Our reproductive rights and bodily autonomy are under attack by the recent Supreme Court draft decision to ban abortion. More than 22,000 women and girls die each year after having an unsafe abortion, according to a comprehensive report published by the Guttmacher Institute in 2018.

We in Illinois are a safe haven for people in need of abortions, as we are protected by the Reproductive Health Care Act.

This is not a final decision and abortion is still legal.
We will build a coalition with our BIPOC siblings, including trans and non-binary siblings, to organize, share resources, build the power and capacity to resist, and protect each other in the face of injustice! 

HOW TO SUPPORT PEOPLE ACCESSING ABORTIONS

🚨 ATTEND AN ACTION

1. We Won’t Go Back: Rally to Defend Abortion Rights
Tomorrow, May 7th | 12 PM | Federal Plaza, 219 S. Dearborn, Chicago, IL

2. Rally for Abortion Justice: CHICAGO
May 14th | 10:30 AM | Downtown Chicago, Location TBD

💰 DONATE

1. Chicago Abortion Fund (which serves Chicago and the Midwest region) 
*They are currently running a big fundraiser!
2. Other abortion funds across the U.S. Find one here!

3. Invest in Sexual Health Education- check out Illinois Caucus of Adolescent Health (ICAH)

4. Repro Legal Defense Fund: Legal defense for people prosecuted for having abortions 

In This Week’s Newsletter

Quick Links 

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

Public Community Meeting Notice: May 10th

A public community meeting regarding a zoning proposal for 4922 N Albany will be held onTuesday, May 10, 2022 from 6pm to 7pm over Zoom. 

Interested in attending? Click here. 
Want to submit a question/comment? Click here. 

Please contact our office with any further questions at 773.840.7880 or at info@33rdward.org.

Teacher Appreciation Week!

This week, we honored the incredible teachers that fight for our children to have the resources they need to lead creative, successful and happy lives. Our communities depend on you, so for all your hard work, we thank you!

Interested in becoming a teacher?

The Alderwoman, 33rd Ward resident Maurie Richie, and guests Patti Duda and Marisa Buscaglia from National Louis University discuss the journey to become an educator on Zoom!

Neighborhood Events

1. Community Garden Day with Rincon Family Services: TOMORROW, May 7th

Contact Maria McGowan if you are interested in joining at 773-564-9070 or by e-mailing mmcgowan@rinconfamilyservices.org!

2. Mother’s Day Memorial Tree Planting: May 7th

On the eve of Mother’s Day we will be gathering at the Drake Gardens to surround survivor mothers with love as they plant flowers in the garden to remember their children. 

6. Ravenswood Manor Garage Sale: May 15th

Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm, rain or shine!
150+ Households, 10000s of Bargains, Endless Alleys to Explore!

Housing Support in the Ward 

1. Erase Your Housing Eviction Clinic: May 12th 

Having an eviction record can make it hard to find housing. A new law makes it easier to seal old eviction records but only until July 2022.

Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing, Housing Choice Partners, and Communities United are helping tenants seal old eviction records. Get help at this event, register to see if you qualify. 

Register here! 
-Find other eviction sealing events here. 
-Check out an online tool to seal your eviction here.

---

NOW OPEN! Chicago Resilient Communities Pilot: Money for Chicagoans Impacted by COVID, apply by MAY 13TH

Do you need financial support to recover from the COVID pandemic? The Chicago Resilient Communities Pilot begins this April, and is offering 5,000 Chicagoans $500 per month for twelve months, with no strings attached. Chicagoans will be selected through an open application and a citywide lottery.

APPLICATIONS OPEN UNTIL MAY 13TH! APPLY TODAY!

Senior Opportunities

1. Free Senior Resource Fair: May 20th 

► Rules of the Road Review Course: 10 – 11:30 am
►Vision Screening: 11:30 am
► Location: Copernicus Center Annex | 5214 W Lawrence Ave
► Free Parking 

CTA’s Better Streets for Buses Plan: Virtual Public Meetings in May 12th and 17th

CTA and CDOT are seeking your feedback to help shape the Better Streets for Buses Plan!

Register to attend a virtual public meeting on May 12 or 17 here. 

Covid-19 Updates

1. Free at-home COVID-19 Tests 

Free test kits are now available from the federal government. Submit your information here to receive four rapid antigen tests to your home. 

Need help applying? Call our office at 773-840-7880. 
2. At-Home VaccinationsGet 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!

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. Shooting on 3400 Block of W. Sunnyside on April 30th

At around 6:05 on Saturday, April 30th, there was a call for shots fired on the 3400 block of W Sunnyside. Two men were discovered shot inside of an apartment. One of the individuals was found dead, the other one was transported to Illinois Masonic Hospital where he is stable. A third person went on his own to St Francis Hospital with two GSWs and said he was shot near Drake/Sunnyside. The 17th Police District has shared that it is unknown at this time what are the victim/offender roles and the motive for the shootings.

The 33rd Ward Office canvassed the area on Sunday, May 1st to speak with neighbors on the incidents and any further concerns.

*Please note that this is an open investigation and the comments in this post will be disabled to prevent misinformation. The 17th District CAPS Office is always available to take neighbors calls at 312.742.4410 and by email at CAPS.017District@chicagopolice.org.

*Please contact our office with any further questions or concerns at info@33rdward.org or by phone at 773.840.7880.

2. Public Health Alert: Avian Flu, Remove Your Bird Feeders
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is encouraging people to remove their bird feeders and bird baths until May 31st to fight an outbreak of avian flu.

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