 |
|
|
|
|
As an educator, summers were always the busiest time of year for me. Itās a common misconception that educators have the summer off, but it is actually when we do our most intense organizing, prepping, and building with each other! Summers set the precedent for the school year. If we have built consensus around expectations and shared values, then we know our young people will feel the care and love invested in them.
Summer in the 26th Ward office has been no different. With the amazing work of our interns DaāNiya, Brielle, Alana, Malani, Edwin, Darleen, Stanley, Camila, Paola, Joanna, Savion, Said, Isabella, Ysabella, and Francisco, we were able to: Understand the power of zoning and how it can impact displacement Engage in dialogue about the history of urban renewal and urban removal to contextualize the work of the 26th Ward Assist 350 families with CHA applications for the newly opened Encuentro Square Understand the dynamic needs of constituents and provide support alongside the Barrio Services Team Visit Cook County Commission Anthony Quezadaās office to understand co-governance Canvass 8th District and 26th Ward to inform neighbors about the Humboldt Boulevard Landmark Community Meeting, Connecting Neighborhoods Bike Ride, and Back to School Bash Visit West Town Bikes and Ciclo Urbano to see how other summer youth interns are impacting the community Train to become Tree Ambassadors Ride with the Ward Superintendent to understand the importance of the Department of Streets & Sanitation Attend the Committee on Health at City Hall to learn from the Mental Health System Expansion Working Group Learn about participatory budgeting and develop strategies for implementing PB in the 26th Ward Advocate for funding for DCASE, DFSS, and universal income at the Mayoral Budget Youth Engagement Roundtable Connect with businesses to donate backpacks and supplies for our Back to School Bash Organize voter registration and poll watcher recruitment
|
|
 |
Thank you to all of our young people who helped make this summer internship a success! Good luck with your upcoming school year, and donāt be a stranger to the 26th Ward office. |
|
|
|
Thank you Principal Salgado for inviting me to visit Lloyd Elementaryās Welcome Back Picnic and Principal Rodriguez for hosting me at Lowell Elementaryās Teacher Institute this week! |
|
 |
Shoutout to all of our community organizations, businesses, volunteers, healthcare networks, and school staff who helped make our 2024 Back to School Bash a huge success! We were able to distribute 1,000+ backpacks.
And appreciation for Sabin Dual Language Magnet School for dropping off PPE. If you are in need of face masks for your child or yourself, I invite you to stop by the Ward office to pick some up. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
As the school year begins, I want to take a moment to wish all our students an inspiring and successful year ahead. The young people of the 26th Ward have so much curiosity and resilience, and I am excited to see the amazing things you achieve.
To college students returning to campus, remember that there is no better way to put theory to practice than participatory democracy.
Special love to all of our Safe Passage workers and crossing guards. Thank you for your early mornings, vigilant eyes and ears, and passion to keep our children safe.
To our educators and support staff, thank you for dedication to bringing out the best in our babies. Your hard work does not go unnoticed. Please do not hesitate to reach out and invite me to visit your classrooms! I love seeing the brilliance youāve curating in your classrooms and relating it to what is going on in City Hall.
School leaders, you are the bedrock of our communities! Know that I stand beside you and am ready to support and uplift you. Keep a lookout for an invitation to our first school leader meeting of the year. We will continue to collaborate with 1st Ward Alderman Daniel La Spata to get you the resources you need.
Finally, to our parents and caregivers, gratitude for preparing your young people for this new start. Thank you for choosing to send your children to our schools! Letās make this year one to remember, together. |
|
As you travel to and from work this week, I ask that you kindly keep an eye out for students and their safety. Happy end of summer!
