In this newsletter
Community Events • Public Notices • Ways to get Involved • Job Opportunities • Resources.
|
Dear Neighbors,
One Fair Wage is on track to be heard in the Workforce Development committee. Last week on September 6th the Committee on Rules and Ethics voted unanimously to send One Fair Wage to the Committee on Workforce Development. The One Fair Wage ordinance seeks to end the “subminimum” wage for tipped workers in Chicago, this ordinance is supported by the Mayor and 26 Alderpeople in City Council. We know that when our women are the front lines and they’re servicing for tips, that they are subject to sexual harassment. We know that when they’re putting their bodies and health at risk, they are subject to discrimination. We have a moral obligation to make our people whole and to invest in our young people. Because of subminimum wages, many of our young people are working full time and still find themselves living in poverty. Continue to tune in as we continue our fight to pass One Fair Wage.
|
This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend the Local Progress conference in St. Louis. Local Progress is a movement of local elected officials advancing a racial and economic justice agenda through all levels of local government. This collective of elected leaders build power with historically excluded communities and fight to reshape what is possible in our localities all across the country. It was a great privilege to meet with mayors, council members, and elected school board members to discuss housing, community safety, economic justice, and immigrant justice. As we continue to work towards fighting for housing for our unhoused neighbors and looking for models to increase community safety in the 26th ward, we were excited to see the work of and learn from other local elected officials struggling with similar realities.
|
DFSS, in partnership with our office, will be conducting a Level II Encampment Initiative on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, through Thursday, September 21, 2023, offering intensive social services to homeless individuals residing in Humboldt Park. On September 26th, we will be hosting a rapid housing event for our unhoused neighbors. We will also have our Mobile Medical unit on site for medical evaluations on Tuesday through Thursday. Service delivery will include the following:
- Case Management
- Medical Evaluations/Assistance
- Substance Abuse Evaluation for Treatment
- COVID-19 testing
- CES applications
- Legal Counseling – if available
- Workforce Development – if available
- Shelter Placement (including the low barrier shelter)
|
This month there are so many ways to stay engaged with our office. We will host our Youth Council meeting this month, as well as host our first Public Safety Town Hall. Community voice and input matters. 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 Night. 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
|
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.
|
Northwest Side Public Safety Town Hall
|
Community members are invited to attend a Northwest Side Public Safety Town hall on Monday, September 25th, 5:30pm at New Life Community Church (1651 N Kedzie Ave). At this meeting, constituents are invited to engage with elected officials, local police leaders, and violence prevention organizations based on the Northwest Side. Click here to register.
|
Casa Central’s annual Gala is coming up on Friday, November 3rd at the Adler Planetarium. This year's gala features a special Keynote Speaker, Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr., a former NASA astronaut and the first African American to walk in space! Dr. Harris will share the inspirational story of launching his career, founding a philanthropic organization, and empowering and inspiring others to reach their goals. For more information and tickets go to give.casacentral.org/outofthisworldgala.
|
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.
|
Looking for the freshest blooms in Chicago? Chicago Flower Market is a farmers market for local Midwest flowers. Stroll the market, buy yourself a bouquet, grab a bite or coffee and sing along with bilingual early childhood music duo, Little Parade. Event information & tickets: www.chiflowermarket.com
|
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 20th at 7:30pm at Logan Commons (2759 W Armitage).
|
Unity Walk-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.
|
Alley Reconstruction Notice
|
The reconstruction of the alley bounded by W. Cortland St. - W. Moffat St. and N. Kedzie Ave. – N. Albany Ave. will begin on Monday, September 18, 2023. Construction is expected to take 4 weeks, weather permitting.
Due to construction the following changes will occur:
- During construction, residential garbage pickup will be curbside and we ask that the homeowner relocate cans to the front of the property. If you have private refuse, please contact your service to make special arrangements for pickup.
- There will be no access to the alley for approximately 4 weeks depending on the weather conditions. Barricades will block all entrances to the alley.
- Access to garages from the alley will be unavailable.
- Homeowners are advised to seek alternative parking.
- Garage aprons will be replaced only as needed.
This project will be managed by the Chicago Department of Transportation. If you require any additional information regarding this project, please contact 312-722-6590.
|
CTA Crime Continues Downward Trend
According to statistics released last week by the Chicago Police Department, crimes decreased across the board during the month of August:
- Overall transit crime was down 12% year to date and 35% compared to August 2022,
- Violent crime was down 16% year to date, and 13% month to date (August 2023 vs. August 2022).
“I’m encouraged that the downward trends in crime we’ve seen have continued through the summer, at a time when ridership has reached the highest levels since the start of the pandemic,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “My hope is that the data helps reinforce to our riders and employees that the CTA is getting safer every day.”
To read more on this downward trend, click here.
|
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.
|
Small Business Improvement Fund Opening in Hermosa
|
Hey Hermosa, the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) opens for applications in October in the Pulaski Corridor TIF district. The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) provides grant funding for permanent building improvements and repairs across the city.
Program participants can receive grants to cover between 30 percent and 90 percent of the cost of remodeling work, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grant, which is administered by SomerCor on the City’s behalf, does not have to be repaid.
Apply at chicago.gov/sbif by Oct. 31, and register for an informational webinar at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 4 bit.ly/oct23sbif.
|
Flood Assistance from FEMA
|
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.
This week, 26th Ward Alderperson Jessie Fuentes will host a special Ward Night on Monday, September 18th at Mozart Park (2036 N Avers Ave) from 5:30-7:30pm.
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 tomorrow, 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. For more information go to: the26thward.org/zoning.
|
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.
|
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:
- Winter clothing
- 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
|
CTA Second Chance Program
|
Since 2011, the CTA Second Chance Program has served more than 2,000 of the City of Chicago's justice involved residents. Over 500 program participants have become permanent CTA employees. Even more have secured job at other organizations. Now, it is your turn to become a CTA Second Chance Program success story. Apply now at transitchicago.com/secondchance.
|
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.
|
|
