Newsletter – November 17, 2023

Posted on November 17, 2023November 29, 2023 by 33rd Ward Staff

Dear 33rd Ward Community,

On Wednesday, the City Council met to vote on Mayor Johnson’s proposed budget for 2024, which passed with 41 votes in favor. I voted yes to support this budget proposal because of the Mayor’s efforts to make significant investments in our communities and support programs that our communities have been organizing for many years to see.

I am excited to see the first investments in opening public mental health clinics, with funds set aside to open and staff two new clinics this year. I will be working with the Treatment Not Trauma working group over the next six months to set the strategy for expanding these investments in next year’s budget.

I also feel encouraged to see increased investment in our city’s youth. We see many opportunities within this budget to provide good, city jobs to our young neighbors. I look forward to advancing the Peacebook ordinance alongside Treatment Not Trauma and the Department of Family and Support Services new re-entry programs to re-imagine the future of community care in our neighborhoods.

Lastly, my office has received calls from many concerned parents, teachers, and community members about drivers speeding through the alley between Kedzie and Sawyer to shortcut school drop-off traffic at Hibbard, Edison, and Albany Park Multicultural Academy schools. I would like to remind everyone that this area is a safety zone for our young neighbors and pedestrians. Please reduce your speeds and stay patient during periods of heavy traffic. Please consider alternate routes for your commute if school drop off traffic is challenging for your schedule. We also request that parents not use this alley as a shortcut and to please reduce their use of this alley during drop off. I am working with school administrators to provide a solution to this problem. I am working with school administrators to provide a solutions to this problem. CPS is recruiting school bus drivers, and we encourage bus dropoff to reduce traffic in the area. Our schools are also sending letters to parents regarding this issue. Again, we appreciate your patience while we continue to find solutions.

Please reach out to my office for any assistance. We are here to help.
– Rossana, 33rd Ward Alderwoman

Our office will also be closed Thursday – Friday, November 23-24 in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. We will resume regular operating hours on Monday, November 27th.

Holiday trash and recycling pickup: Trash cart service will not be interrupted as Streets and Sanitation crews will be working Friday, November 24. Trash carts can be left out early on Wednesday, November 22 as some crews may perform early collections. Recycling collection will not be interrupted due to the holiday. Follow these links for your trash collection schedule, recycling schedule, and street sweeping schedule.

Rincon Family Services Mental Health Crisis Line: (773) 640-9803

Make an appointment for your free Covid or flu vaccine from a city clinic: Location information can be found by clicking this link. You can see a list of flu clinics by clicking here.

33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION

Address: 4747 N Sawyer Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 10am – 5pm; Friday 9am – 4pm
Phone: 773-840-7880
Email: info@33rdward.org
Website and constituent resources: www.33rdward.org
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

WARD OFFICE EVENTS

Next: Monday, November 27, from 4:00pm – 6:00pm at 4747 N Sawyer Ave
Upcoming: Monday, December 11

Ward Night is an opportunity to bring your questions or concerns to the Alderwoman in a one-on-one meeting. Each Ward Night is first come, first serve. Walk-ins will be taken until 5:45 pm. For more information, please contact our office at info@33rdward.org or 773-840-7880.

Participatory Budgeting
This year’s Participatory Budgeting process (PB) has entered the second phase of work. Our idea collection period has closed and we will now be reviewing our list of projects. You can still join our committee to learn the ins and outs of Participatory Budgeting and help us involve our community. Your voice matters, and together, we can improve and maintain our community through direct participation in infrastructure decisions. Let’s shape our community together! To be added to our PB email list, please reach out to info@33rdward.org

Next meeting: Thursday, November 30 from 4:30pm – 6:00pm at Roosevelt High School
Upcoming: Thursday, December 7

You can enter the doors off of the parking lot on Leland. Ring the doorbell and the security guard will open the door for you. Each meeting is open to the public. You can participate as you are able. We do not hold the expectation for you to attend every meeting. Please come join us to learn, share your thoughts, and eat some snacks! The PB Committee will meet weekly unless otherwise noted.

SAGE Brigade Meeting
Sage brigade is a group of volunteers along with Councilwoman Rossana Rodriguez’s office, to help seniors with benefit information and fill out some applications in case they need help. Anyone can attend, but we focus on providing information regarding benefits or programs for seniors.

This month, the Sage Brigade will be making a series of visits to residences to play games, meet community members, and learn more about the places that they live.

