As some of you may be aware, beginning last year, the Governor of Texas began sending buses with asylum seekers from various parts of Latin America to Chicago. Many of you brought donations and supplies to my Aldermanic office which was vital for assisting the earliest arriving asylum seekers in our city. 

In the past month, there’s been another increase in the number of people arriving – so many that individuals have been sleeping at police stations throughout the city without proper access to basic hygiene facilities, medication, and even food. So far, I’ve seen lactating mothers not being able to eat, shower, or drink enough liquids for over 24 hours. The City expects even more people to be arriving in Chicago in the coming days. This is a manmade humanitarian crisis. The people arriving are here through no fault of their own. It became unsafe for them to be in their home countries and communities. 

Many asylum seekers are arriving at police stations because when submitting a 311 request for shelter, people are directed to go to a police station or local hospital in order to enter the shelter system. Asylum seekers are being dropped off or arriving at police stations and a combination of city officials along with some police officers and volunteers are submitting Shelter Request 311s to create Service Request numbers (SR numbers) for the asylum seekers so that they can be transferred to a respite center. However, to ensure that the asylum seekers do not miss their Service Request being processed and the accompanying transportation to a respite center, they cannot leave the police stations. The Department of Family and Support Services is working to help folks with temporary and more long term housing but as you know, there’s not much the City can offer given that much of the city’s public housing was demolished as part of the Plan for Transformation over the last few decades.  

In our ward, the focus has been on supporting the families seeking asylum that have been placed in the 17th Police District. I have been working  tirelessly  with elected officials and organizations such as Albany Park Defense Network, 33rd Ward Working Families, Organized Communities Against Deportations, Latino Union, Albany Park Mutual Aid, and many others to check on people at the stations, provide meals, and distribute medicine. 

In the midst of this humanitarian crisis, the Mayor’s office, the Department of Family and Support Services, the Park District, and local elected officials including myself, first identified Brands Park as a potential location earlier this week. It was selected because a Northwest side location was required to provide temporary respite shelter and get asylum seekers out of police stations and give them a place to shower, rest, and eat a warm meal. It was determined that Brands Park’s programming would be impacted less than other potential locations. For example – Brands Park after school programming is being temporarily relocated to nearby Von Linne Elementary. The park’s baseball programming will continue as planned. Brands Park summer camp will continue as originally planned, however as of this moment there will be fewer spots. I’m advocating with the Park District and other city agencies to identify additional open spots at nearby locations. However, this has yet to be confirmed.

My office will continue to provide updates for community members as we have additional information. I and the multitude of people working on and responding to this. Please know that we understand that these changes are inconvenient for families in the community and we are sorry for that. We are doing everything possible to cause as little disruption as possible, but we are navigating a humanitarian crisis. Decisions are happening fast to address this crisis. Some of these decisions I have input in, others I do not. When I get to make a decision or give input on it, I do so knowing that I have been entrusted with the responsibility of speaking for, advocating on behalf of, and representing this community and its values. This is not something I take lightly. My office and I will do our best to communicate as thoughtfully and clearly as possible as the situation changes and additional updates become available. I would ask only for your grace, consideration, and kindness during this moment. I am always happy to discuss community matters and engage in a dialogue so please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions at info@33rdward.org or by calling 773-840-7880. 

If you would like to get involved or donate, there are a multitude of ways to do so. Please visit Albany Park Mutual Aid Fund or donorbox.org/mutualaid2023. Additional information is available here or in the flyer above. 

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!

Property Tax Exemptions Support, May 9th

On May 9th, our office will host one-on-one sessions with the Accessor’s Office for property tax exemptions. The different kinds of exemptions people can file are homeowner exemption, veterans with disabilities exemption, senior exemption, senior freeze exemption, and persons with disabilities exemption. For more information to see if you are eligible, please click here.

Appointments with the Cook County Accessor’s office must be made in order to receive support. Please click here to schedule a time or call our office at 773-840-7880.

Please note these exemptions will be reflected on your second property tax bill. Also, our office location will have moved by this date and appointments will be in person at 4747 N Sawyer.

33rd Ward Resurfacing Project Notice: Belmont, Kimball to Western

There is a resurfacing project happening on West Belmont Ave from North Kimball Ave to North Western Ave. This is a continuation of last year’s project. This work is part of the Chicago Department of Transportation’s Arterial Street Resurfacing – North Area Project, in the 33rd Ward.

