*The 33rd Ward office is closed Monday, February 21st, in observance of Presidents’ Day. If you are in need of any City services, feel free to call 311 or e-mail our office at info@33rdward.org and we will respond first thing on Tuesday. Streets & Sanitation garbage pickup service will be NOT be interrupted this day.*
This week we want to highlight opportunities to help nourish our 33rd Ward communities.
Devastatingly, there are parts of the 33rd ward where 49% of individuals live below the Federal Poverty Level, and 32% of households rely on SNAP benefits, according to the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s data map.
You can helpOver the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, neighbors and the 33rd Ward Office have organized to create mutual aid projects to feed neighbors, and existing organizations have ramped up their incredible work. Right now, they need you!
1. Albany Park Mutual Aid: Contribute to a gift card at HarvesTime Foods that they use to pay for the groceries they give away. Anyone can provide financial donations to this initiative by calling the grocery store at 773-989-4400 or e-mailing apmutualaid@gmail.com.
2. Irving Park Mutual Aid: These volunteers have been working to support Irving Park neighbors impacted by the COVID-19 crisis through grocery delivery and care packages with diapers, soap, paper towels, and cleaning supplies. Currently, they are in great need of folks to help assemble grocery bags and deliver. They can be reached by email at Irvingparkmutualaid@gmail.com or phone 773-231-7310. To continue to donate to them, click here.
3. Irving Park Community Food Pantry: The Irving Park Community Food Pantry provides food to those in need who reside in the 60641 or 60618 ZIP codes. They are open on Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and on the second Tuesday of each month from 6:00 to 7 pm. Right now, they are collecting donations for their Easter program (candy, small toys, puzzle, and crayons), Drop off: Big Helpers at 4184 North Elston Avenue, Monday through Friday from 10am-4pm, at the drop box on the porch at 3833 North Tripp Avenue, or by donate through the Pantry’s Amazon and Walmart wish lists at at their website.
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*The 33rd Ward website has a new resource page: please check out Youth Opportunities! The page has a list of youth-specific opportunities including scholarships, after-school programs, career and vocation opportunities, paid youth positions, and more.
In This Week’s Newsletter
- 10 Days Left: Annual Toiletry Drive Benefitting Justice-Involved Women ends February 28th
- Next Week: Monthly Neighborhood Blood Drive at Christ Lutheran Church on February 26th
- Black History Month High School Essay Contest
- Housing Support
- Chicago LSC elections
- Horner Park Farmers Market: Apply by April 1
- People’s Guide to Community Benefits Agreements & Alternatives zine & FOIA Fest
- Covid-19 Updates
- Community Safety Updates
Quick Links
10 Days Left: Annual Toiletry Drive Benefitting Justice-Involved Women ends February 28th!
Please support justice-involved women’s health with this toiletry drive- all women deserve to be healthy and safe. The Women’s jail says they are specifically in need of white socks and washcloth towels.
The 33rd Ward Office is one drop off location: 3001 W. Irving Park Rd.
Next Week: Monthly Neighborhood Blood Drive at Christ Lutheran Church on February 26th
When: Saturday, February 26, 9am-2pm. | Enter at the side door at 4541 N Spaulding Ave. Pre-register to reserve a time slot. Walk-ins are also welcome!
Black History Month High School Essay Contest: Due February 28th!
Happy Black History Month!
Every February, we take time to celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of Black people in this country. As we witness our Black neighbors and friends continue to make history, break barriers, and create beauty, we stand in support and awe.
In celebration, we wanted to share that the annual 2022 Black History Month High School Essay Contest from Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin is now accepting submissions!
Two Chicago Public School High School seniors will win a scholarship up to $1,500 to help finance their college expenses. The deadline to submit is February 28, 2022.
Housing Support
Eviction Sealing Workshop: Wednesday, February 23 at 6:00pm (online)
Online training in English & Spanish
Do you want to know how to seal an eviction? The Lawyer’s Committee for Better Housing and local partners invite individuals and community based organizations that want to learn how to navigate the eviction sealing process to a free workshop. Register here!
The training will teach community members how to seal an eviction with or without legal representation, cover best practices on the sealing process, and provide step-by-step instructions to create and file a motion to seal.
