In this newsletter
26th Ward Office Updates • Community Events for Youth • Community Events • Public Notices • Job Opportunities • Resources
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Dear neighbor,
Since taking office, I have been tirelessly advocating for dignified housing solutions and won’t rest until everyone in need of shelter is housed. Last Monday, I hosted a pop-up Ward Night at San Lucas Church where the primary focus was to address growing concerns regarding the tent encampment and share updates on our efforts to ensure that all residents receive access to safe shelter.
If you want to support this work, I encourage you to add your name to our petition calling on the City of Chicago to invest in a non-congregate shelter in Humboldt Park.
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As you can see from the picture above, Encuentro Square's construction is well underway. The buildings, located at the west end of the 606 trail (1844 N Ridgeway), are scheduled to open later this year and will include 89 affordable apartments for those making less than 60% AMI.
There will be two waitlists for units and applicants are encouraged to sign up on both waitlists when they open.
Evergreen’s Waitlist
Send an email to encuentrosquare@evergreenreg.com and you will be notified via email when the waitlist opens so you can apply.
CHA’s Waitlist - NOW OPEN
To sign up for CHA’s waitlist, visit https://applyonline.thecha.org/ and either select to submit a new application or update their existing application. When selecting a waitlist, search Project Based Voucherand select Encuentro Square.
Stay tuned for more information on application assistance events.
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Two weeks ago, a shooting near Hamlin and North Ave knocked out the lights on the entire block, adding to concerns raised by a previous homicide six months ago. Last week, my Chief of Staff Juanita García and Ward Superintendent Hugo Samayoa joined the 25th Police District for a safety walk on the 1600 block of Hamlin. They knocked on every door, speaking with residents who reported increased gang activity, particularly around the playground, and requested a stronger police presence. Residents were encouraged to call 911 if they notice anything suspicious.
The 1500 block of Fairfield had issues with street sweeping, but thanks to a resident named Imad, the street was finally cleaned. Imad and Juanita worked together to leave reminders on all the cars parked on Fairfield, and the neighbors cooperated. The street was swept, and the residents were pleased. This collective effort made the process much easier. Due to Imad’s diligent follow-up, we were able to speak to neighbors, submit several service requests, and distribute flyers to over 60 cars.
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As the Chair of the Subcommittee on Youth Employment, I am intentional about supporting summer youth employment in my own office. This year, we have sixteen amazing young people who will be bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to both our Ward and City Hall offices. Using their unique perspectives, they will refine our barrio services, zoning, policy, and participatory budgeting initiatives, giving each area youth vision. To jumpstart the work, our Mikva Fellow, Daniya, is featured on our website. Check her out!
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On Saturday, June 29th, Congresswoman Delia Ramirez will be hosting an info session on expanded protections for spouses and Dreamers. We know the announcement made by President Biden on June 18th has raised questions. We are coming together to share what we know at this time with our communities. Please RSVP!
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One Fair Wage, minimum wage, and paid leave changes are coming July 1! Join restaurant owners, Alderman Ramirez-Rosa, and me on Monday to celebrate these historic protections that strengthen workers' rights.
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Finally, thank you Chicago Fire Department Engine 57 on Western and Potomac for hosting me on Saturday. This group works hard to protect our community!
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I've added a number of City of Chicago job listings in our Job Opportunities section below. If you need assistance, contact the Chicago Department of Human Resources Hotline at (312) 744-4976 or HumanResources@cityofchicago.org
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 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.
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With pride and gratitude,
Alderperson Jessie Fuentes
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The 26th Ward office is located at 2511 W. Division St. Our office's regular hours of operation are as follows:
*The office will be closed everyday from 1-2pm for lunch*
- Monday 2 pm - 5 pm*
- Tuesday 9 am - 5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am - 5 pm
- Thursday 9 am - 5 pm
- Friday 9 am - 5 pm.
*Ward Night: Mondays 5 pm - 7 pm
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Ward Nights are an opportunity to meet with Alderperson Fuentes about local or city issues. Meetings take place every Monday between 5pm - 7pm, are by appointment only, and available on a first come, first served basis.
If you would like to meet with Alderperson Fuentes during Ward Night, please call or email the ward office at 773-395-0143 or info@the26thward.org.
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Join the Call for a New Non-Congregate Shelter in Humboldt Park!