Construction started earlier this week, and the work this year will include concrete flatwork, pavement patching, milling and paving the existing asphalt pavement, concrete medians, concrete bus pads, dedicated bike lanes and striping. Last years work focused on ADA sidewalk ramps and curb and gutter replacement.

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. All work on this corridor this year is scheduled to be completed in August 2023.

Neighborhood Events

1. Wellness Workshop, May 6th

2. Albany Park After School Music Program Open House, May 11th

3. Spring Fling Holiday Bazaar, May 13th

4. Israel’s Gift of Hope Annual Basketball Tournament, May 19th

5. Ravenswood Manor Annual Garage Sale, May 21st

5. Literacy Chicago’s Annual Gala “The Magic of Literacy”, June 1st

6. 312 River Run, June 12th

7. Flavors of Albany Park, June 21st

Youth Opportunities

1. 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!

 2. HANA Center’s 2023 Scholarship Application Now Open!

The HANA Center invites applications for the 2023 Mr. Sei Won Kim & Mrs. Ae Nyou Choi Scholarship. This $1000 scholarship aims to invest in the next generation of Korean, Asian American, and multiethnic immigrant leaders who will approach challenges with an open and innovative mind, lift up our communities, and advance equity and justice for all people.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Korean, Asian American, or multiethnic immigrant student age 18-35 enrolled/accepted into an undergraduate or graduate-level university or college (as of Summer or Fall 2023)
• Plans to pursue a career in community work supporting immigrant communities in areas including social services, public health, community organizing, and policy advocacy
• Active engagement in activities that contribute positively to local Korean American and multiethnic immigrant communities

Applications will be considered on the basis of:

• Potential positive impact of applicant’s contributions to support Korean American and multiethnic immigrant communities
• Demonstration of financial need

Applicants must submit:

• Completed application form
• Proof of student enrollment or official acceptance
• Two letters of recommendation
• Resume / Curriculum Vitae

Applicants should complete the application form, including all of the required documents, by Friday, May 19, 2023, 11:59 PM. For questions, please contact Sunaina Randhawa at srandhawa@hanacenter.org.

3. 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.

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!

5. Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation (CLCF) Scholarship Opportunity, Application due TODAY

Are you a college-bound high school student from Chicago? Or are you currently in undergrad? The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation (CLCF) is providing forty $5,000 scholarships to qualified students from across Chicago! Students can apply online via the Caucus’ website. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 5, 2023 at 11:59pm

6. CPS Families Child Tax Credit

Chicago Public Schools families may be eligible for up to $3,600 per child through the expanded federal Child Tax Credit program.

To find out if you’re eligible, and to apply for this credit, visit GetCTC.org/chicagops, a simplified tax filing tool that takes just a few minutes to complete and does not require any tax documents. Some families may also be eligible for an additional $1,400 stimulus payment. Families have until mid-November to claim this money. More information can be found on this flier.

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

Illinois Creative Recovery Grant, Applications due May 10th

The State of Illinois has launched the $50M Illinois Creative Recovery Grant Program. This essential funding for the arts and creative sector is being distributed through DCEO’s B2B Arts grant program, which is open for applications now through May 10th.

Arts Alliance Illinois is working with over 70 arts organizations in Chicago and across the state to promote the grant to our sector. Based on preliminary information from their Help Desk, webinar attendance reports, and data reports from partners across the state, they want to connect with many more Latinx creatives, creative businesses, and cultural heritage organizations for this grant opportunity.

Over these last two weeks of the application window, they want to prioritize reaching Latinx artists, arts organizations, cultural heritage groups, and creative businesses. 

17th District Free Pet Health Fair, May 20th

Join the 17th District in partnership with CACC for free vaccines & microchips for your dogs and cats on Saturday, May 20th from 10am-1pm. Please come to the 17th District south parking lot to line up. This event is first come first serve, limited to (100) animals.

Space Activation Seeking Volunteers

Space Activation is looking for volunteers for their pop-up skateparks this year! They are hoping to increase the success of their events, and to make that possible, Space Activation needs more volunteers throughout the year. For each event, they would need help with general event tasks, promoting different policy initiatives, and posting fliers in the area before the event date.

