Our hearts break for the victims and survivors of this week’s tragic shooting at a 4th of July parade in Highland Park.
In response to the shooting, I want to share a timely article with you, “If we want to curb gun violence, we need more investments in treatment, written by local faith leaders about curbing gun violence and treating community members who have lost their loved ones and witnessed violence.
In recognition of the trauma that Chicagoans know all too well, I have been fighting for the creation of a citywide non-police crisis response and care system within the Public Health Department and fund, reopen, and expand our public mental health clinics. Currently, our city is not adequately supporting community members in healing from violence. A recent study by the Collaborative for Community Wellness shows a huge mental health treatment disparity- wealthy neighborhoods have an average of 4.3 therapists per 1,000 residents, but poor and working class neighborhoods, with the majority of Chicagoans, have only 0.2 therapists per 1,000 residents. Additionally, the highest rates of behavioral health-related 911 calls are in the communities with the fewest mental health professionals.
We need to put our city’s budget to work in the right places and fund treatment programs for all Chicagoans to end cycles of violence. For now, please support the Highland Park Community and local organizations offering support to survivors and doing violence prevention work.
Support Highland Park community members:
1. Donate to verified GoFundMe pages
2. Donate to the Highland Park Community Foundation’s July 4th Highland Park Shooting Response Fund
3. Donate to Lake County Community Crisis Relief Fund
Local organizations:
1. Israel’s Gift of Hope Foundation
2. Kedzie Center
3. Good Kids, Mad City
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 “Form” on the Neighborhood Services page, and apply here!
Filming Notice for “Story”, July 15th
Where: West Side of Kedzie Ave from Wilson Ave. to Sunnyside Ave.
When: 4am-10pm
Parking: In order to park essential vehicles and equipment, streets in your area will be posted as a NO PARKING/TOW ZONE
Questions? Contact:
1. OnSite – Location Manager, Gilbert B. Morales at 312-339-9401
2. Production Manager, Mary Langenfeld at 312-560-5670
3. Chicago Film Office at 312-744-6415
Senior Opportunities
1. Avondale Neighborhood Yard Sale, TOMORROW, July 9th
Check out the interactive map of the participating addresses.
2. North Park Community Market, July 10-Oct 16th
3. Albany Park Lot Jams Concerts, July 14-Oct 8th
4. Horner Park Brew Fest, July 15th
6. Clean and Green, July 23rd
Youth Opportunities
1. 2022 Illinois Dream Fund Accepting Applications for Undocumented Students in Illinois, due July 15th
2. CPS Summer Meals Program, free breakfast and lunch
Children attending CPS summer programs—and all Chicago children between 1 and 18 years old—are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch at any school where summer programs take place! Find CPS locations to get meals here!
Health Benefits For Immigrants NOW OPEN
Health insurance for Illinois residents ages 42+ has now opened — regardless of immigration status!
*If you need help filing the application, you can search for a local health center or call the ICIRR Family Support Line at 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693).
Housing Support
1. Seal your eviction records before July 14th with Lawyer’s Committee for Better Housing
Covid-19 Resources
1. Children as young as 6 months can now get a COVID-19 vaccine!
Upcoming family vaccination clinics at City Colleges of Chicago, 9am-2pm
*Reservations recommended but walk-ins accepted
*For ages 6mos-4 years old
- Saturday, July 9
- Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd.
- Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson Ave.
- Saturday, July 23 – Kennedy-King College
- Saturday, July 30 – Richard J. Daley
College and Wilbur Wright College
2. You are now eligible for 8 MORE free at-home COVID rapid tests!
Residential households in the U.S. are now eligible for 8 free at-home tests on USPS.com.
3. 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!
4. 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. Empowering Communities for Public Safety (ECPS) Virtual Summit
Learn more about ECPS here!
2. Stay healthy and safe during the heatwave! 
3. 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