In solidarity, Jessie Fuentes, 26th Ward Alderperson |
|
|
|
|
|
Ward Night is 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. Ā If you would like to meet with Alderperson Fuentes during Ward Night, please contact the Ward office at 773-395-0143 orĀ info@the26thward.org.Ā |
|
Pop-Up for Peace @Blackhawk Park |
|
 |
Please join Alders Fuentes and Cardona on Thursday, Aug 29 from 5pm-8pm for aĀ pop-upĀ forĀ peaceĀ event at Blackhawk Park. ALSO & PRCC will be bringing games, food, and a bouncy house! |
|
|
 |
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 atĀ bit.ly/youth26.Ā |
|
Museum Pass: Constituent Education Resource Card |
|
 |
We are excited to partner with Museums in the Park this year to provide the 26th Ward with a Constituent Education Resource Card! This card grants the cardholder and three additional guests with general admission to a number of different museums in Chicago. In order to obtain the card, please visit our office to follow the check out procedure. Please note that there is only one card within the ward so it is important to return the card after your museum visit. The program is valid until December 31, 2024. Request the Constituent Education Resource Card here. |
|
NEW TO OUR SITE: Upcoming CDOT Projects |
|
 |
Addressing Homelessness Together - Summer Updates |
|
 |
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 Shelterin Humboldt Park! |
|
 |
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.Ā
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. SIGN THE PETITIONĀ |
|
Street Sweeping Map & ScheduleĀ |
|
 |
Street sweeping takes place between April and November. Click map to enlarge. |
|
|
 |
|
|
The 26th Ward community-driven zoning process requires that anyone requesting a zoning change must first complete a zoning intake form.Ā 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. |
|
 |
We are currently reviewing zoning change requests forĀ theĀ following properties. You are invited to provide feedback at:Ā the26thward.org/zoning. |
|
Introductory Guide to City Services |
|
| If you want to learn how to access city resources and take an active role in your community, you canĀ 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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diverse Learners Recovery Fund |
|
|
The Diverse Learners Recovery Fund Program was created by the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD)Ā in partnership with Ada S. McKinley Community Services.Ā It is aimed at providing financial assistance to families of children with disabilities, a population that was disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ā The Diverse Learners Recovery Fund provides a one-time grant of $500 to up to 8,000 eligible K-12 students with disabilities through a lottery.Ā To date, the program has selected and awarded 1,000 students with disabilities.
The eligibility requirements are: Reside in the City of Chicago Household income less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Students currently 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
To learn more and apply online, visit www.AdaMOPD.com.Ā For questions, email MOPD@adasmckinley.org or call (312) 561-6965. |
|
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarship Program |
|
 |
The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) is accepting applications for their 2024 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarship Program. This program is designed to provide crucial financial assistance to Chicago residents who are pursuing post-secondary education and vocational training during the fall semester of 2024, with specific minimum income requirements for eligibility.
DFSS will host webinars on August 12th and August 19th at 10 a.m. To register for a webinar, applicants must email their preferred date and time to DFSScsbgscholarship@cityofchicago.org. Applications must be submitted via the web-based CSBG Scholarship Application Platform by 5 p.m. on Friday, September 6, 2024. |
|
Enroll Your Student with Tutoring Chicago |
|
| TutoringĀ ChicagoĀ is a free program offering regularĀ tutoringĀ to economically disadvantaged students, and they are expanding to a new location in Mozart Park. They are still accepting student applications and recruiting volunteers to helpĀ tutorĀ their students - sign up your child today! Visit www.tutoringchicago.org |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chicago Youth Centers is Now Enrolling |
|
| 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 childrenĀ please click here. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
āLa Havana Madridā at Millenium Park |
|
 |
Grab your blankets, your picnic baskets, your titis and abuelitos and join us at Millennium Park on Friday, August 23rd for the return of the smash hit musical play and love letter to Chicago, La Havana Madrid, as part of the Millennium Park Residency Program and the Parkās 20th Anniversary Summer Season. Admission is FREE, and thereās plenty of room for everyone!
