This summer has seen multiple thunderstorms across the city and our community, including historic rainfalls that have resulted in many reports of flooding. Flooding is an unfortunate citywide issue that has not historically seen a citywide program to deal with it. However, Alderwoman Rodriguez-Sanchez, along with Mayor Johnson and many members of city council, has been advocating for the re-establishing the Department of Environment, which would finally establish a city office to handle the issue of flooding head on and dedicate the appropriate resources to it. As climate change continues, it brings the increased likelihood and intensity of thunderstorms. This is why fighting climate change is also part of a long term solution to flooding. As a member of the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy, Alderwoman Rodriguez-Sanchez is committed to supporting and passing legislation that will curb our carbon emissions, thereby helping to stop the intensifying weather that comes with climate change. If you’re not familiar with flooding or how Chicago’s water system works, our office recommends that you read the “Flood Prevention 101” guide published by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD).

There are some individual things residents can do to potentially help: 

First, if we’re experiencing storm conditions, please abstain from bathing, laundry, dishwashing, and other water-intensive activities. This helps reduce pressure on our water and sewer system. 

Next, anytime there is water in the basement, it is recommended that you report this to 311. Some neighbors have found that clearing the catch basins on their blocks of leaves and debris have been effective in preventing flooding. Streets and Sanitation does not have a crew dedicated to daily debris cleaning of these catch basins, so being a good neighbor and clearing any small debris before storms can make a big difference. Residents can request a parkway tree to be planted as trees help to absorb water, too. You can put in a tree planting request via 311 or you may contact our office to put a request in for you. The spring-summer tree planting season ended in June, but the city will resume planting trees in the fall until the first frost. 

Residents can also replace their lawns with deep-rooted native plants and prairie grasses. These roots go much deeper than the grass species and retain water much more effectively.The MWRD published “The Green Neighbor Guide” which provides a comprehensive guide to rain gardens, rain barrels, rain gardens, and a multitude of ways you can reduce your risks of flooding. You can read these in greater detail here. If you’re looking to bring deep-rooted plants to your garden fast, the Southport Neighborhood Association is having their annual native plants sale this Saturday, July 15th. The sale runs from 9 am to 3 pm at 3410 N Southport. Click here to learn more. 

Unfortunately, there is no quick fix to addressing flooding. A combination of the approaches listed above is our best way forward. Our office continues to work towards long term solutions with our citywide partners. 

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Many air conditioners draw air from the outsWe are also not out of the woods yet on wildfire smoke and air pollution. Early weather forecasts are indicating that Canadian wildfire smoke may be returning to the Chicago area on Saturday and Sunday. For information about air quality on a day-to-day basis, visit airnow.gov. If you want to sign-up to receive emergency text alerts from the city, visit Notify Chicago.

It’s recommended that you keep your doors and windows shut as much as possible on bad air days and use air purifiers, fans, and air cleaners. If you don’t have an air purifier, you can build a Corsi-Rosenthal Box using a box fan, MERV-13 air filters, and duct tape. Learn more about how to build this DIY air purifier here. The directions are available in both English and Spanish. Additional background information on the Corsi-Rosenthal DIY purifier can be found here. If you are looking to purchase an air purifier, ComEd is currently offering a $50 rebate on Energy Star-certified air purifiers. Learn more here. 

Air conditioners do not eliminate smoke so running one on a bad air day with no purification does not address issues of exposure. If your air conditioner has the option to re-circulate air, make sure that you do that. 

If you must go outside on a bad air day, limit your time outside and wear a N95/KN95 mask which can help reduce your risk of exposure to 2.5 PPM (parts per million) air pollution. 2.5 PPM refers to the concentration of fine particulate matter in the air. These tiny particles are small enough to be inhaled deeply into the respiratory system, causing health problems when present in high concentrations. PM2.5 pollution can result from various sources such as vehicle emissions, industrial processes, power generation, and wildfires. ProjectN95 is a good resource to find a wide variety of N95 and respirator-style masks.

In This Week’s Newsletter

Quick Links 

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

*Block party applications are open! Read more under “Forms” on the Neighborhood Services page, and apply here!

Ward Night Out

Ward Night Out is an opportunity to bring your questions or concerns to the Alderwoman in a one-on-one meeting. Each Ward Night Out is first come, first serve. Walk-ins will be taken until 6:45 pm. For more information, please contact our office at info@33rdward.org or 773-840-7880.

2023 Heat Watch Campaign Seeking Paid Volunteers

The City of Chicago continues to seek volunteers for the 2023 Heat Watch Campaign and is also offering a stipend for interested individuals. Please find attached a flyer which you can share with constituents. 

Click here for additional information

Budget Community Roundtable

It’s time for the 2024 budget community engagement! Please join the City at one of the three budget engagement forums to hear an overview of the budget and share your insights and asks questions.   

