In this newsletter
Community Events • Public Notices • Ways to get Involved • Job Opportunities • Resources.
|
Dear Neighbors,
Last week I had the privilege of joining community members, organizers, local elected officials, and Senator Dick Durbin in the ribbon cutting of Lurie Children’s Mobile Health Van at Iglesia Evangelica Emmanuel. This mobile health van will bring the best of Lurie Children’s Hospital services to Belmont Cragin. Meeting families where they are is essential to building healthy and vibrant communities. Institutions contribute a great deal to the health of a community, that includes our community schools - last week I joined educators from Chi-Arts at a press conference to advocate for a fair contract. We know that fully funded arts programs, fair pay, and wrap around services for young people contribute greatly to building a safer community. I am wishing our educators the best as they wrap up their contract negotiations.
|
We are excited to welcome Rincón Family Services to the 26th Ward on the North Ave corridor. CEO Eddy Borrayo gave me a tour of their new site where they will be providing mental health services, resource coordination, housing support and much more. We cannot wait until we cut the ribbon to the new site. I want to thank CEO Borrayo and his leadership team for seeing a future for Rincon on North Ave near Pulaski.
|
Last Thursday evening I attended the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center (PRCC) and had the great honor to host the celebration with Democracy Now Broadcaster, Juan Gonzalez. The Puerto Rican Cultural Center for 50 years has fought for the self-determination, self-actualization, and the self-reliance of Puerto Ricans in Humboldt Park and across the city of Chicago. I want to thank the entire leadership of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center for fighting against colonialism and for our liberation. Last Friday morning I was joined by Mayor Brandon Johnson and community partners to dedicate a new 64-unit affordable family apartment building in Humboldt Park in honor of visionary Puerto Rican leader Pedro Albizu Campos. I want to thank Hispanic Housing Corporation for their work and vision to house working families in the 26th Ward.
|
This past weekend we celebrated the one year anniversary of Tasa Coffee Roasters. Tasa Coffee Roaster owned by Jackie and Pierre Marquez is one of the only coffee roasters in West Humboldt. We are proud to have a young Latine couple build their business here with us in the 26th Ward. I want to congratulate Jackie and Pierre on this great accomplishment and if I can add Tasa has the vibes and amazing coffee. Support your local coffee shop.
|
And finally, we spent our Labor Day weekend in celebration with Boricuas from across the diaspora and Puerto Rico at Fiesta Boricua on Division St. The festival was a family friendly and safe activity for everyone to enjoy. Fiesta Boricua showcased the best of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico - bringing musicians, artists, and culinary experts.
|
The corridor also included a boxing expo of young people showcasing their martial arts skills and a senior tent that got 26th ward residents laser focused in a domino tournament and winning prizes through bingo. Fiesta Boricua showcased the best of Puerto Rican culture, if you missed it there is always next year!
|
In partnership,
Your 26th Ward Alderperson, Jessie Fuentes
|
Save the date for our first Senior Wellness Fair on Friday, October 13th from 10am to 1pm.
Hosted by 26th Ward Alderperson Jessie Fuentes, State Representative Lilian Jiménez, and State Senator Omar Aquino.
Questions? Contact us at info@the26thward.org or (773)-395-0143.
|
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by attending these Arte a Tu Mesa events at local restaurants every Saturday through September and October. These events will feature live music, great food, and handmade artwork. For more information contact Javier Vargas at 773-407-5441 or arteatumesa@outlook.com.
|
Celebrate unity and diversity in our city and world at Peace Day Chicago’s 45th Anniversary event on Monday September 18th from 11:45am to 1pm at Daley Plaza. This event brings all cultures and all neighborhoods together for an uplifting experience that highlights the interactive Call to Peace and World Peace Flag Ceremony. Come early to network with many cultural and peace organizations from across the city.
|
Operation Ten City is a series of events that serve to unlock potential and greatness in youth, entrepreneurs, and business owners through entrepreneurial education! Operation Ten City Chicago will take place September 8–12, 2023 at various locations around the city. There will be a Food, Clothing & Gas Card Giveaway happening at three locations in the Humboldt Park, Englewood, and West Garfield communities on the morning of Saturday, September 9th. Food bags that feed a family of four, brand new clothes for men, women, and children, and gas cards!
|
In honor of the United Nations' International Day of Peace, the World Music Festival Chicago is hosting the Global Peace Picnic in Humboldt Park. This event celebrates the diverse music and cultures from around the world with live performances and family-friendly activities. The City-wide festival lasts for ten days and features award-winning artists from over 20 countries and regions of the world. The "Global Peace Picnic" will occur on September 30th and will showcase international dance and music companies across two stages at the Humboldt Park Boathouse. Admission is free! For more information visit, WorldMusicFestivalChicago.org.
|
Clean and Affordable Buildings Info Session
|
The Clean and Affordable Buildings event is an opportunity for community members to learn more about how they can make their homes safer, healthier, and more affordable. The event will focus on how we can transition to 100% clean energy in a way that is accessible for everyone across Chicago. Join us on September 22th at 7:30pm at Logan Commons (2759 W Armitage).
