Despite the nasty weather today, summer is almost here! With more and more residents getting vaccinated, I am looking forward to all the opportunities this time will bring to come back together and continue building community with you.
On Sunday, our ward office is working with neighbors in the Transforming Community Safety Collective to host an outdoor, family-friendly event outside Roosevelt High School. Maintaining and using our public spaces to build intentional community is an important long-term strategy for building safe, healthy neighborhoods; it’s also a chance to get back in the swing of meeting new neighbors after such a difficult and isolating year.
Join us for a free pop-up photography workshop, art-making with students, and board games from 3 – 5PM at the corner of Wilson and Kimball! Facebook event.
Another great event that I want to highlight this weekend is a pop-up urban market organized by Ada Garcia, owner of Anchor Baby Vintage. She’s brought together a great group of vendors and small businesses; come and snag some size-inclusive vintage clothing, plants, or just enjoy a coffee on what will hopefully be a nicer day!
Finally, many residents will be barbecuing or celebrating with family and friends this weekend; I also want to recognize those residents for whom Memorial Day is a time of mourning and reflection. We share our sympathies with everyone grieving the loss of a loved one.
In This Week’s Newsletter
Quick Links
Neighborhood Schools Update
Many residents have been following closely a proposal from the ASPIRA charter network to move to Albany Park, and I have an important update to share. On Wednesday, Chicago Public Schools rejected this plan to relocate ASPIRA’s Early College High School a half-mile from Roosevelt, our neighborhood high school.
Staff, parents, and students from both Roosevelt and North River Elementary spoke out against this plan, and I joined them in asking CPS to reconsider. We love ASPIRA students and staff, but there were real concerns about the effect that this relocation would have had on Roosevelt’s enrollment and funding at a time when our neighborhood high school is making tremendous strides.
I want to thank the amazing communities that surround both Roosevelt and North River Elementary for their active engagement in this process, which helped us make the case to CPS that we urgently need more resources for our existing neighborhood schools. My office is actively working with the school district to ensure that North River gets adequate facilities. Thank you to everyone for caring so deeply about our neighborhood schools and our beautiful, multicultural school communities!
You can read more from the Sun-Times and Block Club Chicago.
Upcoming Ward Nights
Chat with Alderman Rodriguez-Sanchez at Ward Night!
E-mail Info@33rdward.org or call our office 773.840.7880 to sign up for an appointment at an upcoming Ward Night.
Block Parties Are Back!
With distanced, outdoor gatherings fairly low risk for Covid-19 transmission, we are excited to announce that the city will resume granting permits for block parties this summer. There are a few key differences to be aware of this year:
- The block party applicant must volunteer to be a covid-19 captain.
- The covid-19 captain is responsible for recommending that attendees receive a covid-19 vaccine.
- If an attendee is not able to receive a vaccine (especially children who may not be old enough yet), they should wear a mask and socially distance.
- The covid-19 captain should ensure hand sanitizer is available for attendees.
- Finally, jumping jacks and bouncy houses will not be permitted.
The city will begin accepting applications on June 6, and July 5 is the first day that block parties can be held.
You can apply with our office for a block party permit here! If you have any questions about the new guidelines, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Walk Your Block with Us
A “walk-my-block” is a scheduled opportunity for our office to visit your block, get to know our neighbors, and spend some time hearing about any issues affecting your block. Our team will also use this opportunityto survey your block for any potholes, sewer issues, lights, trees, and any other City service-related issues.
Please fill out this form, and somebody from our team will contact you to schedule the Walk-My-Block date.
Local Business Highlights & Updates
Bella’s Salon will get you feeling gorgeous and ready for your next celebration. It’s a full service salon. Get a cut, color, perm or experiment with a fresh new look for your summer celebrations. Yolanda, Ines, Nelly and Karla await to help you feel your absolutely best! *This is an accessible space.
Brasa Roja is a forever neighborhood favorites. Their rotisserie chicken is seasoned to perfection, juicy and sooo tender. Comes with plantains, arepas and make sure you order some maracuyá or guanábana juice. If you want to impress people at your graduation party or next backyard party, order from Brasa Roja.
Open 7 days from 9:00am-9:00pm
*This space is accessible
Aras Dulce Michoacán is a wonderland for celebration! They are all about color, sweetness and magical things.
