It’s June, and there’s a lot to celebrate this month!

A majority of eligible Chicagoans have now received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, and positivity rates for the virus are at their lowest point since the beginning of the pandemic. This weekend, our beloved Horner Park Farmer’s Market is returning, and later this month the city and state will be lifting restrictions on most businesses and activities. Plus, we’ll be celebrating Father’s Day, Pride month, and–for the first time ever in Chicago–officially celebrating Juneteenth.

One summer activity I’m especially excited for is our “walk your block” program. We’re inviting neighbors to set up a time to meet with you on your block and discuss any issues affecting you and your fellow residents. Help us build welcoming, safe, clean, and accessible communities! You can read more below, and sign up here.

In This Week’s Newsletter

Quick Links 

National Gun Violence Awareness Day

Today is National Gun Violence Awareness Day. It’s an opportunity to honor the lives and memory of those we have lost to gun violence, and to renew our commitment to continuing the fight for a safe Chicago for our children and communities.

You can join in this fight by wearing orange this weekend and getting involved with organizations working hard to prevent gun violence and transform policy. They include Moms Demand Action – IL, Israel’s Gifts of Hope, GoodKids MadCity , Live Free Chicago, our local Transforming Community Safety Collective, and so many others.

We also want to thank our street outreach workers with ALSO (Alliance of Local Service Organizations), who began work in our ward last year and have been busy building out the kind of violence prevention strategies that have been effective elsewhere. We know that in order to create a society that is free of violence we need to invest in healing, in support, in good jobs, education, mental health care, youth development, housing and all the basic needs our communities have but are too often neglected. We invite you to participate by wearing orange and remember the live we’ve lost to gun violence.

Summer Farmer’s Markets

This is a great summer to visit all the wonderful markets, old and new, we have here in the 33rd Ward!

The Horner Park Farmers Market kicks off its 7th season this Saturday, June 5!.The market will be at the corner of California and Montrose, open from 9:00am-1:00pm. Come by for fresh produce, baked goods, coffee, meat, live music and more! For more information, check out the Facebook page, follow them on Twitter and on Instagram, or go to the webpage.  The HPFM is every Saturday morning through October 2.

You should also check out the Global Gardens Farmstand Fridays from 3 – 6 at W Lawrence and N Manor Ave, where you can load up on delicious greens and veggies while supporting refugee farmers in our community.

Albany Park Pop-Up Urban Market

And finally, this summer we’re introducing a new, pop-up urban market in Albany Park featuring unique clothing, art, and other pieces by local vendors. This event was coordinated by Ada Garcia, the owner of Anchor Baby Vintage (4432 N Kedzie), with support from our office.

Help us spread the word on Facebook! If you are a vendor interested in participating at this event, please e-mail Ada at anchorbabyvintage@gmail.com

Summer Jobs for Youth

One Chicago Summer

There’s still time to apply for One Chicago Summer, 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.

Applications and more info can be found at OneSummerChicago.org.

Albany Park Community Center MAPSCorp

Here in our community, the Albany Park Community Center is gearing up to host MAPSCorps, a summer program that employs teens (16 – 19) in Albany Park as Data Specialists.

Participants will learn valuable skills in data science, research, and advocacy. The MAPSCorps program will run from July 6th – August 12th and pay participants $14.00 per hour through a Afterschool Matters and MAPSCorps stipend. 

Mappers will collect data Mondays through Thursdays, with in-person teams working 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. APCC will provide participants with a bus pass so they can travel around Chicago and map locations.

For more information: https://www.apccchgo.org/mapscorps
Questions? Email Brooke Smith at bsmith@apcc-chgo.org​.

Block Parties Applications Open Soon

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.

June 9 Town Hall on Disability Needs for Reopening

The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) & the Chicago Department of Public Health are hosting a Town Hall Meeting on Disability Needs as Chicago Re-Opens on Wednesday, June 9, from 3:00 – 4:30pm. ASL & Real Time Captioning will be provided. 

Register here and submit your questions and feedback about disability needs in advance using this form.

While the Town Hall is public health focused, you can also share comments with the mayor’s office about other areas such as transportation, employment, and more. If you prefer to e-mail your comments, please e-mail them to Nina Campbell at Nina.Campbell@cityofchicago.org. If you want to share your thoughts using American Sign Language (ASL), call Nina Campbell via Videophone at (312)625-2227. If she is not available, leave a message with your comment or question.

