Empowering Our Community: Food Distribution, Safety Initiatives, and Festive Moments

11/1/24

Empowering Our Community: Food Distribution, Safety Initiatives, and Festive Moments

Dear Neighbor,

This week has been a productive and festive one. As you may have heard, the Mayor held his budget address on Wednesday. While I am still combing through the fine print, I am proud that my efforts to build on the Peace Book Ordinance are being recognized. Additionally, we are seeing increases in investment for homelessness services, the Law Center for Better Housing counseling project, and mental health programming.  My office has received a number of calls about the projected property tax increases, and rest assured, I am working closely with my colleagues to implement other forms of revenue streams that do not not impact our city’s hard working families. My staff will be attending independent budget briefings while I attend the city’s departmental budget briefings in the next two weeks. At each briefing, we will be advocating for residents of the 26th Ward, providing our analyses, and bringing back our own recommendations. The departmental briefing schedule is listed here, and if you have any recommendations for specific departments, please share them with my Legislative Aide at marie@the26thward.org.

View the City’s Budget:  2025 Budget Overview and 2025 Budget Recommendations.

On a lighter note, GEMS World Academy reached out to organize a visit to City Council, and we were not disappointed! Thank you to educators Hannah, Erin, and Katie for chaperoning their 5th graders. In addition to securing my autograph, they were able to ask Alderman Mike Rodríguez about the Committee on Workforce and take a professional photograph with the Mayor himself. I was struck by how knowledgeable they are about municipal government. They were even able to do the mental math of figuring out the different numbers of members needed for quorum for different meetings! Thank you GEMS for providing your scholars a meaningful experiential learning field trip.

Spearheaded by 4th Ward Chief of Staff Sabha and Pious Projects, last Saturday, Committee on Zoning Chief of Staff Jessica and my Legislative Aide Marie were able to join ALSO to distribute 125 meals to those in need in the community. Humboldt Park Solidarity Network was one of the grateful beneficiaries. These acts of co-governance and solidarity are what sustain our work, particularly the on-the-ground efforts to provide food to those in need.

On Monday the Community Safety Committee came together to review recent crime trends and strengthen our strategies to “Keep Us Safe.” We celebrated recent achievements, including the highly successful Public Safety Townhall at Blackhawk Park and the meaningful connections formed with residents during neighborhood safety walks. We’re proud to report that violent crime continues to decrease in our ward—a testament to our community's commitment to safety. The meeting concluded with an inspiring presentation from the Alliance of Local Service Organizations (ALSO), showcasing the impactful work of outreach teams dedicated to fostering peace and safety throughout the 26th Ward. For more details, view our crime data slides here.

a group of young people standing in a line in front of a metal detector

All week, we brought Halloween spirit to the 26th Ward with a variety of community events! We loved co-hosting this year’s Trunk-or-Treat at Lowell Elementary, where we handed out candy, popcorn and city resources to children and families. Yesterday, we took part in the Haunted Paseo event, creating a fun and safe trick-or-treat experience among the businesses between our beautiful Puerto Rican flags on Division Street

In solidarity,


Jessie Fuentes, 26th Ward Alderperson

Property Tax Appeal Workshop 11/6

If your property taxes were assessed high, come out to this Property Tax Appeal Workshop on Wednesday!


November 6th, 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave


Arrive by 5:30 PM to meet with an analyst and get help with your property tax appeal.
Bring your property tax bill or PIN number, and let’s get those questions answered!

No pre-registration needed, but you can scan the QR code to save your spot.


26 Ward Business Summit

26th Ward Youth Council

Youth ages 14-21 are encouraged to apply to be part of the 26th Ward Youth Council! Be part of the participatory budgeting process and help guide me in determining legislative goals. Apply at bit.ly/youth26

Join the Call for a New Non-Congregate Shelter

in Humboldt Park!

As the Alderperson of the 26th Ward, I advocate for compassionate solutions for our residents, including the unhoused in Humboldt Park. Unlike traditional shelters,

Non-congregate shelters provide private, dignified living spaces. Support our initiative by signing a petition to urge the City of Chicago to establish a non-congregate shelter in Humboldt Park, promoting long-term housing stability.


SIGN THE PETITION 


Street Sweeping Map & Schedule 

Street sweeping takes place between April and November. Click map to enlarge.

26th Ward Zoning

The 26th Ward's zoning process requires anyone requesting a zoning change to first complete a zoning intake form. After review, they present their request to the Zoning Advisory Committee and answer questions. In some cases, they may also present at a community input meeting.

We are currently reviewing zoning change requests for the following properties.

