LEGISLATIVE WIN! Northwest Side Housing Preservation Ordinance 🏘️

9/20/24

LEGISLATIVE WIN! Northwest Side Housing Preservation Ordinance 🏘️

Dear Neighbor,

I am so proud to announce that after months of hard work, the Northwest Side Housing Preservation Ordinance is officially law. This ordinance is rooted in one simple principle: our neighborhoods belong to the people who live there, not to developers looking to make a profit at our expense. By supporting naturally occurring affordable housing, we protect families from Avondale, Hermosa, Humboldt Park, Logan Square, and West Town.


I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Palenque LSNA for their years of passion and advocacy toward preventing the displacement of families. Thank you to all of the City and Ward staff who drove the research and planning to stand this ordinance up - all 10 drafts of it! And to all of those who door knocked, collected data, and engaged in critical dialogue, know that this legislative success proves that when we organize, we win.

Learn more about the details of the ordinance HERE and HERE.


If you know me, you know that I love to honor community victories! Join us on Thursday, September 26 at 4pm at 1444 N Ridgeway for a press conference and celebration!

Check out the new mural dedicated to Ralphi Rosario! This beautiful art was painted by John Vergara located at Central Park and North Avenue. Special thanks to Dino from Esmerelda’s for supporting this project.

As a result of dedication to coordinating resources and partner organizations, the Humboldt Park unhoused encampment will be serviced by an expanded Accelerated Moving Event (AME) next week! In collaboration with the Department of Family Support Services (DFSS) and delegate housing organizations, our unhoused neighbors in Humboldt Park will begin the process of moving into apartments, where they will continue to receive wrap-around support services. While this AME process will take some time to complete, we are thrilled to see these compassionate efforts moving into this new phase. Several 26th Ward residents have reached out to my office to ask about our plans for the park post-encampment, and we want to assure you that we are in the midst of finalizing a plan with the Chicago Park District and city homelessness services, and look forward to sharing details on a post-encampment plan in the weeks to come.

Shout out to La Paz + Hermosa y Belmont Cragin Chamber of Commerce for hosting Monday’s Ward Night!

Finally, thank you to the analysts from Board of Review Commissioner Steele’s office! They were able to support over 50 constituents with the property tax appeal. The West Chicago Township appeal window closes September 24, and if you need to file yours, stop by the office to pick up a form.

In solidarity,


Jessie Fuentes, 26th Ward Alderperson

Ward Night

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.

 

If you would like to meet with Alderperson Fuentes during Ward Night, please contact the Ward office at 773-395-0143 or info@the26thward.org

Advancing Home Owners September 25th

Save the Date: Senior Wellness Fair on October 17

We are hosting our Annual Senior Fair on Tuesday, October 17th, from 10am to 2pm at the Humboldt Park Fieldhouse located at 1440 N. Humboldt Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647 alongside State Representative Lilian Jimenez and State Senator Omar Aquino. 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! 

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

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 Shelter

in 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. 


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 PETITION 

Street Sweeping Map & Schedule 

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

26th Ward Zoning

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.

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

  • 2541 West Walton St

  • 3208-3210 W Armitage Ave

  • 1750 North Springfield Avenue; 1748-1756 North Harding


Zoning Board of Appeals Updates:

  • 1900 N Karlov: Catholic Charities is seeking a special use permit through the Zoning Board of Appeals where there will be a hearing next Friday, September 20th. Our office received a few questions regarding parking plans for this property. Catholic Charities has purchased private parking spaces in an adjacent parking lot for new residents at 1900 N Karlov Ave. There will be no changes to street parking at this address. For further questions or information please email info@the26thward.org.

Introductory Guide to City Services

Youth Resources

FAFSA Enrollment Event

Diverse Learners Recovery Fund

The Diverse Learners Recovery Fund Program was created by the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD)  in partnership with Ada S. McKinley Community Services.  It is aimed at providing financial assistance to families of children with disabilities, a population that was disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  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.  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.  For questions, email MOPD@adasmckinley.org or call (312) 561-6965.

Enroll Your Student with Tutoring Chicago

Chicago Youth Centers is Now Enrolling

Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant

El Corillo Original de Humboldt Park

El Corillo Original de Humboldt Park is playing every Sunday throughout the summer. Free to all!

 

To donate, contact Ellie at 312-597-5188.

Wellness Club 2024 Fall Calendar

Rally for Recovery

Casa Central 2024 Harvest Fest

Bloomingdale Trail Run 2024

Week without Driving September 30th - October 6th

Center for Changing Lives October

First Time Homebuyer Workshop

Public Hearing: Expansion Proposal October 3rd

Casa Central 70th Anniversary Fundraising Gala

DonorsChoose Support for Ms. Torres at Lloyd Elementary

Court-Based Rental Assistance Program

CBRAP will provide up to $15,000 in emergency rental assistance to households currently going through the eviction court process due to non-payment of rent. Program funds can be applied to past due rent, up to $500 for court costs, and up to two months’ future rent. Approved grant payments are made directly to the landlord, on behalf of the tenant, and the landlord must agree to dismiss the eviction proceedings. This ensures that the tenant can remain safely housed as they regain their financial footing. This rental assistance does not need to be repaid.

 

Other eligibility requirements for CBRAP assistance include that the rental unit must be in Illinois, and the household must earn at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). For this round of CBRAP, households are only eligible for assistance once and cannot reapply for funding after receiving an initial 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.

Chicago Senior Risk Assessment Program

Businesses located in the Division/Homan TIF district and Humboldt Park Commercial TIF districts can apply for Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) grants which cover permanent building improvements and repairs. Grants cover 30% to 90% of remodeling costs, with a maximum of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grants do not need to be repaid.


Application Deadline: September 30, 2024


Who is Eligible? Businesses located in the Division/Homan TIF district and Humboldt Park Commercial TIF districts. You can click here to view maps of the Division/Homan TIF district and the Humboldt Park Commercial TIF district.


Learn More and Apply: Visit chicago.gov/sbif for more details.

Chicago Senior Risk Assessment Program

Call 312-747-6691 for your senior assessment by the Chicago Fire Department today

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.

Community Development Grant – Medium


Grants ranging from $300,001 to $5 million are available to support eligible commercial, cultural, industrial, institutional, social service, and mixed-use projects. These grants can cover up to 50% of total project costs involving new construction, rehabilitation, or both.


Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. Friday, February 14, 2025


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

Chicago Rents Program

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.

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. See chicago.gov/ESVF for the complete list of funded organizations.

Request a Free Tree 

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

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.

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.

Serve as a Poll Worker

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.

Career Opportunities with the City

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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Accelerating Housing in Humboldt Park: 63 Households Connected!

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Learn More About 26th Ward Housing Initiatives! 🏘️