To my 26th Ward neighbors,
On Monday, May 15, 2023 we were inaugurated into office. Alongside my colleagues, my wife, community, and friends, I took an oath to serve the 26th Ward to the best of my ability. My team and I have begun on this journey with you all, the 26th Ward. In our first week in office, we met with over 100 of our neighbors and spoke with many, many more over the phone. Although we are learning a lot really fast, we have serviced el Barrio efficiently and with care. This is our priority.
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Last week I hosted our first public safety meeting. Those in attendance were youth services providers, violence prevention organizations, social service agencies, community organizations and groups. Information about the different services they collectively provide was gathered and will be shared in our weekly newsletter.
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At this meeting, we went into detail about the opportunities these organizations will be providing young people on Memorial Day weekend, the rest of spring and summer. As a result of this gathering, I will form a Public Safety Committee intended to shape policy and community initiatives as it relates to building a safer and more loving 26th Ward.
As we continue to see a rise in the number of asylum seekers in Chicago, I toured a respite center in the 25th Ward to better understand how we can support asylum seekers here in the 26th Ward and build a similar model that will provide temporary shelter for our new neighbors and unhoused siblings. We are currently partnering with our mutual aid community to support our asylum seekers at our police stations. We are now accepting donations that can be dropped off at our office. Our new neighbors are in need of socks, travel sized hygiene supplies and intimates for men, women and children.
I was able to tour St. Augustine College to learn about all of the educational opportunities the institution provides our community. I was excited to learn about the adult learning opportunities the institution provides our neighbors. Our office is committed to sharing the resources St. Augustine provides. For now, check out their website here.
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Palenque LSNA is another organization that is supporting parents, teachers and students in our neighborhood schools.
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I met with powerful parent organizers who are fighting for equitable resources for our schools and affordable housing for our families.
As we continue to see warmer weather, my office and team of volunteers are committed to beautifying the Ward. I’ve been hosting regular community clean-ups as part of our Nature Series.
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This past weekend I hosted a community cleanup along the North Ave & Pulaski Rd corridor. We all broke a sweat. Feel free to join us at our next community clean-up scheduled for Friday, June 2. We will meet at the southwest corner of North Ave and California at 2pm. Centering community care is my priority and we will work everyday to ensure that we are building a healthier and safer 26th Ward.
In partnership,
Your 26th Ward Alderperson, Jessie Fuentes
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Stop the Violence - Peace Walk
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Join us this Saturday, May 27th for a Peace Walk at the Humboldt Park Boat House (1301 N. Humboldt Drive) from noon to 6pm. There will be food, raffle prizes, vendors, live muralists, performances, and more.
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Chicago Marathon Street Closure Notice
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The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 will take place on Sunday, June 4, 2023. This notice is informing you of street closures and traffic restrictions during the event, so you can move through the affected areas with as little challenge as possible.
Streets in your neighborhood may be closed to traffic as an anticipated 8,000 participants pass through the area starting at 6:30 a.m. and continuing to 10:45 a.m.
Please refer to the course map for streets on the course that will be closed to traffic (bold line on map). A comprehensive list of street closures and their approximate reopening is available at chicago13point1.com/streetclosures.
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Join us for a Dia Del Niño Summer Celebration and Resource Fair held on Friday, June 2nd 2023 from 4pm - 6pm at Stowe Elementary School (3444 W. Wabansia Ave). The fair will include games, face painting, and resources that range from housing and financial aid to immigration and legal resources.
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Volunteer in the 26th Ward
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We are looking for volunteers to help the office with an array of tasks from sorting donations received for our new neighbors to our community clean-ups. Let us know if you are interested in volunteering and share with us the skills you have to offer.
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Ward nights are an opportunity to meet with Alderperson Fuentes to talk to her about any local or city issues. Ward nights will take place every Monday from 5pm - 7pm. Ward night meetings will be by appointment only and on a first come, first served basis.
If you’d like to meet with Alderperson Fuentes during ward night, please call or email the ward office at 773-395-0143 or info@the26thward.org. The ward night schedule for the next few weeks is as follows: 6/12, 6/26, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24 and 7/31.
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Fiestas Patronales Information
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The office of State Representative Lilian Jiménez is accepting applications for a summer outreach internship open to high school seniors in the 4th district.
You can apply at: bit.ly/OutreachIntern2023. The last day to submit an application is Monday June 5th at 4pm.
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