Introductory Guide to City Services

Youth Resources

RCCA School Showcase 11/9

Diverse Learners Recovery Fund

The Diverse Learners Recovery Fund Program provides financial assistance to families of children with disabilities. The Diverse Learners Recovery Fund provides a one-time grant of $500 to K-12 students with disabilities through a lottery. To date, the program has selected and awarded 1,000 students with disabilities.


DEADLINE is 11/15/24 the eligibility requirements are:

  • Reside in the City of Chicago

  • Household income: less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)

  • Students enrolled in K-12 Public or Private Schools

  • Student has a disability covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

  • Up to 2 eligible students per household

Application: www.AdaMOPD.com Questions: MOPD@adasmckinley.org  (312) 561-6965.

Enroll Your Student with Tutoring Chicago

Elections

Emergency Heating Repair

Emergency Heating Repair Program Now Open!


The City of Chicago's Emergency Heating Repair Program (EHRP) is providing grant assistance to eligible homeowners for critical furnace and boiler repairs.

Open enrollment is from November 1, 2024, to April 1, 2025.

Apply now, as funds are limited and granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

📞 For assistance or to apply, call 311, visit the CHI311 app, or go to www.chicago.gov/ehrp.


Ensure a warm winter—act now!


Chicago Public Library November Events

Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center

Become a Charter Member at the New Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center!

Join now and enjoy exclusive benefits:

Waived $150 joining fee and a FREE Charter Member T-shirt

This limited-time offer is available only for the first 500 Charter Members who sign up before the grand opening!


For details, visit HPHWellness.care, email infowellness@hph.care, or call (773) 537-9200.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of the Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center community!

14th District Public Meeting 11/2

Filming Notice 11/4

Youth Mental Health First Aid 11/7

Conversations with the 025 District Commander

Vaccines: I’ll Hold Your Hand 11/9

Pumpkin Smash 11/9

ILUH Winter Fundraiser 11/14

DOH Housing 101

Small Business Growth Program

Hermosa Soup Kitchen

Volunteer with El Mercadito

Free English and Citizenship Classes

Jefferson Townships Reassessments

GFPI Community Fund

🌱 Apply Now for the 2024 GFPI Community Fund! 🌟

Applications are open until November 11th—don’t miss out!

Are you a farmer, food business, or organization within 250 miles of Chicago? The 2024 GFPI Community Fund offers flexible grant funding to support healthy, sustainable food access. APPLY HERE


Package Protection Tips

📦 Package Protection Tips 🚚✨

🔍 Track your deliveries and stay informed with alerts

📭 Safe delivery locations and plan for secure drop-off locations.

📝 Add delivery instructions for secure drop-offs and consider requesting a signature

🚪💪📦 Let’s keep your packages safe and sound!

LIHEAP

McCormick YMCA Food Distribution

Encuentro Square Applications NOW OPEN

iMentor Chicago

Court-Based Rental Assistance Program

CBRAP offers up to $15,000 in emergency rental assistance for households in eviction court due to non-payment of rent. Funds can cover past due rent, court costs (up to $500), and two months of future rent. Payments go directly to landlords, who must agree to dismiss eviction proceedings, helping tenants stay housed. This assistance does not need to be repaid.


Eligible households must live in Illinois and earn at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Assistance is one-time only, and households cannot reapply after receiving payment.

 

Eligible tenants and landlords can start an application online at www.illinoishousinghelp.org.  Additional information about CBRAP can be found at www.illinoishousinghelp.org/resources.

AARP Tax-Aide Volunteer

Chicago Senior Risk Assessment Program

Free Chore Services from DFSS for 60+ Seniors

Foster Care: Ready to Make a Difference?

Free Classes at Humboldt Park Library

Community Development Grants


Community Development Grant - Small

The Department of Planning and Development is now accepting applications for awards up to $250,000. This grant supports small businesses, nonprofits, and property owners involved in local commercial, mixed-use, and light manufacturing development.


Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. Friday, November 8, 2024


Learn More and Apply: Visit chicago.gov/cdg for more information. For questions, email DPDGrants@CityofChicago.org.


Grant Information Sessions: Attend a session online or in-person to learn more about grant eligibility and application requirements. Register at chicago.gov/cdg.

Chicago Rents Program

Special Concession Opportunity with the Chicago Park District

Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund

Residential Electronic Recycling

Don’t Let a Tick Make You Sick!

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.

Public Safety Meetings

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. 

 

14th Police District Council

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.

Reproductive Justice

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.

Property Tax Appeal Workshop 11/6

Previous
Previous

An Exciting Week Ahead: Safety Town Hall, Business Summit, and Turkey Giveaway in the 26th Ward!

Next
Next

From the Ward to the Classroom: A Week of Impact and Advocacy