Happy Valentine’s Day to all who celebrate! If you’re looking for some last minute gift or date ideas, please consider our local, small businesses in the ward. This week we were able to visit some of them in the ward and we’ve listed them below.

Give the gift of green to someone you love! Green Spaces has everything you need to spread some green love and care for your plants.

Bokeh is a prefect spot for a date right in the heart of Albany Park! Bring your valentine and share some beautiful cocktails together!

La Plazita Bakery has all the sweet cuteness you need for Valentine’s Day! Bring some cupcakes to the special people in your life!

Complete any outfit at La Reyna del Descuento. They are super friendly and are ready to help decide the right options for you!

In This Week’s Newsletter

Quick Links 

*Want more information on community opportunities and job postings? Check out our Community Bulletin!

Apply Online for Maria Elena Sifuentes Apartments

If you were unable to attend the Maria Elena Sifuentes Apartments Application event last month you have another chance to apply! Applications can now be submitted online. Once 250 applications have been received the online application portal will be closed. Because of this it is important to complete the online application as soon as you are able.

If you have questions about the online process, please email info@3559wlawrence.com or call (773) 989-8000.

Gloria Dukes Fundraising Campaign

Gloria is a resident in the 33rd Ward who recently gained full custody of her grandson. Due to the financial strain this has caused her close friends have started a fundraiser to help her with these unforeseen expenses. If you are able to give or would like more information, please visit the website they created. 

Soon, there will be a donation drive for people to donate diapers, gently used clothes, and other infant items she would need to take care of her grandson. Once there is more information we will include it in future newsletters and on our Facebook page. 

Vote By Mail & Early Voting Information

Residents may apply to vote by mail in the February 28 municipal election through the Chicago Board of Elections website. The deadline to apply to vote by mail is February 23rd. Please click here to apply.

Once you apply to vote by mail, the Board of Elections will send you an email once the application is accepted, when your ballot is mailed, when your ballot is received, and when it is processed and counted.

Residents can also apply for the Permanent Vote by Mail roster to have ballots sent to their address directly ahead of every election without having to re-apply.

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Early Voting started on January 26th. At this time there are only 2 early voting locations: 191 N Clark St. and 69 W Washington St.

On Monday, February 13th all 50 wards will open their early voting location sites and they will be open through February 28th. The 33rd Ward early voting location is the American Indian Center, located at 3401 W Ainslie St.

Early voting locations are open on weekdays from 9 AM to 6 PM, on Saturdays from 9 AM to 5 PM, and Sundays from 10 AM to 4 PM. On February 28th (voting day) polling locations will be open from 6 AM to 7 PM. For more information about voting in Chicago please click here. 

Free Tax Prep for Income Eligible Families

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services is happy to announce that the City’s Tax Prep Chicago free income tax preparation and assistance program is back, offering expanded in-person, drop-off, and by-appointment services at 11 locations across Chicago. This program is more important than ever with opportunity to claim Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). Please note all sites are first come, first served.

Eligible Chicagoans could receive up to $8,183 from the federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits, in addition to other credits. But many people may not claim all the credits they deserve without the help of knowledgeable preparers.

Families earning up to $60,000 and individuals earning up to $32,000 are eligible to take advantage of the free and confidential Tax Prep assistance at eleven sites across Chicago. Volunteer tax preparers certified through IRS-approved training will assist them with federal and state income tax returns. Most sites will be open between end of January and mid-April 2023. (Please refer to the attached flyers and links below for specific information on site locations and hours.)

For more information about how to access the free tax assistance program, Chicagoans can:

• Call the City’s 311 helpline
• Visit the City’s tax assistance website at www.TaxPrepChicago.org
• Call (312) 588-6900 if you have any questions
• Visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov and type “free tax help” in the search box or call (800) 829-1040.

Neighborhood Events

1 . Healthy Relationship Night, February 16th

2. The Living Room Open House, February 17th

3. Visceral Dance Chicago Winter Engagement, February 17th-19th & 23rd-26th

4. Cleveland Open House, February 25th

5. Albany Park Mutual Aid Winter Diaper Drive, Ends February 28th

Youth Opportunities

1. Spring/Summer Softball & Baseball sign ups for K-12 at Gompers Park

The Gompers Park Athletic Association is a youth baseball and softball league serving Chicago’s Northwest Side for almost 50 years. They have opened registration to their youth softball and baseball teams. For more information, click here.