Clean and Green with Latino Union
When: November 18 from 2-4pm
Where: Central Park and Lawrence

Delia Ramirez End of Year Town Hall
When: December 2, 10am-noon
Where: Von Linne Elementary

Snow Removal Volunteer and Request form
Please fill out our form by clicking here to offer your time to help shovel snow for members of our community. We are also taking requests for people that need help with snow removal. You can also reach out to our office during business hours at 773-840-7880 of by email at info@33rdward.org

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Block Party Applications
Request Ward Services
CDOT Infrastructure Improvement Map
33rd Ward Community Driven Zoning
33rd Ward Safety and Wellness
Find your CAPS Beat Recycling and garbage schedule
2023 Street Sweeping schedule and interactive map
COVID-19 Resources
Resources for Seniors Resources for Renters
Chicago Clerk’s Office

COUNCIL CORNER

We will use this space to share updates on legislation coming through the Committee on Health and Human Relations and City Council.

The Treatment not Trauma Working Group will begin meeting this month. We will be sharing updates as they develop. We are very encouraged to see funding in the 2024 budget for two new public mental health centers and a large investment in staffing to support new and existing clinics.

City Council this week approved a referendum question called Bring Chicago Home. This question will appear on the March 2024 Primary Elections ballot and will list a series of changes to Chicago’s real estate transfer tax code. Currently in Chicago, anytime a property is sold there is a one-time sales tax applied. This tax is currently that same rate for any property regardless of value. Bring Chicago Home would amend this tax so that properties worth more than $1million would see an increase in their tax rate, and the 95% of properties sold below that value would see a significant decrease in their tax rate. This is not a property tax, and it will only affect our public if they are selling their property. You can learn more by reading the following from Bring Chicago Home Coalition and WBEZ.

City Council this week approved an historic amendment to Chicago’s Paid Time Off requirements, making Chicago the most progressive city in the country in regards to providing time off to its workers. Beginning December 31 of this year, Chicago workers will be able to accrue a guaranteed 10 days of paid leave annually. This is double what they were currently allowed. These five new days are significant because they can be used for any reason, not only for illness. For example, parents can take time to spend with their children at school events, to see family, or to enjoy a nice day at the beach in the summer. This ordinance comes with increased worker protections for filing complaints about their rights being denied. To learn more you can view the city’s press release here.

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) yesterday rejected a large portion of People’s Gas historic rate hike. You can read the full press release from the ICC by clicking here. The commission paused People’s Gas pipe replacement program, reduced the rate hike by nearly 40% and created new guidelines to improve access to reduced rates for low-income customers.

Chicago Department of Public Health announced a new vending machine program for providing fentanyl testing strips, Narcan, and other life-saving health resources to our communities. You can learn more at their Instagram page.

Chicago announces new timeline for migrant resettlement in partnership with the state. You can learn more by reading this press release.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sign up to volunteer professional services to neighbors in need
Our office is putting out a call to local professionals, businesses, and consultants that would like to be on a list of resources for neighbors in need. Our office regularly needs advice regarding architecture, building construction, and many other areas of professional expertise. This will not be a business directory. We are specifically seeking members of the community that are willing to provide professional advice to our team and members of our community in times of extreme need. We will not be connecting our constituents to these professionals for the purpose of providing contracts or expanding their business. If you would like to help, you can fill out this contact form and our team will be in touch before adding you to our directory.

Free Winter Weekdays at the Art Institute
This holiday season, we are happy to announce the return of Free Winter Weekdays from November 27 to December 22, 2023. Illinois residents can enjoy free admission on Mondays (11:00–5:00), Thursdays (11:00–8:00), and Fridays (11:00–5:00). Their new gallery tour is available in Spanish and American Sign Language.

CDOT Seeks Public Input to Help Shape Future of Chicago’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

SURVEY LINK / Hace click para la encuesta

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced the start of public outreach efforts to help shape the City of Chicago’s future investments in Electric Vehicles (EV) and charging infrastructure. To support the City of Chicago’s Climate Action Plan goals to reduce transportation carbon emissions and advance environmental justice, CDOT is developing a framework plan to equitably expand EV access, services, and charging infrastructure. As part of this planning process, CDOT is launching a survey to better understand the level of knowledge residents have about EVs and e-mobility devices like electric bikes and scooters, their mobility needs, and how those factors will impact EV charging demand over the next decade.

The community meeting schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, November 7, Olive-Harvey College from 6 – 7:30 p.m. (hybrid meeting)
Thursday, November 9, Daley College from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 16, Garfield Park Fieldhouse from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
November 30th at Malcolm X College from 6-7:30 p.m.

