Today I met with the Mayor and collaborated for community wellness which started a conversation on how to deliver Treatment Not Trauma for our communities. We are excited about this partnership and the willingness of Mayor Brandon Johnson and his administration to engage in a collaborative process to make it happen!

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Summer is here and that means it’s time to make the most of Chicago summer. Get outdoors and visit the riverwalk, Horner Park, and Drake Gardens to name just a few of the incredible places in our ward! Chicago summer also means it’s patio season. The 33rd Ward also has an incredible number of restaurants and bars with outdoor dining. If you’re a restaurant owner interested in a sidewalk cafe or outdoor dining, please contact the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection to learn more at 312.744.6060. With the City reviving the expanded outdoor dining program (first launched at the height of the Covid pandemic), there are now an even broader array of outdoor dining options and arrangements available to restaurants. For additional information, you’re welcome to contact my office at info@33rdward.org. 

I also want to address something that we’ve been receiving a lot of calls about at our office. Last year, the city began rolling out its Our Roots program which is the largest expansion of the city’s tree canopy in decades. Many of the neighborhoods that make up the 33rd Ward – Avondale, Albany Park, and Irving Park – are very under-canopied. Some neighbors have been contacting our office very upset to learn that the Department of Forestry identified a space on the public parkway in front of their house as an excellent spot for a tree. 

Personally, I like trees. Trees provide shade and actively cool the air on the hottest days of the year, they block the wind and reduce your heating costs in the winter, they reduce flooding by absorbing rainwater, they purify the air polluted air, and studies have shown that people who live near trees tend to be happier and healthier to name just a few of the ways trees benefit the community. One of the biggest concerns that people contact our office seems to be anxieties about tree roots. You can learn more about tree roots from the Department of Streets and Sanitation who put together a helpful factsheet that dispels some common myths about tree roots.     

At heart, I’m an organizer. If the Department of Forestry has planted a tree on the parkway in front of your house, please look after it. A gallon and a half of water, during a period without much rain like right now, can make a big difference in whether that tree lives or dies. As climate change produces even hotter days and increasing flooding events, trees can play a big role in our ward-level fight against climate change. If we look after trees right now, they will look after us. 

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As eyes were on New York with the climate change-induced Canadian wildfires bringing smoke to the East Coast, we should remain vigilant about air quality. Check the EPA’s AirNow website to see what the air quality is like for the day. On days of concern, if you have to go outside, use a KN95 or an N95 mask. Air purifiers are a good supplement as well. 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 this DIY air purifier here.  

Did you know that ComEd will reimburse you up to $100 for buying an induction cooktop or an EnergyStar rated air purifier? 

Currently, ComEd is offering up to $100 in rebates for air purifiers and induction cooktops. An induction cooktop can be a huge boost to your indoor air quality if you have a little one at home.

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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!

Volunteer Opportunities to Support the Newly Arrived Migrants

The Sanctuary Working Group of the Chicago Religious Leaders Network has developed a model for how to accompany families and they want to share this model.

If you are interested in being part of this effort, please go to lppchurch.org and fill out the form on that page and submit it. Once you submit it, someone will be in touch within 48 hours. Individual people or households can also be a part of this effort and will follow the same process.

Every person or community member interested will be required to attend an in person Training/Orientation. Please email Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church if you are interested in attending an upcoming training session at office@lppchurch.org.

Sage Brigade Meeting, June 22nd

Come build community with your fellow seniors in the 33rd Ward! At this event seniors will have the opportunity to meet other seniors in the area, talk with Alderwoman Rossanna Rodriguez- Sanchez and staff, and hear from community organizations, such as The Friendship Center. This event will be held in our new office space at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. Light refreshments will be offered and RSVP is not required. 

The Sage Brigade is a group of Seniors who came together in 2020 to support each other during COVID. We began by delivering masks and artwork from public school students in the neighborhood and wish to continue the work by having regular Senior meetups.

Department of Water Management’s New Citywide Service Line Website

Check out DWM’s new citywide water service line website! In case you don’t know, the service line is the pip that carries water from the water main in the street to the property. DWM’s new website will allow for you to learn what kind of material your service line pipe is made of and if it needs replacement. All you have to do is go to their website, type in your address or water account number, and press find. The website will give you the status of your service line and offer next steps based on the results. 

For more questions, please call DWM at (312)-742-2406.

33rd Ward Zoning Update

A zoning change application was filed with the City Council’s Committee on Zoning for the property generally located at 3004-3006 W Belmont and is expected to be heard at the upcoming Committee on Zoning meeting on Tuesday, June 20th. The applicant proposes to rehabilitate the existing two-story building and add an additional floor. Community members are encouraged to review the proposal here and submit feedback by visiting https://33rdward.org/zoning-proposals/.