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As the Alderperson of the 26th Ward, I believe it is imperative that we seek compassionate solutions for the issues that affect all residents of the 26th Ward, including our unhoused neighbors in Humboldt Park.
Non-congregate shelters offer safer, more dignified living conditions than congregate shelters by providing individual rooms that grant privacy and autonomy to individuals experiencing homelessness.
By establishing a non-congregate shelter in Humboldt Park, we can address immediate needs while working towards long-term solutions for affordable housing and housing stability. By supporting this community initiative, we can work towards ensuring that all residents have access to safe shelter. Join me by adding your name to this petition if you want the City of Chicago to invest in a non-congregate shelter in Humboldt Park.
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Confirmed CDOT and Menu Construction
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Street Sweeping Map & Schedule
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Street sweeping takes place between April and November. Click map to enlarge.
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The 26th Ward community-driven zoning process requires that anyone requesting a zoning change must first complete a zoning intake form. Once their intake form has been reviewed they are 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.
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We are currently reviewing zoning change requests for the following properties. You are invited to provide feedback at: the26thward.org/zoning.
- 2541 West Walton St
- 3017 N. Armitage Ave
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Community Events for Youth
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Summer Film Club at Clemente
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Join the Cocuyo Summer Film Club for elementary students at Clemente Community Academy from 7/1/24 - 7/19/24. For more information please click here.
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Culinary Club Club at Clemente
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The Plates & Pixels Culinary Club is looking for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders! Join Chef Pérez to learn about food styling, photography, and online portfolios. For more information please click here.
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ChiArts has announced their summer camp for 6-8th graders from July 8th - 26th. For more information regarding their summer camp, please email summercamp@chiarts.org.
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Youth Leader Activation Summit
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Join the Mayor's Youth Commission for the 2024 Youth Leader Activation Summit on Saturday, August 3rd at UIC Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted from 12-3pm. Youth ages 14-19 can register HERE
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CTO 2024 Empowerment Scholarship
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To be eligible for a $5,000 award, which a student can use to pay for any education-related expenses, a student must be a graduating senior enrolled in an institution of higher learning in the fall of 2024 and submit a completed application, including an essay, high school transcripts and other materials by 11:59pm, on Sunday June 30, 2024. To apply, visit www.cps.academicworks.com/users/sign_in.
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BUILD's Ride for Peace will meet at Little Cubs Field on Saturday, July 13. All ages welcome! Register now to secure your shirt
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Chicago Youth Centers is Now Enrolling
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Are you looking for a Head Start and/or Early Head Start child program? Look no further as Chicago Youth Centers has launched their enrollment application! To enrolled your children please click here.
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New Life Centers: Beloved Community Bash
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New Life Center is hosting a series of Community Bashes! Stop by for free food, resources music and fun activities for the youth!
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El Corillo Original de Humboldt Park
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El Corillo Original de Humboldt Park is starting up music at LeMoyne & California this Sunday, June 23! Music will continue every Sunday throughout the summer.
To donate, contact Ellie at 312-597-5188
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Casa Central is hosting its 2024 Health Fair today, Thursday, June 27th from 2-6pm, at the Casa Central Fisher Family Community Center at 1335 N. California Ave. Free and open to the public.
An array of organizations will be present to provide information about their health-related services. Plus — Casa Central is hiring! Job seekers are encouraged to attend to learn about career opportunities and fill out applications.
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Mega Yard Sale at First Spaulding Church
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First Spaulding Church is having a Mega Yard Sale this Saturday, June 29 from 10am-3pm at 1132 N Spaulding Ave.
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Financial Fundamentals Workshop
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Money Matters Institute (MMI), is a free comprehensive and convenient money management and financial wellness program. MMI is designed to equip all Chicago residents, no matter their age, income or background, with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to build wealth today for tomorrow. To register, click here.
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FREE CONCERT presented by Chicago a cappella on Thursday, July 11 at 7:30 pm at the Humboldt Park Boathouse. Bring your lawn chairs! Chicago a capella returns to Humboldt Park neighborhood for a performance featuring selections from our History of Harmony program with nature as their backdrop.
You can learn more about the event and CAC here.
