Honoring Leadership, Uplifting Communities, and Supporting Families

3/7/25

Honoring Leadership, Uplifting Communities, and Supporting Families
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Neighbors,

On Sunday, I was honored to celebrate newly anointed Bishop José María García-Maldonado at mass at St. Philomena Church. As a pastor at St. José Sánchez del Rio Catholic Church, Bishop García-Maldonado has been a dedicated spiritual leader who deserves the historic appointment as a Catholic Bishop. Thank you Carmen for helping me craft a resolution in his honor, and thank you St. Philomena Church for welcoming me with open arms. The mass had over 800 attendees and was a lot of fun!

The Mayor’s Office of Community Safety, CDPH, ALSO, and my office partnered with Chi-Care and Islamic Relief Network to distribute 400 meals to neighbors. Thanks to the Chi-Care van, we were able to share meals out of Teresa Roldan Apartments and ALSO’s Chicago Avenue office. Additionally, ALSO hand delivered meals to North and Pulaski Apartments and to our unhoused neighbors. Gratitude to Emily, Jeanette, Ross, and Orlando for hosting!

The Home Repair Program formerly known as the Roof and Porch Repair Program will open Monday, March 10th. The program offers home repairs to eligible homeowners for roof and porch improvements. The scope of necessary repairs will be determined through a site inspection.


In 2025, the program will also cover small accessibility repairs, such as installing grab bars and lever faucets, for homeowners needing such modifications.


Registration Dates: Registration will be available online or by calling 311, starting at 9:00 AM on Monday, March 10, and ending at 5:00 PM on Friday, March 21, 2025. Homeowners will be prioritized based on the length of their tenancy. All applicants will be contacted within one month of registration. The website to apply is here.

March is Women's History Month. I want to take the time to recognize the leadership, resilience, challenges and joy of women in our community. Women have always been at the forefront of social change. They lead movements, support families and neighborhoods, and do this despite being undervalued, underpaid, and too often the targets of violence and discrimination.


Join me in honoring the legacy, struggle, and triumphs of women by uplifting spaces that provide support and empowerment. I invite you to attend and connect with upcoming events and resources that highlight the invaluable contributions and experiences of women.

In solidarity,

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes

Cash Assistance Pilot: Deadline 3/9

Important Announcement

Hermosa Park located at 2240 N Kilbourn is under construction and CLOSED to the public. All programming has been moved to Blackhawk Park, including day camps. For more information, call 312-746-5014.

Zoning Meeting Notice 3/12

Shred-a-thon 3/14

Community Meeting Notice 3/19

You are invited to a community meeting on Wednesday, March 19th, at 6 pm to learn about a proposal to construct a new non-profit community center on Division Street (2626 W Division St.)

The Tu Casa Project aims to transform a vacant city-owned lot into a hub that will provide trade skills training for youth, adult education, and an activity center for seniors. Learn more at tucasaproject.com.

This meeting is an opportunity to learn about the project, ask questions, and share your thoughts so that community input is centered in decision-making.

Register now at: 
bit.ly/tucasameet 

Boulevard Landmark District Extension Project

The “Logan Square Boulevards District” is a significant part of our community's history and character. An extension of this Landmark District is currently being evaluated. This project builds on decades of historic preservation work and reflects the ongoing commitment of the 26th Ward to maintaining the unique identity of our neighborhoods.


UPDATE: On Thursday, March 6, 2025, the Commission on Chicago Landmarks meeting will consider whether to initiate the consideration process for possible Chicago Landmark designation of an extension to the Logan Square Landmark District on Humboldt and Sacramento Boulevards.

The “Logan Square Boulevards District” is a significant part of our community's history and character. An extension would build on decades of historic preservation work and reflect the ongoing commitment of the 26th Ward to encourage sustainable development and safeguard our community’s historic character. You can learn more about the project, review FAQs, and submit your thoughts at: the26thward.org/boulevard-landmarking.


A Commission vote to recommend preliminary landmark status would formally initiate the consideration process. This process typically takes 6 to 9 months and would include communication and notices throughout the process.

Prevent Sewer Issues This Winter

If you notice water backing up from a drain, pipe, tub, or wall, call 311 immediately and report a Water in Basement Complaint to prevent costly damage.

What to Expect:

  1. Report to 311 under Water in Basement Complaint.

  2. Inspection determines if the issue is in the City’s main sewer or your private line.

  3. If referred to the Private Drain Program (PDP), hire a Licensed & Bonded Plumber.

  4. Plumber coordinates with the City for inspection.

  5. Inspection Day: A City Inspector and plumber confirm if the issue is on the City or private side.

If the problem is on the City’s side, the City will handle repairs. If on private property, homeowners are responsible for hiring a contractor.