33rd Ward Resurfacing Project Notice: W Lawrence Ave from N Central Park Ave to N Francisco Ave

Resurfacing over the course of the summer will stretch from North Central Park Avenue to North Francisco Avenue. Work is expected to begin this coming week – June 5th – and the anticipated completion date is August 31st. The work will include ADA sidewalk improvements, curb and gutter removal and replacement as needed for ADA and drainage compliance, pavement patching, milling and paving the existing asphalt pavement, concrete bus pads and striping.

During construction, temporary “No Parking” signs will be periodically installed as required for each activity listed above. These temporary signs will restrict parking during working hours, while adhering to rush hour restrictions, for the completion of the work. 

For questions regarding construction, please contact our office at info@33rdward.org. 

Community Advisory Council Applications, Deadline June 30th

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) is currently accepting applicants to our Community Advisory Council. This council is responsible for serving as a conduit between the broader Chicago community and COPA in order to assist the agency in creating and maintaining an effective and transparent dialog with the citizens we serve. Council members will share perspectives from the community about the agency’s work, as well as provide input on COPA-related topics that affect City of Chicago residents.

This is a great opportunity for interested Chicago residents to get involved with COPA and civilian oversight of law enforcement. 

Click here for more information and to apply.

Spanish Language Edition of Openlands’s Treekeepers Course

Environmental group Openlands is offering a Spanish language version of its popular tree stewardship course this summer. The course is offered free of charge, but spots are limited. Classes take place at McKinley Park on Tuesday and Thursdays from 6:15 to 8 from July 11 to August 3rd.  Learn more here and sign-up here. You can also email treekeepers@openlands.org for additional information. 

Neighborhood Events

1. Global Gardens Music Series, June 10th

2. 2023 Puerto Rican Festival, June 8th-11th

3. Pop Up Skatepark, June 11th

4. 312 River Run, June 12th

5. Know Your Rights Event, June 14th

6. 17th District Council Meeting, June 15th

7. Celebration of Authors Gala, June 16th

8. Geography Trivia Night, June 20th

9. Flavors of Albany Park, June 21st

10. Horner Park Brewfest, July 21st

Youth Opportunities

1. Mayor’s Youth Commission Accepting Application for 2023-2024 Cohort, Due July 1st

The Mayor’s Youth Commission is a group of up to 32 Chicagoans between the ages of 14 and 19 that serve as a liaison between the Chicago Mayor’s Office and Chicago’s youth. The Commission meets monthly to foster youth-driven civic engagement and amplify youth vices to impact the City’s critical policy conversations. Any youth that is interested must apply by July 1st.

This is a paid opportunity for youth and a great way for young people to get their voice heard! Click here to apply today!

The Mayor’s Youth Commission will be hosting a virtual information session on Thursday, June 15th from 5:30-6:30pm via Zoom. This session will provide attendees an opportunity to gain additional information and ask any questions they might have pertaining to the The Mayor’s Youth Commission.
Pre-registration is required. Click here to register. After you complete the registration, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

For any questions about the application or for more information about the Mayor’s Youth Council, please email mayorsyouthcommission@cityofchicago.org

2. Empower Youth Career Training & Development

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. Chicago Park District Summer Camp and Programs – Registration Open Now!

The Chicago Park District’s list of summer camps and other programs is available to view now on their registration portal.

For a list of camps and programs in Irving Park, Albany Park, and North Park, including programs at North Park Village and Peterson Park – see here!

5. Summer Job Opportunities with Chicago Parks District

The Chicago Parks District has opened applications for summer job opportunities, and they have over 2500 open positions. Click here for more information.

6. 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!

DFSS Rental Assistance Program

The Rental Assistance Program (RAP) provides funding to Chicagoans who are at risk of becoming homeless. RAP helps Chicagoans who have housing right now, but who may become homeless soon because they lost income or had another eligible emergency which prevents them from paying rent. Learn more and apply at chicago.gov/fss/RAP.

Assistance may include: 

• Payment of future rent, or rent arrears to prevent eviction
• Security deposits in cases of fire, flood, foreclosure, domestic violence, or eviction

You are eligible if: 

• You live in the City of Chicago and are at risk of becoming homeless due to eviction, loss of income or other emergency
• You economically classify as a low-income household
• Your landlord completes the RAP requirements

Options to prove eligibility: 

• Eviction notice, proof of loss of income or proof of other qualifying emergency
• Paystub, benefits statement, or affidavit (explanation) of no income
• Driver’s License, State ID, CityKey, or other
• Lease or Landlord agreement forms

Kimball Station Area & Curb Mobility Study

Help the City of Chicago build better connections to the Kimball Station! Do you shop on Lawrence Ave? Take the bus or the Brown Line? Or live in Albany Park? You can win a $25 gift card for sharing your thoughts on how you get around and why. Take the survey here.