Jimmy, Itzamara, Carlos, Ximena are ready to help with all your celebration needs. You can find disposable plates, cups and tablecloths but they also custom make your piñatas if you order a week in advance! You can find delicious treats and crafts from Michoacán, Oaxaca, and all over Mexico! From alebrijes to huaraches there’s everything to gift, to decorate and to enjoy!
10am-8pm Mon-Sat, 10-5pm Sunday
For making memories and spending some time with your people, Nighthawk provides the perfect space, ambiance and cocktails (or tea or coffee). They have a great patio space for warm days and the perfect dimly lit cozy interior for your perfect date night or hangout. Come celebrate your graduation, the end of the school year, the end of lockdown, your vaccination or whatever special moment at Nighthawk!
Friday-Sunday 11:00am-2:00am
Monday -Thursday 5pm-2am
Albany Park & Irving Park Commercial Area Improvement Survey
North River Commission is asking you to help prioritize future services by completing this brief survey as part of the reconstitution of the Albany Park & Irving Park Special Service Area (SSA #60). Take the five-minute survey today to make your voice heard about what YOU think will improve and make our commercial area and community more successful! Complete the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/LV2PTB9.
Rent, Mortgage and Utility Assistance
Illinois Rental Payment Program – Landlords Apply by June 7
The State of Illinois is still accepting applications for the Illinois Rental Payment Program. At the moment, only landlords can initiate an application on behalf of the tenant. Landlords/ housing providers can apply through Monday, June 7. Tenants will then have until Monday, June 14 to complete their portion of a landlord-initiated application. If you need help applying or are having difficulty getting your landlord to apply, you can also contact one of the state’s housing stability providers. Learn more about how to apply.
Chicago Emergency Rental Assistance Program – Tenants and Landlords Apply by June 8
The Chicago Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is accepting applications from tenants and landlords until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. Apply at chicago.gov/RentHelp. ERAP will provide grants of up to 12 months of unpaid rent and 3 months of future rent for eligible tenants and landlords. This grant will also cover some utilities.
To be eligible, tenants must:
- Live in Chicago
- Have suffered a hardship due to COVID-19, such as job loss, reduced hours, or illness within the household
- Be at risk of housing instability
- Have earned less than the maximum household income during 2020 or at the time of application
Please note: Landlords can apply for assistance on behalf of a tenant. Landlords may also register their properties using the online application and be notified if a tenant has started the application process for rental assistance.
Need assistance completing an application?
- The ERAP Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at 312-698-0202.
Mortgage Assistance Program – Applications Ongoing
The Mortgage Assistance Program, provides assistance to low-to-moderate-income homeowners who have suffered an economic impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are having difficulty paying their mortgage.
The maximum amount of assistance available is $3,300. Grant amounts awarded will be based on the amount needed to bring your mortgage current.
Please note: Eligible homeowners will have the assistance paid directly to their mortgage servicer. If you received assistance in 2020 you are not eligible for this round of funds.
To be eligible you must:
- Be a resident of the City of Chicago
- Live in the home (single-family up to 4 units) for which you are applying for assistance. It must be your primary place of residence.
- Demonstrate your total household income was 120% or below the Area Median Income (AMI) prior to March 1, 2020. (Click to see table)
- Have a mortgage on your home that was current as of March 1, 2020, and is now delinquent. You may be on a forbearance plan.
- Have experienced a change in your financial status after March 1, 2020, due to the COVID-19 crisis
If you need assistance applying for mortgage assistance, you can also contact Neighborhood Housing Services at 800-831-7949 or email EmergencyAssistance@nhschicago.org.
Utility Assistance – Apply by May 31
LIHEAP provides assistance with gas and electric bills for certain eligible households. The deadline to apply for the current funding cycle is May 31. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply.
Construction Updates
As we enter the summer construction season, we want to remind residents that we do our best to keep the construction map on our website updated with the latest from various departments, including water management, CDOT, and CTA. Visit the map here to check the status of projects in your area.
Some projects to be aware of include:
- Fiber projects that will be taking place on Ainslie between Lawndale and St. Louis starting the week of May 31st. CPS has partnered with Net Sync to strengthen internet connectivity for residents. This project is simply an installation of fiber and cables. Generally, this project takes 1-2 weeks unless there are any weather delays. As part of the permit process, CDOT will post no parking signage in the construction zone. The work utilizes directional boring, so there will be pits excavated but not the entire street. The final step will be to restore the street surface at the completion of the project.