2. Girls Who Code Summer Program, Early Application Due February 15th

Girls Who Code: Summer Program Application Now Open!
Girls Who Code is offering a two-week summer immersion program or a 6-week self-paced experience that will allow students an opportunity to learn about computer science in a style that works best for them while making meaningful connections. All high school students who identify as girls or non-binary can apply, and no prior computer science experience is required! Early acceptance applications are due by Wednesday, February 15. The general application deadline is Friday, March 24.

3. CPS Families Child Tax Credit

Chicago Public Schools families may be eligible for up to $3,600 per child through the expanded federal Child Tax Credit program.

To find out if you’re eligible, and to apply for this credit, visit GetCTC.org/chicagops, a simplified tax filing tool that takes just a few minutes to complete and does not require any tax documents. Some families may also be eligible for an additional $1,400 stimulus payment. Families have until mid-November to claim this money. More information can be found on this flier.

Social Hour for Seniors, Starting March 1st

Concordia Place is starting a 6 week program for seniors to allow for more opportunities to meet other seniors in the area. This program will begin Wednesday, March 1st and will go through April 5th. Each Wednesday lunch will be provided for those that attend.

If you would like to participate in this program or have questions, please call 773-463-1600 or email Kiki at kcollias@concordiaplace.org or Amy at amy.mcnicholas@aah.org.

2023 Horner Park Farmer’s Market

Horner Park is happy to announce that the 2023 Horner Park Farmers Market will take place on Saturdays from June 3 through October 14 – their 9th season!

Their 2023 Market Guidelines, 2023 Market Application, and 2023 Market Application for Business/Nonprofit are now online. Here’s a quick list of the particulars:

Overview:

• Location: Horner Park, 2741 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 60618 (Horner Park is a Chicago Park District park). Map
• Dates: Saturdays, June 3 through October 14, 2023.
• Hours: 7:30am-9am setup, 9am-1pm open, 1pm-2pm takedown.
• Fees:

• $35 application fee (non-refundable). Payable via electronic invoice or via check.
• $30 per date for a space of approximately 11’x11’, fitting a 10’x10’ canopy; $10 for each additional adjacent space, up to 3 total spaces ($30 for 1 space, $40 for 2 adjacent spaces, $50 for 3 adjacent spaces).
• Vendors who pay for the entire 2023 regular season of 20 markets prior to June 3 will receive a discount of two free markets, paying for 18 markets instead of all 20.

Vehicle Safety Day, February 18th 

The 14^th District is hosting a Vehicle Safety Day for residents with vehicles registered within this district.

At this event you will be able to register and mark your vehicle’s catalytic converter to help prevent theft, learn about the Cook County Sheriff’s Office & CPD vehicle tracking program, and apply for the Chicago Community Safety Coordination Center (CSCC) vehicle GPS reimbursement program. This event will also include giveaways.

This event is only for 14th district residents of Chicago

Registration for this event is required and walk-ins will not be accepted.

To register for this event and to receive more information, please email CAPS.014district@chicagopolice.org.

Chicago Park District Wants to Hear Your Feedback

The Chicago Park District is working with communities to set long-term goals and plan for a stronger, more resilient Park District. They are gathering input from residents through a survey to learn about park usage, needs, wants, areas to improve upon, and overall satisfaction with the parks and the Park District. The input received will be instrumental as we prioritize this work with communities to shape the future of our parks and the District as a whole.

Click here to complete their survey!

Avondale Garden Alliance Seed Swap & More!

February is all about seeds. Get access to their free AGA seed library here! Make sure to join their AGA dedicated seed swap Facebook sub-group (opens March 13th) to see what your neighbors are trading- you don’t need to have your own seeds to share to join. Whether you join the dedicated Facebook sub-group or not, don’t miss the fun of their in-person swap on Sunday, February 26th. Any seeds you trade in the dedicated Facebook sub-group, seeds you request through the AGA seed library, and any seeds you ordered through AGA bulk orders will be available for you at their in-person swap.

