Park Library (1605 N Troy) – with guest speaker Jose Pizarro, Director of Safe Streets for ALSO
(Alliance of Local Service Organizations) on their successful restorative justice approach to community violence prevention in Humboldt Park
Give your public comments at these meetings or by emailing it along with your district (14) to: David.Orlikoff@cityofchicago.org
|
Conversation With the 25th District Commander will take place on Wednesdat July 26th at 11am till 1pm. It will be at "La Catrina Restaurant" which is located at 3924 W. Diversey Ave. For questions please contact CAPS025District@ChicagoPolice.org.
|
Digital Skills for Small Businesses
|
Center for Changing Lives is hosting a free course that teaches small business owners digital skills. Learn how to use free and affordable online digital resources to improve customer experience and reduce business costs in this 6-week cohort-based course.
Register at linktr.ee/cclchicago.
|
Humboldt Park Advisory Council Election
|
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.
|
Jobs at the Chicago Park District
|
The Chicago Park District is looking for monthly attendants, physical instructors, and attendants to join their team. If you want to keep our parks clean, beautiful, and safe, you are encouraged to apply at https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/jobs.
|
Help collect air temperature in your neighborhood by volunteering for up to three 1-hour shifts. For each shift, volunteers will receive $35.
Volunteers will be contacted in June to be trained on the campaign. On average, the hottest days of the year occur sometime around mid-July but can occur later in the month. Click here to sign up.
|
New Life Covenant Church is hosting their annual Hope Fest on August 5th from 12pm to 2pm at 3400 N Division St. Join them for free book bags, groceries, entertainment, bouncy houses, a petting zoo and more.
|
Restore the Bathroom in Humboldt Park
|
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
|
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.
|
Domestic Workers and Undocumented Residents: Apply for Your $500 Relief Payment from the Resiliency Fund 2.0.
The Department of Family and Support Services is accepting applications for Chicago Resiliency Fund 2.0, which will provide up to 7,000 domestic workers and 10,000 undocumented residents with a one-time, $500 relief payment. To be eligible, the applicant must also be a current Chicago resident, and have household income less than or equal to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level ($74,580 for a household of 3). No questions will be asked in regard to citizenship or immigration status. COVID-19 cash assistance is not considered under public charge.
Application closes July 31st. Visit www.chicash.org to learn more and apply!
|
|