Starting at 5:30PM, DJ Julio Bishop will spin classic salsa music to get the party started. Then La Havana Madrid begins at 6:30PM. Bring your dancing shoes! |
|
Free Haircuts at āTrim & Thriveā |
|
 |
HAS Belmont Cragin Living Room: End of Summer Game Day |
|
 |
Healthcare Alternative Systems Living Room is hosting an End of Summer Event which will take place in our parking lot on Friday 8/30/24 from 2 - 4 pm! They will have summer/outdoor games for all to enjoy including music and light refreshments. Small self-care prizes will be available while they last. |
|
Bandera a Bandera Salsa Competition |
|
 |
El Corillo Original de Humboldt Park |
|
 |
El Corillo Original de Humboldt Park is playing every Sunday throughout the summer. Free to all! Ā To donate, contact Ellie at 312-597-5188. |
|
Free 2 Move Pretextual Traffic Stop Hearing |
|
 |
After over a year of organizing and turning in 2400 petition signatures, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability will host a public hearing on discriminatory and ineffective pretextual traffic stops onĀ Tuesday, August 27th at 6:30pm at DuSable Museum, 740 E. 56thĀ Pl, Hyde Park, Chicago, IL.Ā
SIGN UP HERE at Bit.ly/F2MHearingĀ with Free 2 Move to let them know that you can make it and give a public comment! If you can't come in person,Ā virtual sign ups and virtual public comments will be available to sign upĀ for in the days before the hearing. |
|
Hispanic Heritage Celebration at San Lucas Church |
|
 |
On Friday, September 6, San Lucas Church will host Hispanic Heritage Celebration. The event for all will feature haircuts, music, food, community information, wellness on wheels, and more.Ā |
|
LoSAH Youth Mental Health First Aid Training |
|
 |
National Rally for Recovery Hosted in Chicago |
|
 |
Join the Illinois Department of Human Servicesā Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR) and Division of Mental Health (DMH) in support of National Recovery Month 2024.
Chicago has been chosen to host the National Recovery Hub event on September 21st, 2024, at UIC Credit Union 1 Arena. We want your help to spread the word that recovery is for everyone.Ā Register here. |
|
Casa Central 2024 Harvest Fest |
|
 |
Casa Central 70th Anniversary Fundraising Gala |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Cook County ARPA Community Voices Meeting |
|
 |
Free Classes at Humboldt Park Library |
|
|
Call for Native & Indigenous Visual Artists to Submit Artwork |
|
 |
Small Business Improvement Fund Opens! |
|
 |
Hey #HumboldtPark: The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) opens for applications in September in the Division/Homan TIF and Humboldt Park Commercial TIF districts.
Apply at chicago.gov/sbif by Sept. 30, and register for an informational webinar at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4 bit.ly/sept24sbif. |
|
|
 |
Chicago RentsĀ 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:Ā allchicago.org/chicagorents.Ā Ā If you are a landlord interested in joining the Chicago Rents program,Ā you can click here to apply. |
|
Special Concession Opportunity with the Chicago Park District |
|
 |
The Chicago Park District has opened its Notice of Application for a Special Concession Opportunity for 2025, which presents substantial opportunity for small businesses.
RSVP here to attend a Pre-submittal meeting (VIRTUAL) Tuesday, August 20, 2024. |
|
CDL Classes at Wright College |
|
 |
If you or someone you know is interested in CDL classes, Wright College at Humboldt Park is hosting a CDL Permit Workshop. Please share this information widely. For more details, visit the following page CDL Permit Workshop. |
|
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. SeeĀ chicago.gov/ESVFĀ for the complete list of funded organizations. |
|
|
 |
|
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 visitingĀ www.311.chicago.gov/s/article/Tree-planting |
|
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 oneĀ 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.
ContactĀ 1508nharding@gmail.comĀ or call/text Denise Reyes at (773) 391-1960 for details.Ā Click here to apply.
|
|
Donāt 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 removalĀ and other pest control information please visitĀ IDPH Site here. |
|
|
 |
|
The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) has introduced a new and improved interactive calendar,Ā 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 yourĀ Local District Councils. By simply visiting this website, you can find the dates, times, and locations of all scheduled meetings.Ā Ā 14th Police District Council Join elected District CouncilorsĀ every first Saturday of the monthĀ at 1pm to work for better police accountability, restorative justice, and evidence based approaches to public safety. Please sign up atĀ bit.ly/do14newsĀ for Councilor David Orlikoff's newsletter or email David.Orlikoff@cityofchicago.org with questions. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Career Opportunities with the City |
|
|
|
| Get paid for 9 weeks of virtual preparation (in the evenings) to be considered for a Mechanical Maintenance full time role at the nationās largest producer of carbon-free energy.
If you are interested in learning more, complete an assessment form and join an info session which are ongoing through September 23.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
If you know someone looking for reproductive justice resources in Chicago, they can go to thisĀ Department of Public Health resource page to use theĀ Cityās 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. |
|
|
|
| If you need assistance with a city service, let us know! You can submit your request through our website, by giving us a call, or submitting a request directly to 311.chicago.gov. Our team is here to provide the support you need and ensure our community thrives. |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