This program is for residential buildings with four units or less. Commercial and mixed-use properties are not eligible. Act now to prevent bigger issues this winter.

Snow Shoveling Program

🌨️ Join the 26th Ward Snow Shoveling Program to support our seniors and residents with disabilities. Together, we can ensure sidewalks are safe and accessible for everyone this winter.
This is our chance to unite as a community and show we care. Grab your shovel and make a difference today! SIGN UP HERE

Join the Call for a New Non-Congregate Shelter

in Humboldt Park!

As Alderperson of the 26th Ward, I advocate for non-congregate shelters in Humboldt Park. These provide private, dignified spaces for the unhoused. Support by signing our petition to urge the City of Chicago to establish one, promoting housing stability.

SIGN THE PETITION 

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.

Youth Resources

St. Augustine Open House 3/8

Youth Job Opportunities

Football Camp

Barrio Arts Fest Poster Contest: Deadline 3/14

Queer Youth Support Group

CLCF Scholarship: Deadline 4/11

PROM ATTIRE: DRIVE AND GIVEAWAY

El Rescate: Support for Homeless Youth

Hope Begins with Her 3/8

Businesses Know Your Rights 3/11

Women’s History Month 3/22

Canine Wellness Day 3/22

Small Business Improvement Fund

Resilience

Free Tax Preparation

Boricuas Got Talent

Family Focus

Home Repair Program Opens 3/10

Chicago Mobility Collaborative 3/15

Concessions Opportunities: Deadline 3/17

Portage Cragin Services

Senior Computer Confidence Program

CTS Community Development Programs

Cannabis Expungement Project

Paid Survey for Previously Incarcerated Women

Avoid Bird Alert: Protect Yourself & Your Pets

Inherent Homes - Affordable Housing

What Nonprofits Should Know - KYR

Cook County Health Free Birthday Screenings

City of Chicago - Know Your Rights Guide

The City of Chicago’s Office of Immigrant, Migrants and Refugee Rights has created a comprehensive guide to help families navigate the detention of a loved one by immigration authorities. This resource provides:

Step-by-step guidance on what to do if someone is detained
Legal and community resources for support
Information on visitation, bond, and legal rights

Empower yourself and your community—ACCESS GUIDES HERE


OCAD - Raid Immigration Resources

ICIRR - Rights Card

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) provides this Rights Card to protect you during interactions with law enforcement or immigration officials.

📞 Family Support Hotline:
Call 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693) for assistance in English, Spanish, Korean, or Polish.

✅The right to remain silent.

✅The right to refuse answering questions without legal representation.

✅The right to contact an attorney or organization for help.

Print and carry this card to assert your rights and ensure your safety in uncertain situations. For more information, visit www.icirr.org/family-support

Administrative ICE Warrant VS. Judicial Warrant

🔹 Administrative ICE Warrant (First Image - SAMPLE)

  • Issued by: DHS, not a court.

  • Purpose: Allows ICE to arrest for immigration violations.

  • Limitations: Does not allow entry into your home without consent.

  • Key Detail: Signed by an immigration officer, not a judge.

🔹 Judicial Warrant (Second Image)

  • Issued by: A U.S. District Court.

  • Purpose: Authorizes law enforcement to enter, search, or seize property/individuals.

  • Authority: Signed by a judge, allows entry without consent.

⚠️ Why It Matters:
An ICE administrative warrant does not grant officers the right to enter your home—only a judicial warrant does. Always ask to see the warrant, verify details, and seek legal help if needed. For assistance, contact legal professionals or trusted community organizations.

5k Delinquent Tax Program

City of Chicago Resources

Intake for People Experiencing Homelessness

Sunrun Affordable Solar Programs

Brright Affordable Solar Programs

Emergency Heating Repair

LIHEAP

Chicago Housing Trust: Open House

Court-Based Rental Assistance Program

The Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) offers up to $15,000 for households facing eviction due to unpaid rent. Funds 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 cases—helping tenants stay housed. No repayment required.

📌 Eligibility: ✔ Live in Illinois ✔ Earn at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) ✔One-time assistance only 🔗 Apply Now: www.illinoishousinghelp.org

Chicago Senior Risk Assessment Program

Chicago Rents Program

12 District Police Oversight

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.

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