- Repaving underway on the 4400 Block of N Mozart. Please look out for “No Parking” signs during work hours. There are a number of repaving projects in store for this year including all of Irving Park and all of Kedzie.
- Crossing repairs at the Francisco Brown line station from Monday, May 24 to Tuesday, June 1, 2021. This will involve nightly single lane closures on the east side of Manor Avenue from Eastwood Avenue to Leland Avenue. Traffic will be able to proceed in both directions on Manor Avenue. The sidewalk on the east side of Manor Avenue will be temporarily closed. The sidewalk on the west side of Manor and Francisco will remain open to pedestrians. Parking restrictions will be enforced in the construction area, including parking lane closures on Manor Avenue for staging construction equipment.
Covid-19 Need-to-Know Info
The two-dose Pfizer vaccine has now been approved for people 12 and over. Save the date for our community vaccination event for families on June 18.
To make this event a success, we’ll need your help! Sign up here if you can volunteer at our vaccination event.
Mask guidance
In Chicago, masks are no longer required in many settings for fully vaccinated individuals. As a reminder, fully vaccinated means two weeks after your second vaccine dose if you got Pfizer or Moderna, or two weeks after your single dose if you got Johnson and Johnson. If you are not fully vaccinated, you must continue to wear a mask in indoor settings.
Many businesses are still requiring masks to be worn inside their establishments because of logistical concerns about verifying customers’ vaccination status. Please continue to respect individual businesses’ mask wearing policies.
The City of Chicago has now moved into the Bridge Phase. The Bridge Phase allows for increased capacities for businesses, restaurants, houses of faith, gyms, etc. To view the guidelines for the Chicago Bridge Phase, click here.
Vaccinations
Under the Vaccine Anti-Retaliation Ordinance we passed in City Council this month, all Chicago workers – including independent contractors – must receive four hours of time off to get vaccinated. Businesses who violate the ordinance may face fines. Learn more about the new protections on this flyer.
If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, there are lots of convenient options near the ward:
- Erie Health’s Foster location (5215 N California) is open for walk-ins Tue – Friday, 10 AM – 12 PM. Or make an appointment by visiting erie.health/zocdocchi or calling 312-666-3494.
- Swedish Hospital offers the vaccine for anyone 18 and over and is now accepting walk-ins. Or you can visit their website or call 773-907-7700 x 1 to make an appointment.
- Patients of Heartland Health Center can get vaccinated at Northeastern Illinois University. Sign up here.
- There are currently appointments available for the United Center and other sites at https://www.zocdoc.com/vaccine. You can also walk in to the United Center, Wrigley Field, or any other city-run site.
- Need assistance? We’re here to help you get vaccinated and working closely with community partners.
Vaccinations for Homebound Seniors
CDPH is collaborating with the Chicago Fire Department to provide in-home vaccinations for homebound seniors and those with disabilities that prevent them from leaving the home for medical reasons. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please complete this survey so the city can coordinate in-home vaccinations. If you need assistance completing the form, please contact our office. Learn more here.
Testing Options
The City’s community-based testing sites remain open to all people living in Chicago, regardless of insurance or immigration status. You’re encouraged to register in advance at http://chicagocovidtesting.com/.
If there aren’t any available time slots, you can use this interactive testing map to locate other testing sites nearby. There are a number of options in or near the 33rd ward:
1. Swedish Hospital: Call: 773-907-7700 or go online for more information.
2. Pharmacy One, 4751 N. Kedzie Ave, 2nd Floor. Schedule an appointment via email or their Facebook page. pharmacyone@curishealthcare.org.
3. Heartland Health Centers is offering FREE COVID-19 testing for those that are uninsured, regardless of immigration status. Call 773-751-7800 for an appointment. More info here.
4. Physicians Immediate Care, Six Corners at 4211 N Cicero Ave. Curbside COVID-19 testing for anyone with symptoms. Website.
Gov Announcements & Resources
Apply for One Chicago Summer
This is the city’s annual summer jobs program aimed at those age 14 to 24. It runs from July 5 to Aug. 13 and includes both remote and socially-distanced, in-person jobs and life skills training.
The program has space for 21,000 young people, and there are still plenty of openings! The deadline to apply is June 11.
Applications and more info can be found at OneSummerChicago.org.