To take the survey, learn more EVs and e-mobility in Chicago, and to sign up for email updates, please visit the project website: chicago.gov/chicagomoveselectric.

Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) New Re-entry Programs

The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) is excited to announce two new reentry initiatives designed to support the critical needs for individuals exiting incarceration. SPRING Forward Reentry Employment and Navigation Pilot program and the addition of a fifth Community Reentry Support Center (CRSC). These programs aim to provide comprehensive support for individuals reentering society after periods of incarceration, including extensive housing and employment navigation. These pioneering initiatives underscore the city’s commitment to rehabilitation, community reintegration, and reducing recidivism rates.

COMMUNITY REENTRY SUPPORT CENTER: A Hub of Empowerment for West Side Residents

DFSS is proud to announce a fifth Community Reentry Support Center (CRSC). This center will be in the North Lawndale neighborhood, located at 808 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60612, and will serve residents returning to Chicago’s West side. The CRSCs are an essential resource hub aimed at providing returning individuals with a supportive and holistic environment for reintegration. The newest center is led by the Safer Foundation and will serve as a safe space where individuals can access a range of services, including job training, counseling, education, and social support networks. By fostering connections and partnerships between returning residents, community leaders, and service providers, the center will work towards breaking down barriers to successful reentry and promoting community healing. You can locate a list of all Chicago’s Reentry Support Centers by visiting Chicago’s Resources for Returning Residents website, or by calling 2-1-1/3-1-1 for additional resources and support.

SPRING FORWARD: A Path to Stability

SPRING Forward focuses on a revolutionary two-part approach to reentry success: employment and housing. Through this collaborative approach, lead Program Administrators Cara Collective & Lawndale Christian Legal Center, alongside DFSS, will work to provide employment and housing navigation services to residents released from Cook County Department of Corrections and the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Individuals recently released within 18 months are eligible to apply. Eligible applicants must also be 18 years or older, reside in Chicago, or returning to Chicago, and face housing insecurity, such as the possibility of homelessness or uncertain housing options.

Applicants begin by contacting Cara Collective’s SPRING Forward hotline at (312) 798-3310. Cara Collective will start by helping secure employment and provide a base of support for participants of SPRING Forward. Once active in employment services, Lawndale Christian Legal Center (LCLC) will lead the housing navigation by facilitating access to affordable housing and housing-supportive services to stabilize residents and mitigate the risk of recidivism.

For more information about DFSS reentry initiatives, please visit https://www.chicago.gov/reentry

Emergency Heating Repair Program is now Open

The Department of Housing’s Emergency Heating Repair Program is now open from Nov. 1, 2023 to April 1, 2024. The process for submitting a service request is outlined in the attached letter, as well as other general information about the program. You will also be able to find the same information on the webpage chicago.gov/ehrp.

Chicago Launches Composting Pilot Program

The City of Chicago is launching its first-ever citywide Food Scrap Drop-Off Program, and all Chicago residents are welcome to drop off their household food scraps for composting at one of 15 locations across the city– for FREE! Composting keeps food scraps out of landfills, reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and recycles nutrients that enrich soil. You can learn more here. See this article by The Triibe for information as well.

Our ward has two nearby sites: the Irving Park location at 4605 W Lawrence Ave, and the Avondale location at 3143 N Rockwell St. Images showing the cart locations can be found on the website. Use this Food Scrap Drop-Off Form to sign up for one of the drop-off sites.

Road closure notice: Sewer Repair and replace

At this time, work is expected to begin during the week of October 2, 2023.

Beginning in early-October 2023, a Department of Water Management private contractor will begin installing an underground sewer structure at the intersection of N Albany Ave and W School St. Due to the nature of the work, this intersection will be closed to traffic for the duration of construction. Work at this location is expected to last approximately 4-6 weeks. Upon completion by the contractor, a City of Chicago In-House sewer crew is expected to continue installation of sewer pipe along W School St between N Albany Ave and N Elston Ave.

Grid-Based Tree Trimming
The Bureau of Forestry is no longer receiving individual tree trimming requests and has shifted to a grid-based maintenance schedule similar to the street sweeping schedule. You can view the map here.