|
Unity Wak-In at Humboldt Park
|
Please save the date and join the Garfield Park, Humboldt Park, and North Lawndale communities for the 2023 Unity Walk-ins that will celebrate solidarity between Black and Brown communities, promote health through physical activity, healing through the arts and culture, and seeks to increase peace within our neighborhoods. The walk will take place on September 16th at the Humboldt Park Boathouse from 10:00 am - 11:00 am. Arts & Culture activities and performances will begin at 11 am until 2 pm. There will be local Food truck vendors, art activities for all ages, and resources for families and youth.
|
Sign Up For Street Sweeping Reminders
|
You have probably noticed that the city's street sweeping schedule has changed this year. Use "wethesweeple.com" to search for your Chicago street address and find out when your street will be swept next. Then, register for email alerts or subscribe to a calendar feed so that you get a reminder when the next sweep is coming up.
|
Property Tax Appeals Now Open for Jefferson Township
|
The Jefferson is now open for Cook County Assessor Appeals. The deadline is October 2nd. Parts of our ward are within the 8th District of Cook County and the Jefferson. The township map for the 8th District can be found here. You can submit your appeal online at this link. A step-by-step application video can found here.
|
Flood Assistance from FEMA
|
Congresswoman Delia Ramirez is bringing FEMA to Illinois 3rd District for a Flooding Assistance Info Session this Monday.
If you were affected by the summer storms and flooding, join the information session on Monday, Sept. 11th from 6pm to 7:30pm at Kelvyn Park High School to get more information on how you can apply for relief.
RSVP now at: bit.ly/FEMAInfoIL3
|
FEMA is now accepting disaster applications to provide relief for damages caused by the severe flooding events between June 29, 2023-July 2, 2023. Check out our fact sheet here for more information on the program and how to apply.
|
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.
|
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.
|
We are hosting our first Youth Council Meeting on Thursday September 14th from 4pm to 6pm at the Humboldt Park Library (1606 N Troy St).
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.
|
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.
|
You are invited to attend a public meeting concerning a request to lift a liquor moratorium for a business located at 4059 W. Armitage Ave. This meeting is an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and ask questions so that community input is centered in decision-making. RSVP at bit.ly/meet912
|
You are invited to attend a public meeting concerning a request to lift a liquor moratorium for a business located at 3545 W Armitage Ave, 60647. This meeting is an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and ask questions so that community input is centered in decision-making. RSVP at bit.ly/meet920
|
14th Police District Councilors - Know Your Rights
|
A Know Your Rights series will be held in Humboldt Park on Saturday Sept 30th from 12-3pm, featuring Spanish presentation and question answering from Public Defender Iveliz Orellano, with English presentation by First Defense Legal Aid. There will also be free vegan and meat chili, with opportunities for groups to connect and table, and for community members to bring potluck items to share. This event is hosted in collaboration with the 14th, 12th, 25th, 11th, 10th, 15th and 17th District Councils. Questions can be sent to David.Orlikoff@cityofchicago.org.
|
25th Police District Council Meeting
|
The 25th Police District Council is hosting a meeting on September 21st featuring representatives from the Bring Chicago Home and Treatment Not Trauma Coalition to speak more about how these initiatives can increase public safety in our neighborhoods.
|
Vote on a Design for Humboldt Park Pickleball Courts
|
In response to the survey results, the Chicago Park District is requesting community vote on a Design for Humboldt Park Pickleball Courts. Click here to cast your vote.
|
Starting now, Secretary Giannoulias launched the new Skip-the-Line Program for Illinois DMVs. 44 of our busiest locations now require appointments to eliminate wait times and provide better customer service. Customers are required to make appointments for in-person visits for REAL IDs, driver’s licenses and ID card services, and in-car driving tests. All DMVs now have expanded hours on Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. 15 DMVs will also be open on Sat, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. You can make an appointment at ilsos.gov or by calling 844-817-4649.
|
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.
|
Volunteer At Nourishing Hope
|
Nourishing Hope is one of the largest, most respected and longest continually operating food pantries in Chicago. Join their passionate community of dedicated volunteers. Volunteers needed Monday through Wednesday, 9am - 4pm, to distribute groceries. Spanish speakers are incredibly helpful! Visit NourishingHopeChi.org/volunteer to register! Questions? Email lacasanorte@nourishinghopechi.org.
|
Restore the Bathroom in Humboldt Park
|
O’Hare Restaurants and Retail Hiring Event
|
O’Hare restaurants and retail are hosting a hiring event on Sept. 12th from 9am to 1pm at O'Hare Terminal 2, baggage claim. Salaries start at $18/hour plus subsidized transportation and benefits. Offers made same day. Register now at: www.flychicago.com/ordhiringevent.
|
Career Opportunities working for the City of Chicago
|
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.
|
Abundant Life Entrepreneurs Program
|
Do you want to grow your business? Do you want a network of professional mentors to guide you in your growth? Then the New Life Centers' Abundant Life Program is for you! Abundant Life provides you with the mentors, programs, tools, resources, and connections you need to be successful. They will pair you with mentors who have deep expertise and want to put it to use supporting you. Click here to apply. Email gwen@weavingimpact.org for more information.
|
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.
|
|