Preschool enrollment open
Jumpstart your child’s education with the Chicago Early Learning program! The 2021-2022 school year preschool application is now open! There are over 600 CPS schools and community-based preschools located in the city for you to choose from. To learn more visit www.chicagoearlylearning.org or call 312.229.1690.
FEMA COVID-19 financial assistance
FEMA is now offering financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20th, 2020, under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. To learn more and apply, click here.
Illinois Child Care Assistance
The Illinois Department of Human Services provides child care assistance for eligible families in need. You can find out if you qualify for assistance at bit.ly/childcareil. You can learn more about the program and how to apply online here. Assistance is available all year round, including over the summer.
Chicago Park District
The Park district is hiring for seasonal positions with great pay! For more info and to apply, visit Jobs | Chicago Park District.
Illinois Crisis Counseling Program
Funded by a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Illinois Department of Human Services has partnered with local behavioral health clinics to offer free crisis counseling and other mental health services for Illinois residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
All crisis counseling sessions are confidential and include a free screening and referral for individuals struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. In addition, crisis counseling sessions can offer reassurance, practical assistance, emotional support and teach behavioral techniques for coping with stress.
Community Bulletin Board
We use this section to share upcoming events, fundraisers, job openings, and other info sent to us by schools, community groups, and businesses in the ward and nearby.
If you have something you want to include, please send a flyer to newsletter@33rdward.org.
June 5: Youth Rally for Treatment Not Trauma
Northwest-Siders for Racial Equity and Justice
A new community group encompassing 33rd Ward residents! To learn more, contact consentdecree4CPD@gmail.com
Friday, June 11 at 6 pm: HANA Center’s 2021 Virtual Gala
This year’s event will feature a Keynote Panel discussion on racial justice, immigrant justice, and gender justice with some of the nation’s fiercest community leaders. Following the gala program, attendees will also have the chance to engage in a Q&A session with the panelists. RSVP for the gala and donate at www.hanacenter.org/gala-2021
Be Your Own Boss Summer Internship
Be Your Own Boss Summer Internship Join Future Founders for a three-week PAID virtual internship where you’ll get a crash course in entrepreneurship, work with awesome high school students from across the city, and build a business of your very own! Interns are paid up to $300 based on their attendance and participation in the program. Applications are due by Monday, June 14th: https://future-founders.lpages.co/byob-summer-2021-app-landing-page/
Bilingual Bird Walks
Chicago Little League Challengers in Horner Park
The Challenger Division is a division of Little League for boys and girls with physical and mental challenges, ages 4 – 18 (or up to age 22 if still enrolled in high school) to enjoy the game of baseball. In a Challenger game, each player bats and plays the field each inning. No score is kept during Challenger games, but rather the focus is on player interaction and skill development – both physical and interpersonal. Games are played Sunday morning at Horner Park. The goal for the Chicago Little League is to ensure that each player has the opportunity to increase their knowledge and skill of the game while having fun and being part of the team.
After a pause last year, the new season will run June through August.
Opening Soon! Visceral Dance Center
Boletín del 28 de mayo
A pesar del mal tiempo de hoy, ¡el verano ya casi está aquí! Con más y más residentes vacunándose, espero con ansias todas las oportunidades que este tiempo traerá para volver a estar juntos y continuar construyendo una comunidad con ustedes. Este fin de semana, nuestra oficina está trabajando con los vecinos del Colectivo Transformando la Seguridad de la Comunidad para organizar un evento familiar al aire libre el domingo en los predios de la escuela secundaria Roosevelt.
Mantener y utilizar nuestros espacios públicos para construir una comunidad intencional es una estrategia para la prevención de la violencia a largo plazo; también es una oportunidad para volver a hablar con nuestros vecinos después de un año tan difícil y aislado. Otro gran evento que quiero destacar este fin de semana es un mercado urbano emergente organizado por Ada García de Anchor Baby Vintage. Ada ha reunido a un gran grupo de proveedores y pequeñas empresas; ven y compra ropa vintage, plantas o simplemente disfruta de un café en lo que, con suerte, será un día más agradable.
Muchos residentes estarán haciendo barbacoas o celebrando con familiares y amigos este fin de semana; También quiero reconocer a aquellos residentes para quienes el Día de los Caídos es un momento de duelo y reflexión. Compartimos nuestras condolencias con todos los que están en duelo por la pérdida de un ser querido.