The dates listed on the flyer are the dates they plan to have pop-ups, and each pop-up will be from 2pm to 5pm. Volunteers can choose a time slot that works best for their schedule.

For more information, contact Megan via email at mrhyme@gmail.com

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

The North River Commission maintains a list of the contact information and stewardship opportunities with 33rd Ward area parks, park advisory councils, the Chicago Parks Foundation, and the Friends of the Chicago River. If you are a member of a gardening group or environmental organization within the ward and want to promote your upcoming events, please contact newsletter@33rdward.org.

Free Lead Contractor Training

Cook County Department of Public Health is offering free lead contractor trainings to workers and contractors.

To register and for more information contact Leda Martin at 312-491-0081 or info@public-health-safety.com

Hearing Aid Research Study

Patient-Centered Hearing Trial at Northwestern University are recruiting participants for their hearing aid research study!

As you may be aware, hearing loss is very common among American adults. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to many other health conditions including cognitive decline. To improve access to hearing healthcare, the FDA has approved over-the-counter hearing aids. Their study is a national trial to understand how individuals can best select and fit their own hearing aids, purchased at a highly discounted rate of $650. 

They are looking to recruit individuals between 50 and 79 years old who have not tried hearing aids before but are experiencing mild to moderate hearing difficulty. They have three sites up and running in the greater Chicago area on Northwestern’s Evanston campus, NMH downtown, and at a clinic in Palos Hills. For more information on how to join the study, call (877)-884-5242 or visit P-CHAT.soc.northwestern.edu.

Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Fundraiser

33rd Ward Residents, Sarah Hicks and Brian Miller, have converted their backyard into a cut flower garden. They are growing and selling flower bouquets to support local nonprofits. Tulips are in bloom and they have bouquets available for sale.  50% of sales go to support The Global Gardens Refugee Training Farm. Anyone interested in purchasing bouquets to support this important local organization should reach out to Sarah and Brian for an arranged pickup or delivery time. They can be reached at anthologyobjects@gmail.com.

Small Business Spotlight: Helmand Restaurant

Welcome Helmand Restaurant to Albany Park and the 33rd Ward!

Helmand is a new Afghan restaurant located at 4661 N Kedzie. The Chicago Reader’s Mike Sula profiled the owners – chef Wahid Tanha and Maria Kharot – a few weeks ago and enthused about Helmand’s incredible dumplings. Our office agrees – the mantu and aashak dumplings are not to be missed! 33rd Ward staff and the North River Commission were on hand for the ribbon cutting and grand opening this past Wednesday. We’re excited to welcome Helmand to the neighborhood! Click here to learn more about the restaurant and look at the menu. 

Business Resources

1. Neighborhood Mix & Mingle, May 16th

Are you looking for real estate-related professionals? Join real estate agents Mary Medill and Sugandhi Chugani for a networking night with industry professionals! Meet local contractors, lawn care providers, insurance agents, and more!

2. Business Grant Applications

• Verizon Small Business Digital Ready:
  • Learn new skills, build your network, and apply for a $10k grant. For 2023, LISC and Verizon Small Business Digital Ready have committed $1 million in small business grants. Applications close at 11:59 pm PT on Friday, May 12, 2023. To unlock the application for the current round of grant funding, register on Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, and complete any combination of two courses, coaching events, and community events. Learn more here.
• Back to Business Grant for Creative Arts, Hotels & Restaurants
  • Eligible restaurants, hotels, and creative arts businesses are eligible to apply for $175 million in available grant funding as part of our efforts to support ongoing recovery in hard-hit industries. All applicants will receive a grant as long as they meet eligibility requirements and submit proper documentation and attestations required by the program. Applications are open until May 10, 2023. Find more information and APPLY HERE!
• The LGBTQIA+ National Grant
  • provides eligible small businesses the chance to receive one of 25 grant packages totaling $25,000. Founders First is committed to increasing the number of diverse founder-led businesses generating over $1 million dollars in revenues. Application opens May 9, 2023, but you can pre-register today! 

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

Employment Opportunities

1. CPS Job Fair, May 17th 

2. CTA Building Small Business Virtual Meeting, May 18th

3. 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