Doors open an hour before the forums for a City Resource Fair where representatives from the City’s departments and sister agencies will be available to answer questions and provide information on City services and programs.  

The Budget Community Engagement Forums will be live-streamed on the City of Chicago’s social media channels.  

BUDGET ENGAGEMENT ROUNDTABLE I 

Tuesday, July 18 | 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm 

Malcolm X College 

1900 West Jackson Boulevard 

REGISTRATION 

BUDGET ENGAGEMENT ROUNDTABLE II 

Thursday, July 20 | 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm 

Kennedy-King College 

6301 South Halsted Street 

REGISTRATION 

BUDGET ENGAGEMENT ROUNDTABLE III 

Saturday, July 22 | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm 

Harry S. Truman College 

1145 West Wilson Avenue 

REGISTRATION 

To register for the forums, please access links above or go to Chicago.gov/2024budget. Pre-registration is requested but not required. ASL and live captioning will be available. If you require language interpretation or any other accommodation, please contact communityengagement@cityofchicago.org by Friday, July 14. 

Cumulative Impact Assessment Survey and Climate Justice Action Plan

The city of Chicago’s Cumulative Impact Assessment team wants to hear and learn more about  community members’ lived experience with environmental burdens and other stressors as well as your thoughts and ideas when it comes to policies like land use and zoning, transportation, permitting , enforcement, health interventions and more. Click here to fill out the survey. The deadline to provide feedback is Monday, July 31st.  

The City is also collecting public feedback on its draft Climate Justice Action Plan. The deadline to provide feedback is also Monday, July 31st. To learn more about the draft Climate Justice Action Plan and the working group’s efforts so far, click here. 

Neighborhood Events

1. 17th District Council Meeting, July 15th

2. Thrive Together Annual Summer Fundraiser, July 20th

3. Horner Park Brewfest, July 21st

4. Summer Float Party, July 23rd

5. CTA Diversity Program, July 25th

6. Back 2 School Fiesta, August 19th

7. Clean & Green, August 26th

8. River Park Summer Event Calendar

Youth Opportunities

1. 2023 Empowerment Scholarship, Application Due August 6th

Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin and the Chicago Treasurer’s Office (CTO) will award first-ever Empowerment Scholarships to first-year students entering a two or four-year accredited institution in the fall of 2023. The one-time, $5,000 award will be presented to students residing in Chicago during the CTO’s “Financial Youth Symposium and Step Show” program at Chicago State University on August 31.

The Empowerment Scholarship is the first being awarded to Chicago students as part of the CTO’s 2023-2024 college scholarship program sponsored by community partners BMO, Discover, and Providence Bank & Trust. To be eligible for the $5,000 award, which can be used to pay for any education-related expenses, a student must be enrolled in an institution of higher learning in the fall of 2023 and submit a completed application, including an essay, high school transcripts and other materials, to monique.cook-bey@cityofchicago.org by 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 6.

Scholarship Essay Questions:

• Submit a typed essay (no more than 500 words in length) answering your choice of any one of the four following questions:
  • The CTO aims to foster financial literacy and empowerment among residents. Describe a personal experience that highlights the importance of financial education and explain how you might benefit from financial services and resources in your community.
  • The CTO emphasizes the importance of technology and innovation in financial services and banking. Describe an innovative idea to make financial services, such as loans for a new home or to grow a small business, more accessible to more people in communities of color.
  • The CTO places great importance on community engagement and outreach. Share a significant community service or volunteer experience that you had and explain what inspired you to make a difference in your community and to help others.
  • Describe how your personal experiences and aspirations align with the mission of the CTO to promote racial and economic equity. Explain how the Empowerment Scholarship will enable you to help create a more equitable and inclusive society.

Documents required to be submitted with the application:

• One letter of recommendation from either a teacher, advisor, employer, or another who can speak to academic ability, character, and potential (family and relatives are excluded)
• Proof of Chicago residency (i.e., Driver’s License, State ID, or Academic Letter)
• Resume
• Unofficial transcript from high school, such as a print-out from student portal
• Enrollment verification from a two- or four-year accredited college or university

For additional information about this scholarship program and the Chicago Youth Symposium, contact monique.cook-bey@cityofchicago.org.

2. Roosevelt High School Registration Days

3. Chicago Fire Student Discount

Chicago Fire is offering student passes to all CPS and local college students in Chicago. Click here to get yours today.

4. Align Your Inner Self Youth Program (16-24), Now through September 2023

Black Alphabet started as an organization founded to encourage story telling and educate communities about the cultural and social contributions Black LGBTQ+ identified people have made upon the world. Now the organization has transformed and they are focused on creating and spreading awareness on issues that have an impact on the Black LGBT+ community.