Excited to get your seeds but a bit intimidated about getting them started? No worries. The AGA will have an in-person seed starting demonstration on Thursday, March 2nd. Can’t make it that day or need a little extra support? Hit up their YouTube channel and watch your neighbors chat about the ins and outs of seed starting.

Free Income-Tax Preparation with Ladder Up

What: Ladder Up is preparing to open several pop-up Tax Assistance Program (TAP) sites in hard-to-reach areas around Chicago. These sites offer free tax preparation services to those who qualify through mid-April. Additionally, Ladder Up will host Tax-a-Thon on February 4 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm at Olive-Harvey College.

Why: Ladder Up serves families and individuals often marginalized by today’s financial systems due to race, gender, and class identifications. The clients are less able to understand how to prepare an accurate tax return and are most at risk of making costly mistakes. Without Ladder Up’s support, clients are more likely to be taken advantage of by predatory financial providers charging unnecessary fees.

To view more opportunities with Ladder Up for income tax support, please visit their website.

Illinois Home Assistance Fund (ILHAF) Applications Extended

The State of Illinois is accepting applications for the Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund, which provides up to $60,000 in mortgage assistance to eligible homeowners has been extended. Assistance will be paid directly to the mortgagor’s loan servicer, taxing body, or other approved entity on behalf of the homeowner. Homeowners that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic will be prioritized in the distribution of funds. 

• To apply, visit www.illinoishousinghelp.org/ilhaf
• If you have questions about ILHAF, please call at 1-866-ILHELP-1 (1-866-454-3571) or email them at HAFQuestions@ihda.org.

Upcoming Online Webinars for How to Apply at https://www.illinoishousinghelp.org/
English: 

• Monday, Feb. 6 at 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 9 a.m.
• Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 4 p.m.

Spanish: 

• Thursday, Feb. 16 at 4 p.m.
• Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, Mar. 15 at 11 a.m.

LIHEAP Workshop, February 23rd

Are you behind on your utility bills? Join North River Commission in partnership with Spanish Coalition for Housing for a FREE LIHEAP Workshop! Come to apply for utility assistance on Wednesday, February 23 at 10 AM at our office located at 3403 W Lawrence Ave.

YOU MUST bring the required documents below:

• State ID/ Proof of identification
• Social Security Card of yourself and anyone else in the household.
• Proof of household income of the last 30 days (2023 Social Security award letter)
• Most recent utility bills (light & gas)

To RSVP please email Erika at erika@northrivercommission.org. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Immigrant Tenant Workshop, March 9th

Join North River Commission and Latino Policy Forum for an Immigrant Tenant Protections Workshop on Thursday, March 9th from 6-7 PM. Learn about the Immigrant Tenant Protection Act, finding accessible housing resources, and housing rights and protections! Connect with us via Zoom or in-person at our office 3403 W Lawrence Ave. 

To RSVP please email Erika at erika@northrivercommission.org. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

North River Commission Housing Support Services

North River Commission is a delegate agency of the Chicago Department of Housing and serves as a Technical Assistance Community agency. Through our work, we connect community members to housing-related resources and services, and host community events, workshops, and housing fairs to assist low- and moderate-income homeowners, renters, landlords, and unhoused individuals in the Albany Park community.

For any housing assistance or questions, please contact Erika at erika@northrivercommission.org  (872)-257-8773.  Habla Español

Learn more about our work at https://northrivercommission.org/housing/

211 Metro Chicago

211 Metro Chicago is a free resource connecting all Cook County residents with essential health and social services to help them meet their basic needs. Trained, local specialists are available 24/7 to connect individuals with the support they need, such as food, housing, utility assistance, access to health care, and other vital resources. Residents can receive assistance via phone, text, web chat, and database search.

2-1-1 Metro Chicago is operated by United Way of Metro Chicago and launched with support from the City of Chicago, Cook County, philanthropic partners, and the 211 Metro Chicago Advisory Committee composed of business, civic, charitable, and social service organizations.

Small Business Spotlight: The Electric Bike Store

Dan is ready to help you find your next electric bike, with maintenance if you already have one or turning your regular bike into an electric one!

