In This Week’s Newsletter

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Free At-Home Covid Tests

Free at-home COVID-19 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.

Should you need assistance filling out the form, please call our office at 773-840-7880. 

33rd Ward Snow Shoveling Assistance

 The 33rd Ward Alderman’s office helps coordinate support efforts with our neighbors to keep our Ward safe and walkable for our community after heavy snowfalls.

We invite you to let us know if you are in need of help with shoveling your snow OR if you are someone who is able to help your neighbor with shoveling their snow. Our office will reach out to match volunteers with an individual in their area, who is need of support.

Please fill out this form if you are are someone who is physically disabled or a senior and are unable to shovel your sidewalk, OR would like to volunteer to help shovel your neighbors sidewalk.

The 33rd Ward Office is Hiring

Our office is seeking a detailed and community minded individual for the role of Zoning & Development Administrator.

This is a part-time contract position responsible for processing applications for rezoning, troubleshooting questions related to zoning matters, and facilitating our office’s Community Driven Zoning and Development process.

Further details about the position and application process are available here. 

Apply for Rental Assistance

If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of homelessness due to missed payment of rental costs due to unforeseen crises, they may be eligible for the Department of Family and Support Services Rental Assistance Program.  The deadline to apply has been extended through January 31, 2022. 

Learn more and apply here or call the North Area Community Service Center, 845 W. Wilson, at 312- 744-2580.

Chicago Recovery Grants Available

Chicago Recovery Plan community development grants are being made available to Chicago entrepreneurs, small businesses and developers, with the initial round open through January 2022. Learn more about the Chicago Recovery Plan here. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. The first-round application deadline is Jan. 31, 2022, followed by a second-round application deadline of March 10, 2022.

Chicago Climate Action Plan

The City is in the process of updating its climate goals to reduce carbon emissions with a focus on increasing household savings, advancing environmental justice, and improving community health. With historic investments coming in 2022, the City would like to know what is most important to you and your community. Share your thoughts today on the Chicago Climate Action Plan and join residents across Chicago in a conversation about the City’s climate agenda and priorities.Register for January 22 Town Hall.

Covid-19 Updates

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.

CPS Vaccination Events Find a COVID-19 vaccine appointment this week through CPS: 

– Permanent sites – Mobile Events – School-Based Health Centers

Sign up for weekly COVID testing at CPS

Bateman Elementary will host a mobile vaccination event on Thursday, Feb. 10 from 10AM – 1PM. You can reserve a spot for your student here. 

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. Indoor Vaccine Requirements The vaccine requirement for certain indoor spaces is now in effect. Any individual 5 years of age or older is required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to dine indoors, visit gyms, or enjoy entertainment venues where food or drink are being served. Learn more about the Chicago Vaccine Requirement here.

This new requirement is in response to an alarming rise in COVID-19 cases both locally and nationally, driven in part by the Omicron variant, and is similar to requirements already in place in other large cities, including New York City and Los Angeles. In addition to proof of vaccination, patrons 16 and older must show a valid ID that matches the vaccination record. Businesses seeking more information and guidance should go to Chicago.gov/reopening.

• Read the full public health order
• View an FAQ document
• Verify your vaccination status

Jan. 25: Housing & Neighborhoods Community Meeting

North River Commission invites you to join your neighbors online to discuss creating more affordable housing through the citywide “We Will Chicago Plan.” 

Bring your voice to the virtual table on Tuesday, January 25th at 6:00 pm. “We Will Chicago” is a new citywide planning initiative that will encourage neighborhood growth and vibrancy while addressing social and economic inequities. Your participation will help promote the goals of using meaningful and inclusive engagement to shape the plan. 

SAVE THE DATE

• What: “We Will Chicago” Housing & Neighborhoods Community Meeting
• When: Tuesday, January 25 at 6 PM 
• RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/we-will-chicago-housing-neighborhoods-community-meeting-registration
• Please Note: North River Commission and its We Will Chicago partners are offering a limited number of Community Support tickets, which provide attendees a $25 gift card.