June 13 Bike Decorating & Parade

We’re teaming up with our wonderful community partners at Tabor Church to get our bikes and bikers ready for summer! Join us for bike decorating, a safety presentation, and a neighborhood parade.

June 18 – Vaccine Clinic & Grocery Distribution

Join our office in partnership with 35th Ward Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, Heartland Health Centers, and Revolution Brewing for a FREE Pfizer Vaccination Clinic & Grocery Distribution event on Saturday, June 18th at 3350 N. Kedzie.

Vaccines will be provided to Chicago residents (regardless of zip code or ward) ages 12 and up. Call or text for an appointment, walk-ins are welcome!WHEN: Friday, June 18th, 1 pm – 6 pm
WHERE: Revolution Brewing, 3350 N. Kedzie
HOW: Call (872) 250 – 6637 or text (773) 985-3510 for an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome after 2 pm

Facebook event.

To make this event a success, we’ll need your help! Sign up here if you can volunteer at our vaccination event.

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 additional 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 has a Walk-In Clinic. Everyone 12+ years old is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Anderson Pavilion• 2751 W Winona St. Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Pharmacy One • 4753 N Kedzie – focusing on all community members. Call (773) 267-5050 for an appointment.

• 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.

Neighborhood Schools Updates

New Green Space for Albany Park Elementaries

This week, we inaugurated the beautiful new green space that will be enjoyed by the Hibbard Elementary, Albany Park Multicultural Academy and Edison Regional Gifted Center school communities. We also had the ground breaking ceremony for Phase II of the project, which will provide all three schools and the surrounding community with a much needed space to play, exercise, celebrate, and be together.

This was a true community effort, and I’m so pleased that we’ve been able to put TIF funds to use for the betterment of our schools. Can’t wait see the finished space!

ASPIRA Charter Relocation Plan Rejected by CPS

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.

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

New Restaurants Alert!

This week, I joined the ribbon-cutting ceremonies for two delicious new additions to our community. Stop in and welcome them!

Alebrije is a new beautiful Mexican restaurant located at 4114 N Kedzie. Their food is incredible and the space is so colorful and cozy. They also have an extensive selection of tequila and mezcal. Be sure to check them out!

Machetes at 4503 N Kedzie is a new, Latina owned and run spot that offers something special: 20-inch long quesadillas with the filling of your choice. You’re going to want to visit this spot on your next lunch break!

Friday Business Shout-Outs

Wolftronics is your one-stop shop for all your audio amplification requirements! They carry everything from speakers for your backyard party, your vehicle, or the beach–or a solo party with a good set of headphones–to karaoke machines, microphones, party lights, and smoke machines. If you want a more personal acoustic experience, you can also create your own music using a variety of instruments! Open 10 – 8 daily.

Guanajuato’s #3 Carnicería has been serving the people of Avondale for four decades, and this month, they are celebrating! Starting on Saturday, all-female mariachi and complimentary carnitas tacos will be available from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Everyone gather together to enjoy the celebrations and purchase all your barbecue needs! Open 8AM – 8PM daily.

Comfy Furniture can help you achieve the perfect furniture setup, regardless of whether you’re throwing a sleepover, hosting a family gathering, or having a meal with friends. They offer mattresses, tables, sofas, and décor. Make your house ready for summertime togetherness. Open 11AM – 7PM daily. 

When you go Chicago Produce in Albany Park for summer celebrations, you are treated to a taste of the world. You can find flawless plantains for cooking or grilling, plus a superb variety of of meat, vegetables, fruits, or alcohol for your outdoor party. Stop by Chicago Produce so you can be ready for all the summer fun you’re about to have! Open 7AM – 9PM daily.

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.

ComEd Residential Special Hardship Program

Customers who demonstrate a financial hardship may be eligible for ComEd’s Residential  Special Hardship program, which provides a grant of up to $500 to help pay past-due energy bills. Learn more at ComEd.com/ResidentialHardship.

Emergency Broadband Benefit Program – Apply ASAP

The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income households. If your household is eligible, you can receive:

• Up to a $50/month discount on your broadband service and associated equipment rentals
• Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
• A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)

Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household.

The FCC has announced that consumers can begin applying for and enrolling in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program on May 12, 2021. The program will end when the fund runs out of money, or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency, whichever is sooner.

For more information, to see if you qualify, or to apply visit: https://getemergencybroadband.org/

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.

Gov Announcements & Resources

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.

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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