Eviction Support for Tenants
The state’s eviction moratorium ended October 3rd. The City of Chicago Department of Housing is working to support Chicagoans who will no longer be protected by the moratorium. Even though the eviction moratorium is coming to a close, there is help, both legal and financial, to keep residents in their homes.
Here are some key things to remember when facing an eviction.
- Don’t self-evict. A notice of eviction from your landlord does not mean you need to leave your home right away. Only the Sheriff can legally remove you from your home.
- Get legal help. Free legal assistance is available to Chicago renters. Go to www.Rentervention.com , which is provided by the Lawyers Committee for Better Housing, a Department of Housing delegate agency.
- Get financial help. The Department of Housing maintains a current list of places residents can apply for emergency rental assistance at Chicago.gov/RentHelp.
You can find more details on renters’ rights and other resources at Chicago.gov/Eviction.
Chicago Local School Council Elections
Apply by March 4th to be a candidate!
CPS Local School Council (LSC) elections are coming up soon! Whether you’re a parent, teacher or community member, this is a great way to get involved in your local school community. This year, the deadline to submit an application to run as a candidate is 3 p.m. Friday, March 4th.
Learn more about LSC responsibilities and how to apply here.
Read more about LSC’s on our website.
LSC members are elected every two years by parents, community members and school staff. Members serve two-year terms, with the exception of student representatives, who serve one-year terms.
*New this year: students in sixth grade and up may now run for a seat on LSCs!
*Interested in being an LSC Election Judge? You can be paid $250 per workday! Apply here.
Want to learn more? Attend this webinar hosted by the Office of Local School Council Relations!
Date/time: Tuesday, February 22nd, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
District-wide workshop to deepen participants understanding of the LSC candidate application process and engage in a discussion with participants to better understand:
– What motivates an LSC candidate
– What to expect during the election season
– Answer questions about the commitment level of serving on an LSC and learn about the role from serving LSC members
Horner Park Farmers Market: Apply to participate by April 1st!
Are you a farmer or food vendor? Join the Horner Park Farmers Market for their 8th season! Check out the 2022 Market Guidelines, 2022 Market Application, and 2022 Market Application for Business/Nonprofit to get started!
Details:
- Location: Horner Park, 2741 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 60618 (Horner Park is a Chicago Park District park). Map
- Dates: Saturdays, June 4 through October 1, with a possible extension through October 22.
- Hours: 7:30am-9am setup, 9am-1pm open, 1pm-2pm takedown.
- Fees:
- $35 application fee (non-refundable). Payable via check or via PayPal.
- $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 2022 regular season of 18 markets prior to the first market will receive a discount of two free markets, paying for 16 markets instead of all 18.
- Deadline: Applications are due by April 1 for first consideration — apply today!
Political Education
People’s Guide to Community Benefits Agreements & Alternatives zine, February 22nd
Check out this amazing political education resource from City Bureau: People’s Guide to Community Benefits Agreements & Alternatives zine in English & Spanish!
RSVP for the zine launch and a hear from a panel of experts (lawyers, organizers, community advocates) who will share about their experiences organizing Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) and fighting for their communities when big developments are in the works. The zine will detail how CBAs are created and include case studies.
Want a copy of the zine? Fill out this form and get a free one delivered!
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FOIA fest, February 24-26th
City Bureau is also hosting a free FOIA Fest from February 24-26th where you can learn how to request and obtain public records from the government through filing a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act).
Are you an activist? Do you work with a community organization and want City data for your projects? You can file a FOIA! Though often filed by journalists, knowing how to file a FOIA is an incredibly useful tool for your organizing and community work. RSVP here by entering the promo code: FF22Community.
Covid-19 Updates
Continued Masking in Chicago Public Schools: A Message from CPS
“On February 4th, a downstate court issued a legal decision regarding Governor Pritzker’s requirements for COVID-19 safety measures in schools…and the appellate court confirmed that CPS has the authority to enforce key COVID-19 safety measures, including the required use of masks by all students and staff while they are at school.
We are gratified by the court’s decision, as universal masking and other proven safety measures are what have allowed us to provide our students with the in-person learning environment they need throughout this school year.”
-Pedro Martinez
Chief Executive Officer
Chicago Public Schools
KN95 Mask Delivery for Seniors by the 33rd Ward Sage Brigade
Need a mask? Please submit your information and a volunteer will contact you.
Free at-home COVID-19 Tests
Free test kits are now available from the federal government.