Their new program, Aligning Your Inner Self, for youth ages 16-24 is to help those who are looking to align their inner voice or conscience through the use of art. The program started in March and they will have monthly sessions through September 2023.

Click here to register for a session!

Credit Repair 101 Webinar Hosted by the Treasurer’s Office, July 19th

On Wednesday, July 19, from 6 – 7 p.m., the Office of the Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin (CTO), in partnership with financial wellbeing coach Natalie Llorente of Operation HOPE, is hosting a webinar entitled “Credit Repair 101.” It will take place on Zoom.

Your credit score can have a significant impact on your life. A credit report helps lenders see how likely you are to repay a loan, and your credit score is a reasonable calculation of your credit risk level. It can determine the terms of your loan, how much credit is granted, and whether or not you will be hired by an employer or accepted to rent an apartment.

For these reasons, knowing how to read your report, ensure it is accurate, understand your credit score, learn how to increase your credit score, and settle disputes, to unlock your credit potential is an important step to building sustainable wealth.

Registration for this webinar is required. Interested virtual attendees may register here:

For more information about HOPE Inside and its partnership with CTO, please visit https://chicagocitytreasurer.com/hope-inside-2/.

Affordable Housing Workshops in July

In July, the Spanish Coalition for Housing and facilitate workshops within Logan Square about CHA Affordable Housing. For more information about these events, please visit their website.

Adopt a Pet from Chicago Animal Care

Chicago Animal Care and Control is experiencing very high intake numbers, and had 222 cats and dogs surrendered THIS MONTH alone!

They currently have have over 460 cats and dogs in the building and there are more arriving daily. They are running out of space for new animals in search of their forever home. 

If you or anyone you know is interested in adopting a new furry pal, please consider adopting from Chicago Animal Care and Control. Adoption hours are from 12pm to 6pm at 2741 S Western Ave.

Small Business Spotlight: Bella Rose Tattoo

For almost 12 years, Dawn Grace has been providing a beautiful array of tattoo services in the Irving Park area with her business, Bella Rose Tattoo. That 12 year stretch was interrupted in just the last few weeks as the intense rains and flooding early this month devastated the business. The storms and flooding destroyed much of Grace’s equipment and caused a great deal of physical damage to the space. If you’re looking for an immediate way to help or show support, you can contribute to Grace’s GoFundMe. To see much of Grace’s past work, click here to visit her website. If you’re interested in learning more about Grace and her business, you can also read an interview Grace did with Block Club’s Kayleigh Padar after the storm.

Business Resources

1. Business Grant Applications

• WomensNet’s Grants: Offers several grants, including the monthly $10,000 Amber Grant and quarterly Startup Grant. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
• Fresh Start Business Grant: A program that offers entrepreneurs a $2,500 grant to put toward startup and free business formation services. Deadline is September 30th. 

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

Employment Opportunities

1. CPS Job Fair, July 20th

2. Job Fair & Open House at HANA Center, August 11th

HANA Center is excited to invite you to their 2023 in-person Job Fair!

Come prepared to connect with employers from various industries – please bring multiple copies of your resume and cover letter, or sign up for their resume writing workshop before the event (Contact Rubi at rzamudio-rivera@hanacenter.org or 847-250-7348)

This is a free event to both job seekers and employers. Plus, get a professional haircut or get your professional headshot taken at NO COST!

Click here to RSVP today!

3. North River Commission is Seeking an ESL Teacher

North River Commission’s FORGE program is looking for an Adult ESL teacher for classes starting in September 2023. Interested candidates do not need a formal teaching license or ESL certificate, only a solid grasp of the English language and comfortability teaching others. Classes will take place at Palmer Elementary School, likely 2 – 3 hours per week. Pay is $50/hr. Please reach out to Stef Coleman at stefcoleman@northrivercommission.org if you’re interested!

NRC’s FORGE program is a before and after-school program funded by a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, and is located at four schools on the northwest side: Albany Park Multicultural Academy, Bateman Elementary, Palmer Elementary, and Von Steuben High School. The program is free for students who attend those schools and includes frequent, free parent and family components, such as ESL classes!

4. Concordia Place is hiring for President & CEO

Concordia Place is currently seeking a President and CEO. for more information about the role and how to apply, click here. 

5. Chicago Tool Library is Hiring!

The Chicago Tool Library is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to provide equitable access to tools, equipment, and information to allow all Chicagoans to learn, share, and create. Located in the West Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago, our lending library houses thousands of items that range from basic hand tools and table saws to ice cream makers and camping equipment. We are a forward-thinking organization hoping to help our city reshape its relationship to ownership, consumption, and creativity.

They are seeking 1-2 part-time Tool Librarians with an anticipated start in June. Click here for the full job description and to apply.

6. 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