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Project Vida's Latiné/x Health Summit
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Project Vida & the Chiago Department of Public Health present Latiné/x Health Summit, featuring fun and informative speakers and for the LGBTQ community. They are partnering with over 15 local organizations to provide resources for our underserved communities. For more information please click here.
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Encuentro Square Waitlist is Open!
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The Encuentro Square affordable housing development located at the west end of the 606 trail (1844 N Ridgeway) is scheduled to open later this year and will include 89 affordable apartments for those making less than 60% AMI.
If you’re interested in applying for an apartment at Encuentro Square, I encourage you to sign up for a waitlist now!
There will be two waitlists for units and applicants are encouraged to sign up on both waitlists when they open.
Evergreen’s Waitlist
Send an email to encuentrosquare@evergreenreg.com and you will be notified via email when the waitlist opens so you can apply.
CHA’s Waitlist - NOW OPEN
To sign up for CHA’s waitlist, visit https://applyonline.thecha.org/ and either select to submit a new application or update their existing application. When selecting a waitlist, search Project Based Voucher and select Encuentro Square.
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Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund
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The Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund (ESVF) provides economic relief to victims and survivors of gunshot wounds and homicides. ESVF has now expanded to 15 priority communities with the highest levels of violence.
Who qualifies?
•Victims or family members of victims who have suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds or homicide in the calendar year
•The incident occurred in one of the 15 communities listed
•Victim is a resident of one of the 15 communities who was victimized within the City of Chicago
•Families of people 24 years of age or younger who have been victims of homicide in the City of Chicago
•Victims and applicants must have proof of residency in the City of Chicago
You must work with a victim advocate from one of the funded delegate organizations that administers the program. See chicago.gov/ESVF for the complete list of funded organizations.
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Chicago City Key Appointments Now Open!
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Reducing vacancies in neighborhood business districts will support and revitalize neighborhood business districts. Let’s transform vacant properties into thriving small businesses. For more information contact the Small Business Advocacy Council.
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City Grants Open for Manufacturers
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TIFWorks Manufacturing Program is available in the Northwest Industrial Corridor. TIFWorks is actively accepting applications from manufacturers looking to train current employees and/or new hires. Manufacturing companies in the Northwest Industrial and Pulaski Industrial TIFs can apply.
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Small Business Advocacy Council: We Rise Grant Program
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This program identifies small businesses that wish to expand into brick-and-mortar spaces in one of the following neighborhoods: Auburn Gresham, Austin, Back of the Yards, Englewood, Gage Park, North Lawndale, South Lawndale, South Shore, Washington Park, and West Lawn.
The We Rise Grant Program will be providing eligible businesses coaching and educational services. They also work to connect businesses with the owners of vacant commercial properties, and provide funds these businesses can use to facilitate their transition into vacant properties. For more information about the program please reach out too Natalia Borowska at natalia@sbacil.org.
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Small Business Advocacy Council: We Rise Grant Program
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There are far too many vacant commercial properties in disinvested neighborhoods. The goal of the Small Business Advocacy Council is to support property owners struggling to fill their commercial spaces by connecting them with potential tenants with the knowledge and resources to transition into a brick-and-mortar space.
This program will:
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Identify small businesses that wish to expand into brick-and-mortar spaces
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Provide eligible businesses coaching and educational services.
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Connect businesses with the owners of vacant commercial properties.
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Provide funds these businesses can use to facilitate their transition into vacant properties.
To learn more reach out to the Small Business Advocacy Council at (312) 548-8608 or email Natalia at natalia@sbacil.org.
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Trees provide numerous health benefits and can help our communities be more resilient to the impact of climate events and reduce greenhouse gasses, one of the leading causes of climate change. Request a free parkway tree by calling 3-1-1, on the mobile CHI311 app, or by visiting www.311.chicago.gov/s/article/Tree-planting
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Each year, the Jumping Jack Program delights children across Chicago. This inflatable playground, provided by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, is available for FREE and runs from Saturday, May 25 through Sunday, September 1, 2024. Please visit their website here for more information.
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The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) has introduced a new and improved interactive calendar, which you can click here to access. One of the key features of this calendar is the inclusion of the yearly meeting calendar for both the Commission for Public Safety and your Local District Councils. By simply visiting this website, you can find the dates, times, and locations of all scheduled meetings.
