Get Involved: Participatory Budgeting, Senior Wellness Fair & More!

10/11/24

Get Involved: Participatory Budgeting, Senior Wellness Fair & More!

Dear Neighbor,

I’m thrilled to introduce our Participatory Budgeting (PB26) process—a powerful way for you to directly influence how our ward’s budget is spent. Through PB26, you have the opportunity to propose and vote on projects that address our community’s needs, whether it's improving public spaces, expanding resources, or more. This process reflects our values of community empowerment, transparency, and equity.

I was able to offer recognition for Gringo for his contributions to the house music through a special resolution. Gringo formed the Allstar Dancers, a dance troupe that was a staple in the 1980s and 1990s dance scene, providing a safe space for countless young people, particularly young queer Latinos. Art and movement has the power to heal, and Gringo made that power accessible to all. Thank you, Gringo, for your unwavering commitment to empowering the youth.

Our Senior Wellness Fair is this week! We’re excited to offer a range of services designed to support seniors in our community. Attendees can expect vaccines, balance exams, will and estate planning, a 30-minute gentle stretching exercise, free lunch from Janellie's sponsored by DoorDash and much more. The event will take place on Thursday, October 17th, from 10am-2pm at the Humboldt Park Field House. If you know a senior who could benefit from these resources, please spread the word and offer transportation if necessary. Let’s come together to ensure our seniors have access to the support and resources they need and deserve.

If you or anyone you know is looking to re-enroll and graduate from high school, visit yccs.us/students/applynow/

Jorge, our Ward Superintendent of Streets and Sanitation plays a crucial role in keeping our community healthy, vibrant, and safe. His work helps prevent health hazards, enhances the appearance of our neighborhoods, and supports public safety. A well-managed sanitation system contributes to the overall quality of life and fosters a strong, thriving community where residents can take pride in their surroundings. This week we applaud his work on 4100 block of North Ave.

Finally, sign up here http://bit.ly/26coffee and join me tomorrow from 9am - 11am for Coffee with Your Alderperson to talk about local or city issues.  

In solidarity,


Jessie Fuentes, 26th Ward Alderperson

Senior Wellness Fair 10/17

We are hosting our Annual Senior Fair on Thursday, October 17th, from 10am to 2pm at the Humboldt Park Fieldhouse located at 1440 N. Humboldt Blvd alongside State Representative Lilian Jimenez, State Senator Omar Aquino and, Commissioner Anthony Quezada. This event is all about celebrating and uplifting the seniors who are a vital part of our community. We know how important it is to ensure our seniors feel supported and valued. That’s why we’ve come together to provide a variety of senior resources and health services, along with delicious food and activities. We are looking forward to seeing you there! 

Dia De Los Muertos Community Alter  10/15

In honor of Día de Muertos, our office invites you to participate in our Community Altar from October 15th to November 2nd. Bring photos of your loved ones to add to the altar and join us in remembering and celebrating those we've lost.

Visit us Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed daily from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch) to contribute and pay your respects.

Let’s Get Spooky 10/25

Trunk or Treat 10/30

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

NEW TO OUR SITE: Upcoming CDOT Projects

Click the image to learn more about the 2024 Humboldt Park Encampment Initiative to house all tent encampment residents and help them move out of the park by December 2024.

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. Non-congregate shelters provide private, dignified living spaces, unlike traditional shelters. 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. You are invited to provide feedback at: the26thward.org/zoning.

  • 1751-53 N Spaulding Ave

  • 3208-3210 W Armitage Ave

Introductory Guide to City Services

Youth Resources

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

Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant

Chicago Public Library October Events

Wellness Club 2024 Fall Calendar

Center for Changing Lives - October Workshops

Healing Unity Walk 10/11

GetFit1st Open House 10/12

MBE/WBE Vendor Info Sessions

Parent University Open House 10/15

Paint a Pumpkin 10/18

Casa Central 70th Anniversary Gala 10/18

a poster for a disco party with a disco ball and a girl dancing

Just Cause for Evection 10/22

The Chicago Housing Justice Coalition invites you to its monthly public meeting on October 22nd, held both in-person at the National Public Housing Museum on North Kingsbury Street and online via Zoom. Join us at 5:30 p.m. for dinner (in-person only), with the program starting at 6 p.m.


This month features a panel with Injustice Watch journalists discussing their project "The Tenant Trap," examining housing injustice and tenant tools for navigating challenges. It’s a chance to connect, share ideas, and learn about the Just Cause campaign. All are welcome!

DOH Housing 101

CDOT Tree Replacements

LIHEAP

McCormick YMCA Food Distribution

IDHS Virtual Job Recruitment Presentation Schedule

Encuentro Square Applications NOW OPEN

iMentor Chicago

DonorsChoose Support for Ms. Torres at Lloyd Elementary

Chi Block Builder

Local School Council Parent Representatives Needed

YMCA Steam Club: Exploration

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

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.

Residential Electronic Recycling

See the flyer for information on drop-off locations for electronics ranging from computers and TVs to printers and game consoles.

Humboldt Condo Now Listed

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.

Rap Sheet Workshops 10/22

Know Your Rights 10/24

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.

Community Conversation 12th District

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.

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Your Participation Needed: Participatory Budgeting and Elections

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From Housing to Health: Updates on Key Initiatives in the 26th Our Ward