Previously completed grid section: N032 W028, which covers Addison to Belmont from California to Kedzie
Current grid section: N040 W028, which covers Montrose to Irving Park Rd from California to Kedzie

Each grid segment can take between three weeks and two months to complete. Tree trimming personnel will be in the ward weekly, weather permitting. Similar to street sweeping notifications, trees will be posted with signage in advance of tree trimming. Upon the completion of each grid segment, we will make an announcement about which grid will be completed next. If you’re worried about the immediate safety of the area around a given tree due to its conditions, you can reach out to 311 or our office so the appropriate service request can be made.

The results of both increased funding for the Department of Forestry and move to a grid-based system has resulted in more than triple the amount of trees being trimmed this year compared to the same time period last year. This change in system, along with an increase in full-time equivalents for forestry operations in the 2023 budget, will mean more trees in our ward, and the city, will be maintained than year’s past.

Having trouble filling a vacant apartment? Chicago Rents can help:
Ariel Parrella-Aureli reported on the Chicago Rents program for Block Club. Chicago Rents is a program that offers guaranteed rents and additional incentives for landlords interested in providing affordable housing for tenants.The program has already housed more than 2000 Chicagoans. Chicago Rents provides support to both the tenant and the landlord throughout the duration of the lease. If you’re a landlord who’s interested in learning more, click here. Landlords can also fill out a survey by clicking here and Chicago Rents staff will reach out to you.

Local School Playground Improvements
There are several active school playground improvements in the ward.

Cleveland’s new playgrounds and outdoor classroom have funds from the state. Those funds were approved recently as noted in our newsletter. Construction is expected to be complete by the new school year. We will share updates in our newsletter as the project advances.

Bateman has funds from our Participatory Budgeting program and additional grant funding to come from CPS and the state. The applications are being processed and we will share updates in our newsletter as the project advances.

Von Linne has funds from our Participatory Budgeting program and additional grant funding from CPS and the state. The playground is in its design phase and we expect construction to begin in the summer.

The Roosevelt High School turf field is under construction and received funding from a variety of sources including the Kedzie/Lawrence TIF.

It is very challenging to secure funds for our school improvements, and we are very proud of the organizing work everyone at the schools has done to make these projects happen. We understand this process has taken a long time, but we are very close to celebrating all of these new projects together.

Participate in the Chicago Food Justice Summit
Deadline: Nov. 15, at 11:59pm

The Chicago Food Policy Action Council is seeking proposals for panels, workshops, and engaging sessions for its 19th Annual Food Justice Summit (March 6-8, 2024). Proposals should embody the Council’s mission and vision statements and fit the theme of Climate Resilience: Collective Action in the Face of Climate Chaos. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, November 15th at 11:59 PM. Speaker stipends are available.

The summit will empower attendees to share meaningful knowledge, build deep relationships, and join in powerful conversations to envision our food future together. Each day will highlight ways to ground policy in community action and engage participants in how we can use our histories and current challenges as bricks to build a better food system in the Chicago area.

Click here to learn more about this year’s theme and proposal evaluation process.

Click here to submit your proposal!

If you have additional questions, please contact Civic Engagement Manager Stef Funk at stef@chicagofoodpolicy.com.

SUPPORTING NEW CHICAGOANS

Please donate to the Community Care Collective 33 to support winter needs for migrants.
You can donate by clicking here.

Update to Migrant Mission Website – FAQ added
Chicago has added an official Frequently Asked Questions page to their website dedicated to the Migrant Mission. This FAQ details the process for welcoming migrants and responds to many of the questions that have been asked by the public. Check this page for information.

Update to Migrant Mission Website – Situational Awareness Dashboard added
Chicago has added an official “Situational Awareness Dashboard” page to their website dedicated to the Migrant Mission. Check this page for information

RFP for 1 year contract with DFSS to provide food to migrants
Deadline Nov 9, 2023 at noon
You can learn more and apply here.

Donations
Our office continues to receive calls, emails, and walk-ins from constituents who wish to support new Chicagoans. One of the immediate ways to help is to check the Instituto del Progreso Latino Amazon Wish List which is updated frequently to meet the needs of new arrivals in the city’s temporary shelters. Only new items are being accepted at this time. Additionally, Instituto del Progreso Latino is accepting monetary donations to purchase items in bulk. Donations can be made by visiting InstitutoChicago.org. For additional information, visit chicago.gov/support.

Please do not drop or donate any items at Chicago Police Districts.

Furniture can be donated to Chicago Furniture Bank. The Furniture Bank, in partnership with New Life Centers, is providing furniture to new arrivals who are being resettled into permanent housing. The Furniture Bank is also the largest provider of free furniture to the unhoused Chicagoans as well.