NAMI Chicago Hotline

NAMI Chicago is the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which is the largest grassroots mental health advocacy organization in the country. We operate a mental health helpline where residents can call for themselves or a loved one to receive help in accessing mental health services in their community. Their Helpline can help people navigate the mental health system based on their needs and goals.

Mental health affects everyone, no matter who they are or where they are from. That’s why NAMI Chicago is committed to showing up for everyone in the community—whether it’s Chicago’s first responders, students and school staff, a person on the other end of the phone, or in the community, meeting individuals where they are. NAMI Chicago knows healing is possible on a community level. Read their Roadmap to Wellness here.

Business Resources

1. Small Business Composting Program

North River Commission and Special Service Area #60 are excited to announce a composting pilot program in partnership with WasteNot Compost, Chicagoland’s largest compost collector and only zero-emissions service provider. 

This pilot program empowers businesses to divert food and other organic waste from landfills, in an effort to foster a thriving, sustainable community. WasteNot is proud to offer SSA #60 exclusive rates, engaged support, and special services to SSA #60. This includes education and marketing materials for businesses to make composting an easy addition to your operation and promote the initiative to the larger community. WasteNot offers an approach to composting that is centered on engagement, convenience, and customer satisfaction. SSA #60 is excited to even further the accessibility of this program by offering a generous rebate to all participating businesses within the SSA.

Interested businesses should complete this form for more information or to join! Please reach out to Tommy at tommy@wastenotcompost.com with any questions about the program

2. Business Grant Applications

• eBay Up & Running Grants provide eBay business sellers with grant packages of $10,000, including cash, a $500 eBay Refurbished technology stipend, eBay education, and coaching. Applications are open until TODAY at 5 p.m. To be eligible, applicants must be a U.S.-based business that is a new or existing eBay seller.
• Visa Everywhere Initiative: A global competition that gives startups the chance to win a combined $70,000 at the TechCrunch Disrupt event in September. The deadline to apply is June 26.

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

Employment Opportunities

1. 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.

2. The Friendship Center is now hiring!

The Friendship Center is hiring an Operations Manager of Programs. 

The Friendship Center supports the food-insecure populations of Chicago’s northwest side neighborhoods like Albany Park, Lincoln Square, North Park, Ravenswood, and West Ridge. They are a welcoming, fresh food, full-choice pantry also providing hot meals, home delivery, pet food distributions, and public benefits coordination and assistance. They serve over 4,500 neighbors facing hunger each month.

Objective of Job: The Operations Manager, Programs is responsible for all aspects of the food distribution programs like home delivery, hot meal service, and pet food pantry that complement the onsite pantry and allow The Friendship Center to provide hope and dignity in our community through access to food and other vital resources.

Click here to read the full job description and apply.

3. CPS Teacher & School Counselor, June 10th

Date: Saturday, June 10

Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm 

Location: Phoenix STEM Military Academy HS (Gymnasium Door 13)

4. Virtual Veterans Hiring Initiative with CTA

RSVP for session 1

RSVP for session 2

5. CPS Job Fair, June 21st

Date: Wednesday, June 21 

Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm 

Location: Kennedy-King College

6. CTA Virtual Career Fair, June 22nd

Click here to register today

7. UR Chicago Alliance Employment Opportunities

UR Chicago Alliance is a faith-based work development program that unites and mobilizes churches, community organizations, and businesses to provide access to living-wage opportunities and long-term support through a network of Christ-centered relationships. URCA’s focus is on:

• Job Readiness and Life Skills Training: We provide 8-week training using the Chalmers Center job preparedness curriculum. We provide program participants with access to technology and coaching in digital literacy, resume building, interviewing, networking, and code switching.
• Long-Term Mentorship: Each program participant is paired with a mentor from the local community for 18 months who provides support as they pursue living-wage work.
• Community Partnerships: Our robust network of community partners helps address issues related to poverty and unemployment including adult education classes, counseling, financial literacy, and others.
• Employment Partnerships: URCA maintains an active pipeline of employer partnerships, and we regularly update Leaders on job opportunities. Once placed, our program participants earn wages ranging from $15 to $46 per hour with benefits for full-time positions.

8. 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