In this newsletter
Community Events • Public Notices • Ways to get Involved • Job Opportunities • Resources.
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Dear Neighbors,
Last Tuesday, we took our Ward Night to Belmont Cragin and provided residents with city services, information on 26th Ward events and listened to the impact the floods had on the neighborhood. My team and I assisted our neighbors in getting connected with Congresswoman Delia Ramirez’s office to complete the FEMA application. Illinois homeowners, renters and business owners can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) a special toll-free application number or the TTY 1-800-462-7585. Registration is also available online at www.disasterassistance.gov.
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Last week we made history at the city council by hosting two important subject matter hearings; we heard experts and movement leaders in support of Treatment Not Trauma in the Committee on Health and Human Services and the Bring Chicago Home proposal in the Committee on Housing and Real Estate. These are proposals that I support and believe in. Treatment Not Trauma seeks to create a 24-hour crisis response hotline for mental health-related emergencies and to reopen Chicago's shuttered mental health clinics. Bring Chicago Home is a grassroots movement of Chicagoans committed to creating a dedicated revenue stream to combat homelessness in Chicago. The coalition aims to restructure the Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT), a one-time tax on properties when they are sold to create a substantial and legally dedicated revenue stream to provide permanent affordable housing for people experiencing homelessness. We must continue to fight for mental health services and housing for our unhoused neighbors, and you can count on me to help get both of these proposals across the finish line.
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Last Thursday, I hosted a Housing Town Hall with Cook County Commissioner Anthony Quezada. The panel included leaders from LUCHA, Hispanic Housing, Illinois Union for the Homeless, Chicago Park District, Bring Chicago Home Coalition members and Department of Family Support Services. Over sixty residents attended the town hall meeting to listen to the housing needs of the ward and raise concerns about the tent encampments. I am committed to hosting accelerated moving events in partnership with the Department of Family Support Services for residents of Humboldt Park. This program has been successful in quickly reducing tent encampments in Rogers Park and elsewhere. The town hall was the first of many, we will continue to keep the community informed on our efforts to house our unhoused neighbors.
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And finally, 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 our flyer 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
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26th Ward Back to School Fair
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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).
We will be providing free: Backpacks • School Supplies • Hair cuts • Food & drinks • Games • Resources and more!
Hosted by 26th Ward Alderperson Jessie Fuentes and State Representative Lilian Jiménez.
Questions? Contact us at info@the26thward.org or (773)-395-0143
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Hispanic Heritage Celebration
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San Lucas Church is hosting a Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Friday, September 8th from 9am to 2pm at San Lucas UCC (2914 W. North Ave). They will have hair cuts, music, food, community information, wellness on wheels and more.
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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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Street Closure and No Parking Notices
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Filming Notices for Crystal and Western
Aberdeen Pictures will be filming scenes for a short film in your
neighborhood on Wednesday, August 2nd. This is a small local production company with minimal equipment and crew. To park their production van and some essential equipment, the following street addresses will be posted as a NO PARKING/TOW ZONE during these dates and times:
- Wed August 2 from 9:00am – 6:00pm
- 1215 – 1225 N. Washtenaw (east side of street)
If you have any questions prior to or during our filming, please contact:
Rich Moskal, Aberdeen Pictures at 773-726-1644 .
Permits have been issued by the Chicago Film Office. There will NOT be any traffic disruptions or blocked driveways, loading zones, fire hydrants, bus stops or disabled parking zones.
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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.
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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.
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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.
The 26th Ward Office will be closing at 3pm today (Tuesday, August 1st) in order for staff to attend an important Harm Reduction Training organized by the City. If you have an urgent issue please email us at info@the26thward.org.
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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: 7/25 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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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
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Property Tax Exemption Deadline
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As a homeowner, you may qualify for several exemptions that will help cut your property taxes. The last day to apply for an exemption is Friday, Aug 4, 2023. For more information, visit www.cookcountyassessor.com.
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Our Secretary of State is making changes at the DMV that will help save you time and energy. You no longer have to wait in long lines. Starting Sep 1, 2023, you can make an appointment at ilsos.gov or by calling 844-817-4649.
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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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Digital Skills for Small Businesses
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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.
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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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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
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Are you intellectually curious? Or looking for engagement and social connection? The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) invites you to join this vibrant learning community at Northwestern University, specially designed for adults age 50+. In stimulating discussions, you’ll explore a wide range of your favorite subjects, including history, literature, creative arts, contemporary issues, science, technology, and more--with no tests or grades. Registration is August 7-21 for 14-week study groups that begin September 5th in Evanston, downtown Chicago, or online. To view our fall catalog of 100 study groups, email olli@northwestern.edu. And join us for “A Taste of OLLI,” our free online information session on August 1st (Register here).
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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.
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Restore the Bathroom in Humboldt Park
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Chicago Public Schools is hosting a CPS Job Fair. Members of the community are encouraged to apply for positions within CPS at cps.edu/careers.
Date: Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Time: 9:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Rickover Naval Academy, 5700 W Berteau Ave, Chicago, IL 60634
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Jobs at the Chicago Park District
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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.
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Community Service Scholarships
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The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) is now accepting applications for their 2023 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarship Program.
The CSBG scholarship program provides financial assistance to Chicago residents attending post-secondary education programs during the fall semester of 2023 and has minimum income requirements to meet the eligibility criteria. Click here to apply.
Applications must be received by DFSS via their web-based Scholarship Application Platform on Friday, August 25, 2023, by 5:00 p.m.
DFSS will host webinars on August 2nd and August 9th at 10:00 a.m. To register for a webinar, applicants should email their choice of date and time to: DFSScsbgscholarship@cityofchicago.org.
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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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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!
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