Submit your information here to receive four rapid antigen tests to your home. Unfortunately, there is a limit of one order per household.
Need help applying? Call our office at 773-840-7880.
Report Complaints for Pop-up Testing Sites
Block Club Chicago has been reporting on a chain of pop-up testing sites, The Center for Covid Control, which is now closed amidst a state investigation. The chain reportedly lied to customers about test results and other extremely serious problems.
The office of the Attorney General urges residents to exercise caution before visiting any testing site. Read the full consumer alert here. It is recommended that residents first try to utilize a state-sponsored testing site. For information on COVID-19 testing in Chicago, go to Chicago.gov/covidtesting.
Complaints related to COVID-19 testing sites may be filed with Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s Office. Click here to file a complaint or call the AG’s consumer fraud hotline at 1-800-386-5438.
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!
CPS Vaccination Events
Find your student a COVID-19 vaccine appointment this week through CPS:
– Sign up for weekly COVID testing at CPS
Other Vaccination Events
Booster doses for everyone 16 years and older are now available at all CDPH clinics and even at home! Getting boosted helps keep you and your family protected from the virus. Make a plan for your family at chi.gov/covidvax.
Some easy, nearby options for all 33rd Ward residents age 5 and up to get vaccinated include:
Theodore Roosevelt High School
3436 W Wilson Ave
Mondays-Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Anyone 5+ Pfizer
Also 18+ Johnson & Johnson
Walk-ins welcome, appointments can be made online. Click this link to IDPH registration
Additional information available on the CPS COVID vaccination page.
Swedish Hospital: Walk-In’s Welcome
Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Please note: The Vaccine Clinic has moved to the Professional Plaza, 2740 W. Foster Ave. Suite 108 (building directly across from our Emergency Department).www.swedishcovenant.org/covid/covid-19-vaccine
Get tested: Anyone, including people who are fully vaccinated, should consider getting tested before joining indoor gatherings with others who are not in your household. Find testing locations here.
Community Safety Updates
Violence Prevention Grants Available
Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICIJIA) has opened grant opportunities for organizations of various sizes to fund violence prevention work. Select communities are eligible to apply for the grant. To read through eligibility visit this link.
17th District CAPS Meeting Virtual
The 17th District has resumed beat meetings virtually.
Beat meetings are a resource for neighbors to get the latest update on occurrences of crime and other related activities in the ward. Our office and neighboring ward offices attend these meetings regularly and provide additional news related to ward activities. See below for a full calendar of 17th District 2022 beat meetings.
Beat 1711 and 1712 meeting link.
Beat 1713 and 1724 meeting link
Beat 1722 and 1723 meeting link
Beat 1732 and 1733 meeting link
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. 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
Utility Scammers
We want to keep reminding neighbors not to let anyone into their homes unless they explicitly requested someone from a utility company to come out. There was an instance where a neighbor had a fake utility worker ask to access his home and the worker came in, pretended to provide a service, and stole several items of value and money. The family did not realize that they were being robbed until after the fact which goes to show how sneaky these individuals can be.
ComEd will never call or come to your home or business to:
- Sell you electricity
- Ask for your account number
- Ask you to make a direct payment with a prepaid cash card, cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, or third-party electronic banking app such as Cash App, Zelle, QuickPay or Venmo
- Ask for your personal information such as Social Security number, Tax ID, or bank information
Please be aware of potential email and web scams:
- Carefully review messages originating from outside your organization’s network
- Check the name of the sender and business in the email and make sure it matches the name and business in the email address. Look for misspellings and zeros in place of the letter O.
- Do you recognize the sender? Don’t hesitate to make a phone call to verify a message is being sent from a trusted source. Use a phone number from your own records or the company’s official website and not the number provided in the email.
- Confirm the contents of the email look legitimate especially when a request can have financial impacts, such as transferring money
- Hover over website links before clicking to confirm legitimacy of the site
If at any time you are uncomfortable, or you feel you are experiencing suspicious behavior, call ComEd immediately at 800-EDISON1.
Opportunities for Local Small Businesses
Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) Grants Available: Applications Open March 1st-31st
The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and SomerCor is rolling out the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) grant program for applications in March!