El pasado miércoles, las Escuelas Públicas de Chicago rechazaron un plan para reubicar la escuela secundaria Early College de ASPIRA a media milla de Roosevelt, la escuela secundaria de nuestro vecindario.
La administración, los maestros y los estudiantes de Roosevelt se manifestaron en contra de este plan y yo me uní a ellos para pedirle a CPS que denegara el permiso. Amamos a los estudiantes y al personal de ASPIRA, pero había preocupaciones reales sobre el efecto que esta reubicación habría tenido en la inscripción y la financiación de Roosevelt en un momento en que está dando grandes pasos.
Quiero agradecer a las asombrosas comunidades que rodean a Roosevelt y North River Elementary por su participación activa en este proceso, que nos ayudó a presentar el caso a CPS de que nuestras escuelas de vecindario existentes todavía no tienen los recursos que necesitan. Mi oficina está trabajando con el distrito escolar para asegurar que North River tenga las instalaciones adecuadas. ¡Gracias a todos por preocuparse tanto por las escuelas de nuestro vecindario y nuestras hermosas comunidades escolares multiculturales!
Upcoming Ward Nights
Chat with Alderman Rodriguez-Sanchez at Ward Night!
E-mail Info@33rdward.org or call our office 773.840.7880 to sign up for an appointment at an upcoming Ward Night.
Block Parties Are Back!
With distanced, outdoor gatherings fairly low risk for Covid-19 transmission, we are excited to announce that the city will resume granting permits for block parties this summer. There are a few key differences to be aware of this year:
- The block party applicant must volunteer to be a covid-19 captain.
- The covid-19 captain is responsible for recommending that attendees receive a covid-19 vaccine.
- If an attendee is not able to receive a vaccine (especially children who may not be old enough yet), they should wear a mask and socially distance.
- The covid-19 captain should ensure hand sanitizer is available for attendees.
- Finally, jumping jacks and bouncy houses will not be permitted.
The city will begin accepting applications on June 6, and July 5 is the first day that block parties can be held.
You can apply with our office for a block party permit here! If you have any questions about the new guidelines, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Walk Your Block with Us
A “walk-my-block” is a scheduled opportunity for our office to visit your block, get to know our neighbors, and spend some time hearing about any issues affecting your block. Our team will also use this opportunityto survey your block for any potholes, sewer issues, lights, trees, and any other City service-related issues.
Please fill out this form, and somebody from our team will contact you to schedule the Walk-My-Block date.
Local Business Highlights & Updates
Bella’s Salon will get you feeling gorgeous and ready for your next celebration. It’s a full service salon. Get a cut, color, perm or experiment with a fresh new look for your summer celebrations. Yolanda, Ines, Nelly and Karla await to help you feel your absolutely best! *This is an accessible space.
Brasa Roja is a forever neighborhood favorites. Their rotisserie chicken is seasoned to perfection, juicy and sooo tender. Comes with plantains, arepas and make sure you order some maracuyá or guanábana juice. If you want to impress people at your graduation party or next backyard party, order from Brasa Roja.
Open 7 days from 9:00am-9:00pm
*This space is accessible
Aras Dulce Michoacán is a wonderland for celebration! They are all about color, sweetness and magical things.
Jimmy, Itzamara, Carlos, Ximena are ready to help with all your celebration needs. You can find disposable plates, cups and tablecloths but they also custom make your piñatas if you order a week in advance! You can find delicious treats and crafts from Michoacán, Oaxaca, and all over Mexico! From alebrijes to huaraches there’s everything to gift, to decorate and to enjoy!
10am-8pm Mon-Sat, 10-5pm Sunday
For making memories and spending some time with your people, Nighthawk provides the perfect space, ambiance and cocktails (or tea or coffee). They have a great patio space for warm days and the perfect dimly lit cozy interior for your perfect date night or hangout. Come celebrate your graduation, the end of the school year, the end of lockdown, your vaccination or whatever special moment at Nighthawk!
Friday-Sunday 11:00am-2:00am
Monday -Thursday 5pm-2am
Albany Park & Irving Park Commercial Area Improvement Survey
North River Commission is asking you to help prioritize future services by completing this brief survey as part of the reconstitution of the Albany Park & Irving Park Special Service Area (SSA #60). Take the five-minute survey today to make your voice heard about what YOU think will improve and make our commercial area and community more successful! Complete the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/LV2PTB9.