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14th Police District Council
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For the first time since taking office last August, 14th District Commander Linas will attend a public special meeting of the 14th District Council to answer questions and interact with the community. Join at Haas Park (2402 N Washtenaw) 6pm today, Thursday, June 27th!
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Join elected District Councilors every first Saturday of the month at 1pm to work for better police accountability, restorative justice, and evidence based approaches to public safety. Please sign up at bit.ly/do14news for Councilor David Orlikoff's newsletter or email David.Orlikoff@cityofchicago.org with questions.
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Humboldt Condo Now Listed
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The Chicago Housing Trust still has one 2 bedroom condo at 1508 N. Harding near North and Pulaski. These condos are restricted to households making under 100% of the area median income.
Live in a beautifully renovated 100-year-old Chicago 6-flat with a huge yard, five minutes to Humboldt Park, a short bike ride to the 606/Bloomingdale Trail, and 2 blocks from the North and Pulaski bus lines.
Contact 1508nharding@gmail.com or call/text Denise Reyes at (773) 391-1960 for details. Click here to apply.
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Garbage and Recycling Reminders
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Sign up to receive your trash and recycling pickup schedule and reminders (holidays, recycling events, bulky item pickup) emailed to you by using Recycle by City. Severe weather and holidays can affect the collection schedule. In the event of a delay, please leave your carts out until they have been collected. For missed pickups, please call 311.
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Residential Electronics Recycling
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See the flyer for information on drop-off locations for electronics ranging from computers and TVs to printers and game consoles.
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Vaccine and Microchip Clinics
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Animal Care and Control is also offering Vaccine and Microchip Clinics for dogs now through July. See the dates, locations, and details above.
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Don't Let a Tick Make You Sick!
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If you find a tick, don't panic! IDPH has released an infographic to demonstrate the proper protocol for removing ticks from oneself, family, friend, and even your furry friends. To learn more about tick prevention and removal and other pest control information please visit IDPH Site here.
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Introductory Guide to City Services
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If you want to learn how to access city resources and take an active role in your community, you can download our Introductory Guide to City Services. The guide includes steps to submit an infrastructure request, host a community event, get immigration, re-entry or domestic violence support, find your elected officials, and engage with various city departments. It also provides information on how to access critical services.
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY WITH CHICAGO YOUTH CENTERS!
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Chicago Youth Center is opening two new centers and are seeking to fill various vacancies. For more information regarding the different available positions please click here.
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Explore Careers in Renewable Energy
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Explore Careers in Renewable Energy by signing up for a free course at Wright College's Humboldt Park Campus. Calles start in September. For more information email the Arturo Velasquez Institute at
ncortes18@ccc.edu. Apply now by clicking this link. Only 25 seats are available.
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Landis Hardtech Development Fellowship
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Are you a woman, Black, or Latine HardTech entrepreneur, product development specialist, or engineering contractor looking to freelance in the gig economy? Apply for this fellowship to access a pipeline of paid contractor work and get access to $6M worth of prototyping equipment, workshops, and a potential pipeline of paid contract work. Learn more here.
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School to Work Program for Young Adults
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Bridges is a program that assists young adults in Chicago with job readiness, work maturity skills, job search, interviewing skills, entry level job placement, retention, and follow‐up. For more information go to bridgestowork.org.
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Career Opportunities with the City
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🔎Zoom in to see 40+ job openings with the City of Chicago
NEED ASSISTANCE GETTING STARTED?
Contact the Human Resources Hotline at (312) 744-4976 or HumanResources@cityofchicago.org
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The Office of Emergency Management & Communication is hiring a Traffic Aide. You can learn more about the position here.
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Life Impacters:Food Pantry
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LIF (Life Impacters Foundation), operates as a beacon of support and change on the vibrant greater west side of Chicago, nestled within Cook County, Illinois. LIF offers a comprehensive array of multi-social services aimed at uplifting the community.
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New Program Connects Landlords and Vacant Apartments To Folks In Need
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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.
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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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info@the26thward.org
(773)395-0143
Se Habla Español
Subscribe to this newsletter here.
2511 W Division Street, Chicago, IL 60622
Hours:
*Office will be closed every day from 1-2 pm for lunch*
Monday 2 pm - 7 pm | Tuesday 9 am - 5 pm
Wednesday 9 am - 5 pm | Thursday 9 am - 5 pm
Friday 9 am - 5 pm
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