To donate your gently used and new furniture, clothing, and other essential hygiene items visit any @C2CChicago location or select @NLCenters locations.

Volunteer Opportunities

Members of our community have formed the Community Care Collective to direct mutual aid efforts in the 33rd Ward. You can learn about volunteer opportunities by following this link.

APPLYING FOR FLOOD RELIEF FROM FEMA

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance has passed.

You can learn more information click here. FEMA will continue to process inspections and work with any applicants to provide as much relief as possible. The link above will provide details about that process. Please reach out to any of the Relief Centers listed on the website for any questions.

How to Appeal: Fliers can be found by clicking here

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Ongoing – Front Porch Christmas Toy Collection at Ward Office

Please donate toys at our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave during business hours. Toys will be contributed to Front Porch Christmas, an event on December 9th starting at 1pm. Santa will be on the 3800 block of N Sacramento Ave passing out toys! All children are welcome. If you would like to volunteer, or donate you can reach out to frontporchchristmas@gmail.com

Night out in the Parks Applications are open!
Deadline: December 10 – Apply by clicking here.

The Night Out in the Parks Call for Proposals for Season 2024 is now open and we are looking to cast a wide net in our cultural arts pool! WHO can apply? Anyone… who operates their business within the city limits of Chicago – the cultural arts cover a wide breadth of genres: dance, music, culinary and literary arts, wellness, circus arts, theater and more!

Free US Citizenship Overview Event
When: Saturday, 2nd December at 11am
Where: Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N Knox Ave
Registration: irishchicago.org

Irish Community Services provides a state-funded program called the New Americans Initiative which helps eligible immigrants to become US citizens and participate fully in our democracy.

For many, the process of becoming a citizen can be overwhelming and intimidating. We’re hosting a free 30-minute US citizenship overview event on Saturday, 2nd December at 11am at the Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N Knox Ave, Chicago, IL 60630. This event provides crucial information about the citizenship process, eligibility, and available resources.

Winter Craft Sale with Bateman Elementary
When: Saturday, December 2, from 10am-3pm
Where: Bateman Elementary School, Enter Auditorium on 4200 block of N. Sacramento Avenue

QuiltConnection Holiday Market
When: December 2, from 9am-2pm
Where: Mayfair Presbyterian Church, 4358 W Ainslie

Geographic Society of Chicago Trivia Night
When: December 7 from 7-9pm
Where: Leader Bar, 3000 W Irving Park Rd

Free Santa Event
When: December 9th from 9 am to 12 pm
Where: Mayfair Presbyterian Church, 4358 W Ainslie St, Chicago, IL 60630

Mayfair Presbyterian Church would like to invite you to a free Santa event. They will also be hosting a fundraiser pancake breakfast, but there is no cost associated with visiting and taking photos with Santa

YOUTH RESOURCES

Amtrak Scholarship Program

Amtrak is providing (11) eleven scholarship opportunities for next year. Applications are due by January 31, 2024 at 10:59pm Central Standard Time. You can learn more and apply by clicking here.

BUSINESS RESOURCES

Night out in the Parks Applications are open
Deadline: December 10 – Apply by clicking here.

Submit to be a vendor at the 2024 Democratic National Convention

The 2024 Democratic National Convention will be held in Chicago from August 19 – 22 next year. You can submit an application to be a vendor at the convention by clicking here.

Chicago Parks District Vendor Applications Open

The 2024 concession program application is available at www.parkconcessions.com. Please see attached the Notice of Availability (NOA) and the advertisement. Vendors interested in joining the concession program should contact UCG Associates. website: parkconcessions.com | email: parkconcessions@unison-ucg.com | phone: (312) 988-3360.

Small Business Improvement Fund Applications – Apply Nov. 1, 2023
Applications open: 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1
Applications close: 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30

The SBIF program uses revenue from TIF districts to help owners of commercial and industrial properties to repair or remodel their facilities for their own business or on behalf of tenants. Tenant businesses are also eligible to apply on their own.

Program participants can receive grants for 30 to 90 percent of project costs, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grants are administered by SomerCor on the City’s behalf and do not have to be repaid.

DPD and SomerCor will host an informational webinar to review program requirements and the application process.

SBIF Informational Webinar – 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1 | Register

For additional information, visit www.chicago.gov/sbif

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Los Barriles Sports Bar & Restaurant is hiring a bartender for afternoons and weekend shifts. For more info, reach out to Araceli at 773-941-2754.