For more information about the process, please visit wewillchicago.com. For questions about this meeting email dalia@northrivercommission.org. 

Free Tax Prep Help

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 eight locations across Chicago starting as early as January 24, 2022 (Please visit www.TaxPrepChicago.org for updated information on site locations, dates, and hours). 

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.

Last Weekend for Chicago Holiday Tree Recycling

Getting rid of your Christmas tree? Through Jan. 22 you can bring your live tree to be recycled at one of 26 city sites listed below, including North Park Nature Village at 5801 N Pulaski.

Trees can be dropped off anytime during normal business hours.Trees can be dropped off anytime during normal business hours. Your recycled tree will be turned into mulch, which people can pick up for free on a first-come first-served basis at six of the recycling sites starting Jan. 12. Before dropping off a tree for recycling, make sure to remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, stand and bags if one was used for transport. Garlands, wreaths and trees with flocking will not be accepted.

33rd Ward Holiday Pop-Ups – Last Chance!

This will be the final weekend for our special 33rd Ward holiday pop-ups! Check them out and support local businesses and artists. 

Even though the holidays are over, these special pop-up shops are continuing through January! Check them out and support local businesses and artists. 

Urban Market (4730 N. Kimball Ave)

Saturdays 11am to 6pm, Sundays 11am to 5pm

Fine Arts & Goods (4747 N Sawyer)

Hours: Jan 15th 12pm to 5pm, Fluxcore Opening 6pm to 9pm
Jan 22nd & 23rd 12pm to 5 pm, Fluxcore Show Closing

4637 N Kedzie Ave – Pop Art + Modern Design
Hours: Fridays 3pm to 7pm, Saturdays 11am to 6pm, Sundays 12pm to 5pm

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Winter Weather Preparations

It’s getting colder outside! See below for tips about staying warm this winter and keeping heating bills lower.

Higher Gas Bills Anticipated This Winter As we head into winter, Peoples Gas is informing customers that their heating bills will likely rise as the temperatures fall due the price of natural gas, which has more than doubled this year. The increase is due mainly to tight supplies and a worldwide increase in demand for natural gas. An analysis done by Peoples Gas predicts the typical residential customer will pay $60 more a month this winter compared to last winter.  

Customers can take steps to manage their energy use by turning down their thermostats, using programmable thermostats, sealing gaps around windows and doors, and scheduling an annual furnace tuneup. Peoples Gas also offers free energy efficiency consultations. For more low and no cost energy-saving tips, go to peoplesgasdelivery.com/savings. Residents who purchase an Energy Star smart thermostat through December 31, 2021 can receive a $100 rebate from ComEd. For more information on receiving this rebate, go to the ComEd Smart Thermostat Rebates page.   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.

Chicago Residential Heat Ordinance Chicago’s Heat Ordinance requires that buildings keep residential units at or above 66 degrees overnight (8 p.m. to 6 a.m.) and 68 degrees during the day (6 a.m. to 8 p.m.). Violations of the heat ordinance are taken very seriously. Please call 311 to file a complaint and arrange for an inspector to investigate. 

City Warming Centers When temperatures are at 32 degrees or below – warming areas are available at the City’s six community service centers from 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. View locations and more information here.

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. Funding is limited and available on a first-come-first-service basis. Homeowners can call the Department of Housing’s customer service line at 312.744.3653 for more information.

Resources for Residents

Eviction Support for Tenants

The eviction moratorium entered by Governor Pritzker ended in October. 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

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

ComEd Residential Special Hardship Program Customers who demonstrate financial hardship may be eligible for ComEd’s Residential Special Hardship program, which provides a grant of up to $500 to help pay past-due energy bills.  Eligibility:  •Must be a residential customer with household incomes up to 250% of the federal poverty level.  •Demonstrate hardship such as job loss, documented illness, military deployment, senior or disability hardships, among others. Learn more at ComEd.com/ResidentialHardship

Free Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic

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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