- Lawrence/Kedzie, North Park and Albany Park
Applications open: 9 a.m., Tuesday, March 1stApplications close: 5 p.m., Thursday, March 31st
The SBIF program uses revenue from TIF districts to help owners of commercial and industrial properties to repair or remodel their facilities for their own business or on behalf of tenants. Tenant businesses are also eligible to apply on their own. Program participants can receive grants for 30 to 90 percent of project costs, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grants are administered by SomerCor on the City’s behalf and do not have to be repaid.
Please note that residential projects are not eligible for the SBIF program, and residential developers should not apply.
Interested? Attend DPD’s Webinar: March 2nd at 1p.m.
DPD and SomerCor will host an informational webinar to review program requirements and the application process, including an overview of program changes adopted by City Council under Mayor Lightfoot.
SBIF Informational Webinar
1 p.m. Wednesday, March 2 | Register
For additional information, visit www.chicago.gov/sbif.
Chicago Recovery Grants Available: Due March 10th
Chicago Recovery Plan community development grants are being made available to Chicago entrepreneurs, small businesses and developers. You can learn more about the Chicago Recovery Grant here. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until March 10th.
Tax Season
Free Tax Prep Help
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 eight locations across Chicago starting as early as January 24.
Eligible Chicagoans could receive up to $7628 from the federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits alone, 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 $58,000 and individuals earning up to $32,000 are eligible to take advantage of the free and confidential Tax Prep assistance at eight sites across Chicago. Volunteer tax preparers certified through IRS-approved training will assist them with federal and state income tax returns.
For more information about how to access the free tax assistance program, Chicagoans can visit the City’s tax assistance website at www.TaxPrepChicago.org or call (312) 588-6900 to schedule an appointment.
Free Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic
Winter Weather Preparations
Snow Shoveling
Is a business or multi-unit building not clearing the sidewalk? You can call our office, or submit an “uncleared sidewalk complaint” by calling 311 or online “Snow – Uncleared Sidewalk or Bike Lane Request”.
Do you need help shoveling? If you are a neighbor who is physically unable to shovel snow and are in need of support, or if you would like to volunteer to help your neighbors clear their sidewalks, you can sign up here.City Warming Centers When temperatures are at 32 degrees or below – warming areas are available at the City’s six community service centers. View locations and more information here.Schedule: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. *City-operated libraries and park facilities also may activate warming areas, if needed, including during evening hours, weekends and holidays.
Need help heating your home? Bill payment assistance is available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Share the Warmth program.
Interested? Peoples Gas customers can call the Community Economic Development Association (CEDA) at 800-571-2332, or go to cedaorg.net.
Click here to read more about your rights as a utility customer and ways to save on heating costs this winter courtesy of the Citizens Utility Board.
Emergency Heating Repair Program
The Chicago Department of Housing (DOH) Emergency Heating Repair Program provides a grant up to $24,999 to low-moderate income, owner-occupied residential building of one to four (1-4) units. Interested? Homeowners can download an application package through April 1, 2022 at www.chicago.gov/ehrp. Homeowners can call the Department of Housing’s customer service line at 312.744.3653 for more information.
More Resources for Residents
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless Mutual Aid Fund
The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless Mutual Aid Fund opened this week!
This fund provides a one-time emergency grant of $500 to 120 individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This includes individuals or families who are living in shelters, living outside, or temporarily staying with family and friends. The application is short, low-barrier, and simple to access.
Want to apply? Submit online or call 312-641-4148.
For more information, visit the Mutual Aid Fund FAQ.
Utility Billing Relief
Utility Billing Relief (UBR) provides low-income City of Chicago residents with a reduced rate on their water, sewer, and water-sewer tax as well as debt relief for those who demonstrate they can manage the reduced rate bills for one year. Benefits for UBR participants include:
- A reduced rate on water, sewer, and water-sewer tax.
- No late payment penalties or debt collection activity including water shut-off.
- Debt forgiveness after successfully completing one year with no past-due balance.
To learn more and apply, visit https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/provdrs/utility_billing/svcs/utility-bill-relief-program.html
Monday: 12:00 PM – 7 PM
Tues – Thurs: 10 AM – 5 PM
Friday: 9 AM – 4PM
️E-mail info@33rdward.org anytime for service requests or general queries
️ Call us at 773-840-7880 during business hours
Follow us on Facebook or Twitter
Check out our ward website for info on services and events: https://www.33rdward.org/
Best,
Rossana Rodriguez