Kurt Mamon State Farm Agency, located at 3643 W Lawrence Ave, is looking for high school or college students who would like to work 10 – 12 hours per week and gain experience in administration. Reach out to Kurt at (773) 998-7700 for more info!

Floor Coverings International, located at 4403 W Lawrence, is hiring for a part time office manager. Apply online today!

Taylor Hair Dezign, located at 3322 W Foster Ave, is renting out chairs for hair stylists. Stop by and speak to the owner Rasmia for more info.

CPS Hiring Paraprofessionals
The Chicago Public Schools Talent Office is hosting the monthly CPS Job Paraprofessional Fair for paraprofessional positions with Chicago Public Schools. CPS will continue to host these community job fairs monthly throughout the city at various locations on the second Thursday of every month. We want to encourage members of the community to apply for positions within CPS in the area in which they live at www.cps.edu/careers.

Saint Mary of Providence Hiring in Multiple Positions

Detailed Job Descriptions can be found by clicking here.

Apply in person at: 4200 N. Austin in Chicago, or online @ www.smopchicago.org

If you have questions, contact the Human Resources Director email: humanresources@smopchicago.org, Phone: 773-545-8300

Saint Mary of Providence is hiring (1) Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional, Full time; (1) Direct Support Person (DSP); (1) Activities Coordinator, Part time

COMMUNITY HEALTH

Below is a list of Mental Health resources that are available locally here in the City of Chicago.

CDPH Resources
City of Chicago Mental Health Centers
Illinois Department of Human Services
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call 988
Rincon Family Services Mental Health Crisis Line: (773) 640-9803

Make an appointment for your free Covid or flu vaccine from a city clinic
Location information can be found by clicking this link.

You can see a list of flu clinics by clicking here.

Safer Use Society
Weekly on Wednesdays at 5:30pm. RSVP for location.

Thrive for Change is providing a weekly event as social support for individuals actively using drugs, on MAT, those seeking an alternative to a 12-step program & everything in between. No abstinence required, no expectations, no judgment, just compassionate understanding & support. This is a hybrid style meeting, meaning that you can show up in person or online via zoom.

We fully embrace harm reduction based programming and activities, we will host monthly skill shares, peer-peer community-based development, & culturally competent facilitation. This is not a 12-step group. More details can be found in the RSVP form or at social media @thrive_4change

Narcan and Fentanyl Test Strips Available at Our Ward Office
Our office has been certified to distribute Narcan and Fentanyl testing resources to our community. You can stop by during our open hours or reach out to info@33rdward.org for more information.

Free Asthma Services from American Lung Association
Do you know a child, adult or family member that has uncontrolled asthma? The American Lung Association in Greater Chicago has a program where a skilled healthcare professional will visit your home and provide an asthma assessment. The healthcare professional will provide health education and any materials and products needed to mitigate your asthma symptoms. Products include, but are not limited to, green cleaners, HEPA vacuum cleaners, air cleaners, beds, bed and pillow covers. More information by clicking here.

COMMUNITY SAFETY UPDATES

My office believes that the best approach to community safety requires us all to participate in conversation together, to learn about each others’ needs and find ways to support each person. We encourage everyone to participate in the CCPSA, attend your regular beat meetings (CAPS), and your local CCPSA District Council local meetings.

Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability
Last year, Chicagoans elected their first ever Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA). The CCPSA is a city-wide elected body of three representatives from each police district. These representatives have a wide range of responsibilities that you can learn more about by clicking here.

CCPSA Announced Meeting Schedule for 2023.

17th District CAPS Meetings: 17th District CAPS Webpage with schedule.
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

Click here for information about beat meetings.

33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION

33RD WARD STAFF

Veronica Tirado-Mercado, Chief of Staff

Stacy Erenberg, Deputy Chief of Staff

Jonathan Nagy, Director of Communications and Engagement

Rebecca Rios, Director of Infrastructure and Zoning

Eric Ramos, Ward Superintendent

Elizabeth Espino, Neighborhood Services Representative

Ariana Aguilar, Neighborhood Services Representative

Charlie Billingsley III, Neighborhood Services Intern

John Cruz-Barcenas, Legislative Assistant

Do you have news to share?

We are always trying to improve our communication! If you have information to share with the community, we would like to know! To submit an item for our weekly newsletter, please send an email with the event details including date, time, and location, and a brief written description. Any photos should be submitted in .JPEG format. Please submit by 5pm on Thursday.