Come check them out at 3701 N Elston Ave or contact them at salinascycles@gmail.com or
630-698-0377.

Business Resources

1. Roosevelt High School Apprenticeship Program

North River Commission is seeking Albany Park businesses to work with our youth. We want to encourage our youth to gain a sense of responsibility while offering an opportunity for hands-on entrepreneurial experience!

If you are interested in mentoring high school students on how to be successful in your respective professional arena, please reach out to Megan Lacey, Youth & Family Organizer, at meganl@northrivercommission.org or 312-718-3819. 

2. How to Write a Business Plan Webinar, February 28th

Do you have a business idea, but don’t know where to start? Are you already a business owner, but are struggling to secure funding? Is your marketing strategy not working, but you don’t know why? Join the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce and Founders First for a three-part webinar series about how to write a business plan. You’ll get all your questions answered, and end the series with a business plan! 

Tuesday, February 28th  at 12 PM – Marketing Plan and Operations Plan- click here to register

Did you miss Session 1: Industry and Market Analysis? Don’t worry, email Catherine at cgeorge@northrivercommission.org for a recording of the webinar and notes. 

3. Business Grant Applications

• Innovations for Healthy Living – Improving Minority Health and Eliminating Health Disparities funding opportunity
  • Granted by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) as part of the America’s Seed Fund. This opportunity is for eligible SBIR/STTR entities to develop technologies and products that address health disparities while engaging and empowering individuals and communities.
• Upskilling Initiative
  • Provides professional development grants to businesses that serve employees aged fifty (50) and older who are currently earning up to $16 an hour. Training funds will be disbursed in $2,000 increments, pending a guaranteed commitment from the employer of a $1.50 or more per hour wage increase respectively after the training is complete.

• HerRise Micro-Grant
  • Provides financial assistance, with the help of our corporate sponsors and donors, to women of color creating innovative solutions that impact their community and that are often unable to secure funding for their small business. Each month a $500 micro-grant will be awarded to a small business owned by women of color.
  • Small business grants are useful for financing a particular small business need. Past recipients used their growth grants for computers, equipment, marketing materials, software purchase, website creation and more.

For more business grant information please, visit North River Commission’s website.

Employment Opportunities

1. Heartland Alliance’s Free Customer Service Bridge Class

Heartland Alliance is hosting a Customer Service class to support English Language Learners that want to work in customer service roles. This class will help participants prepare a resume, practice interviewing, and learn about different job opportunities.

This course is free and completely online through Zoom. All interested participants need is a stable internet connection and a cellphone, computer, or tablet. 

If interested please call or text Alyssa at 872-346-8184.

2. CPS Job Fair, February 15th

Resume is required for entry and RSVP’s are preferred.

3. CTA’s Second Chance Program

4. St. Mary of Providence is hiring for 2 positions

5. CTA’s Find a Job Fridays

MPox (MonkeyPox) Resources

The MPox virus is spread through close contact with body fluids, sores, shared bedding or clothing, or respiratory droplets (kissing, coughing, sneezing, etc.).

Vaccinations for MPV are currently available in Chicago for adults 18 and up. Because of the limited availability of vaccines, you must meet the eligibility requirements outlined by the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH).

COVID-19 Resources

1. At-Home Vaccinations:

Get your whole family vaccinated at home! CDPH is offering vaccination appointments at home for up to 10 family members. Click here to set up your appointment!

2. Receive Your Updated COVID-19 Vaccine At Home!

3. Vaccinations

CPS Students: 

– Permanent sites
– Mobile Events
– School-Based Health Centers
–  Sign up for weekly COVID testing at CPS

33rd Ward Vaccination Events

1. Theodore Roosevelt High School

2. Swedish Hospital: Walk-In’s Welcome

* More information on City testing sites here!

Community Safety Updates

1. 17th District CAPS Meetings

The 17th District has resumed beat meetings in-person. 

Information about Beat Meetings here.

Please contact the 17th District Community Policing Office / CAPS, if there are any questions or concerns.

Email: caps.017district@chicagopolice.org

Telephone: 312-742-4588