Rent, Mortgage and Utility Assistance
Illinois Rental Payment Program – Landlords Apply by June 7
Rent, Mortgage and Utility Assistance
Illinois Rental Payment Program – Landlords Apply by June 7
The State of Illinois is still accepting applications for the Illinois Rental Payment Program. At the moment, only landlords can initiate an application on behalf of the tenant. Landlords/ housing providers can apply through Monday, June 7. Tenants will then have until Monday, June 14 to complete their portion of a landlord-initiated application. If you need help applying or are having difficulty getting your landlord to apply, you can also contact one of the state’s housing stability providers. Learn more about how to apply.
Chicago Emergency Rental Assistance Program – Tenants and Landlords Apply by June 8
The Chicago Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is accepting applications from tenants and landlords until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. Apply at chicago.gov/RentHelp. ERAP will provide grants of up to 12 months of unpaid rent and 3 months of future rent for eligible tenants and landlords. This grant will also cover some utilities.
To be eligible, tenants must:
- Live in Chicago
- Have suffered a hardship due to COVID-19, such as job loss, reduced hours, or illness within the household
- Be at risk of housing instability
- Have earned less than the maximum household income during 2020 or at the time of application
Please note: Landlords can apply for assistance on behalf of a tenant. Landlords may also register their properties using the online application and be notified if a tenant has started the application process for rental assistance.
Need assistance completing an application?
- The ERAP Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at 312-698-0202.
Mortgage Assistance Program – Applications Ongoing
The Mortgage Assistance Program, provides assistance to low-to-moderate-income homeowners who have suffered an economic impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are having difficulty paying their mortgage.
The maximum amount of assistance available is $3,300. Grant amounts awarded will be based on the amount needed to bring your mortgage current.
Please note: Eligible homeowners will have the assistance paid directly to their mortgage servicer. If you received assistance in 2020 you are not eligible for this round of funds.
To be eligible you must:
- Be a resident of the City of Chicago
- Live in the home (single-family up to 4 units) for which you are applying for assistance. It must be your primary place of residence.
- Demonstrate your total household income was 120% or below the Area Median Income (AMI) prior to March 1, 2020. (Click to see table)
- Have a mortgage on your home that was current as of March 1, 2020, and is now delinquent. You may be on a forbearance plan.
- Have experienced a change in your financial status after March 1, 2020, due to the COVID-19 crisis
If you need assistance applying for mortgage assistance, you can also contact Neighborhood Housing Services at 800-831-7949 or email EmergencyAssistance@nhschicago.org.
Utility Assistance – Apply by May 31
LIHEAP provides assistance with gas and electric bills for certain eligible households. The deadline to apply for the current funding cycle is May 31. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply.
Construction Updates
As we enter the summer construction season, we want to remind residents that we do our best to keep the construction map on our website updated with the latest from various departments, including water management, CDOT, and CTA. Visit the map here to check the status of projects in your area.
Some projects to be aware of include:
- Fiber projects that will be taking place on Ainslie between Lawndale and St. Louis starting the week of May 31st. CPS has partnered with Net Sync to strengthen internet connectivity for residents. This project is simply an installation of fiber and cables. Generally, this project takes 1-2 weeks unless there are any weather delays. As part of the permit process, CDOT will post no parking signage in the construction zone. The work utilizes directional boring, so there will be pits excavated but not the entire street. The final step will be to restore the street surface at the completion of the project.
- Repaving underway on the 4400 Block of N Mozart. Please look out for “No Parking” signs during work hours. There are a number of repaving projects in store for this year including all of Irving Park and all of Kedzie.
- Crossing repairs at the Francisco Brown line station from Monday, May 24 to Tuesday, June 1, 2021. This will involve nightly single lane closures on the east side of Manor Avenue from Eastwood Avenue to Leland Avenue. Traffic will be able to proceed in both directions on Manor Avenue. The sidewalk on the east side of Manor Avenue will be temporarily closed. The sidewalk on the west side of Manor and Francisco will remain open to pedestrians. Parking restrictions will be enforced in the construction area, including parking lane closures on Manor Avenue for staging construction equipment.
Covid-19 Need-to-Know Info
The two-dose Pfizer vaccine has now been approved for people 12 and over. Save the date for our community vaccination event for families on June 18.
To make this event a success, we’ll need your help! Sign up here if you can volunteer at our vaccination event.
Mask guidance
In Chicago, masks are no longer required in many settings for fully vaccinated individuals. As a reminder, fully vaccinated means two weeks after your second vaccine dose if you got Pfizer or Moderna, or two weeks after your single dose if you got Johnson and Johnson. If you are not fully vaccinated, you must continue to wear a mask in indoor settings.
Many businesses are still requiring masks to be worn inside their establishments because of logistical concerns about verifying customers’ vaccination status. Please continue to respect individual businesses’ mask wearing policies.
The City of Chicago has now moved into the Bridge Phase. The Bridge Phase allows for increased capacities for businesses, restaurants, houses of faith, gyms, etc. To view the guidelines for the Chicago Bridge Phase, click here.
Vaccinations
Under the Vaccine Anti-Retaliation Ordinance we passed in City Council this month, all Chicago workers – including independent contractors – must receive four hours of time off to get vaccinated. Businesses who violate the ordinance may face fines. Learn more about the new protections on this flyer.
If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, there are lots of convenient options near the ward:
- Erie Health’s Foster location (5215 N California) is open for walk-ins Tue – Friday, 10 AM – 12 PM. Or make an appointment by visiting erie.health/zocdocchi or calling 312-666-3494.
- Swedish Hospital offers the vaccine for anyone 18 and over and is now accepting walk-ins. Or you can visit their website or call 773-907-7700 x 1 to make an appointment.
- Patients of Heartland Health Center can get vaccinated at Northeastern Illinois University. Sign up here.
- There are currently appointments available for the United Center and other sites at https://www.zocdoc.com/vaccine. You can also walk in to the United Center, Wrigley Field, or any other city-run site.
- Need assistance? We’re here to help you get vaccinated and working closely with community partners.
Vaccinations for Homebound Seniors
CDPH is collaborating with the Chicago Fire Department to provide in-home vaccinations for homebound seniors and those with disabilities that prevent them from leaving the home for medical reasons. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please complete this survey so the city can coordinate in-home vaccinations. If you need assistance completing the form, please contact our office. Learn more here.
Testing Options
The City’s community-based testing sites remain open to all people living in Chicago, regardless of insurance or immigration status. You’re encouraged to register in advance at http://chicagocovidtesting.com/.
If there aren’t any available time slots, you can use this interactive testing map to locate other testing sites nearby. There are a number of options in or near the 33rd ward:
1. Swedish Hospital: Call: 773-907-7700 or go online for more information.
2. Pharmacy One, 4751 N. Kedzie Ave, 2nd Floor. Schedule an appointment via email or their Facebook page. pharmacyone@curishealthcare.org.
3. Heartland Health Centers is offering FREE COVID-19 testing for those that are uninsured, regardless of immigration status. Call 773-751-7800 for an appointment. More info here.
4. Physicians Immediate Care, Six Corners at 4211 N Cicero Ave. Curbside COVID-19 testing for anyone with symptoms. Website.
Gov Announcements & Resources
Apply for One Chicago Summer
This is the city’s annual summer jobs program aimed at those age 14 to 24. It runs from July 5 to Aug. 13 and includes both remote and socially-distanced, in-person jobs and life skills training.
The program has space for 21,000 young people, and there are still plenty of openings! The deadline to apply is June 11.
Applications and more info can be found at OneSummerChicago.org.
Preschool enrollment open
Jumpstart your child’s education with the Chicago Early Learning program! The 2021-2022 school year preschool application is now open! There are over 600 CPS schools and community-based preschools located in the city for you to choose from. To learn more visit www.chicagoearlylearning.org or call 312.229.1690.
FEMA COVID-19 financial assistance
FEMA is now offering financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20th, 2020, under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. To learn more and apply, click here.
Illinois Child Care Assistance
The Illinois Department of Human Services provides child care assistance for eligible families in need. You can find out if you qualify for assistance at bit.ly/childcareil. You can learn more about the program and how to apply online here. Assistance is available all year round, including over the summer.
Chicago Park District
The Park district is hiring for seasonal positions with great pay! For more info and to apply, visit Jobs | Chicago Park District.
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
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Check out our ward website for info on services and events: https://www.33rdward.org/
Best,
Rossana Rodriguez