Today, the State of Illinois and City of Chicago are officially reopening. It’s been an incredibly difficult 15 months, and there’s a lot of reason for optimism with where we’re at now. About 53 percent of all Chicago residents have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, and closer to 60 percent have done so in most parts of our ward.
We do need to remember that the pandemic isn’t over. If you are not yet fully vaccinated, masks are still required in indoor settings. Even if you are fully vaccinated, masks will continue to be required on public transit, in schools, healthcare facilities and at the discretion of individual businesses, so please continue to bring them with you and be mindful that others’ risk factors may be different from yours. Vaccines are safe and highly effective, but risks still exist, and it’s never a bad idea to err on the side of caution for yourself and others around you.
The biggest risk remains for people who are still unvaccinated, and we are continuing to see much lower levels of vaccination in communities of color. We’re ramping up our efforts to reach vaccine hesitant neighbors, and you can help. Next Friday, June 18th, we will be holding a vaccine clinic and grocery distribution. Anyone aged 12 and up can get the Pfizer vaccine. Please help us spread the word by telling your neighbors, or sharing the Facebook event. If you can volunteer the day of the event, please sign up at this link.
P.S., I’m proud to announce that this week, I received a 100 percent rating from the The Illinois Environmental Council for my voting record. I am committed to prioritizing our environment for the well-being of all of us and the generations to come.
In This Week’s Newsletter
- Summer markets & concerts in the 33rd Ward
- Summer jobs for youth
- Block party applications now open
- Participatory budgeting 2022 – join the committee!
- June 12 – Expungement and resource fair
- June 13- Bike decorating & parade
- June 13 – Drake Gardens Kickoff
- Walk your block with us
- Local business highlights
- Rent and mortgage assistance – two programs closing soon
- Infrastructure and construction updates
- More gov announcements & resources
- Community bulletin board
Quick Links
Summer Markets & Concerts in the 33rd Ward
Albany Park Pop-Up Market
We’re so excited to help inaugurate a new tradition here in the 33rd Ward. Next Friday, June 18, join us for 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
You can also save the date for a July sidewalk sale from some of these vendors.
Lot Jams
Join us this summer for evenings of free, family-friendly entertainment in our community. Mark your calendars and check back for more details soon! ALL SHOWS take place between 7:00pm-9:00pm. Thanks as always to the North River Commission for coordinating this great series of events, and to our local businesses for hosting. Find more info on the line-up here.
Farmer’s Markets
The Horner Park Farmers Market has now kicked off its 7th season! The market will be at the corner of California and Montrose every Saturday, 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.
Covid-19 Updates and Guidelines
Phase 5 Reopening
Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago no longer requires masks for fully vaccinated people in most places. However, if you are not fully vaccinated, you need to continue wearing your mask in all indoor settings. Additionally, certain businesses, all health care settings, schools, correctional/congregate sites, and public transportation will still require a mask. To learn more about the Phase 5 re-opening, visit chicago.gov/reopening.
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.
Summer Jobs for Youth
Albany Park Community Center MAPSCorp
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.
Be Your Own Boss Summer Internship
Be Your Own Boss Summer Internship Join Future Founders for a three-week PAID virtual internship where you’ll get a crash course in entrepreneurship, work with awesome high school students from across the city, and build a business of your very own! Interns are paid up to $300 based on their attendance and participation in the program. Applications are due by Monday, June 14th: https://future-founders.lpages.co/byob-summer-2021-app-landing-page/
Block Parties Applications Now Open
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.
Kicking Off Participatory Budgeting 2022
It is time to get started on our Participatory Budgeting process for 2022! PB is the democratic process we implemented in 2019 to allow residents to decide how to allocate the $1 million in infrastructure funds our office receives annually. Residents work together to generate ideas about infrastructure improvements they’d like to see in the 33rd Ward, then vote on which project they wish to see receive funding. You can read more about PB Chicago here.
The process is resident-driven from start to finish, and the first step is finding neighbors who want to serve on the committee! Any resident of the 33rd Ward 14 years or older can join.
Interested? Fill out the form here to sign up and learn more about the different ways you can be engaged!
Read more about PB on the 33rd Ward’s website at 33rdward.org/participatory-budgeting
Read about our 2021 PB voting results: https://33rdward.org/pb-2021-results-are-in/
Read about our 2020 PB voting results: https://33rdward.org/2020-participatory-budgeting-results/
June 12 Expungement Information & Resource Fair
We are teaming up with Northwest side legislators and community groups including Rincon Family Services, ALSO, and Metropolitan Family Services to offer a resource fair on Saturday, June 12 from 9AM to 1PM at 3249 N Central. Facebook event.
Get information about expungement, job opportunities and training, and social services. HIV testing also offered on-site.
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 13 – Drake Gardens Summer Kickoff
One of the participatory budgeting projects selected by residents in our 2020 cycle was a revamp of the Drake Avenue community garden into a space for community-building. Since then, the team of neighbors involved has done a FANTASTIC job installing additional garden beds and a performance space, hosting community events, and launching a food pantry during the pandemic.
All are invited to a kick-off event this Sunday June 13th at the garden (4643 N Drake Ave) from 12noon-2pm!
Join to:
>Learn about volunteer opportunities
>Crafts & snacks for the first 50 kids
>Mini tours of the various vibrant areas of the garden
>Get involved with the food pantry
>Meet other kindred spirits who are helping the garden thrive
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
Summer has arrived early, and we are overjoyed to have some fun after such a trying year. This week, we highlight some establishments in the 33rd ward that provide summertime entertainment!
Only Sports Soccer Store has all you need for your fútbol games and competitions, including jerseys, balls, shoes, and all other soccer equipment for any and all teams. Additionally, they create trophies, cards, and promotional items for your soccer activities. Plus, they operate a soccer league for children as young as seven years old. Find more here.
Tailwind Cycles is ready to help you get your bike into shape for an active and enjoyable summer in and around Chicago. Despite a bike shortage in many places right now, they have a range of bikes suitable for riders of all ages and budgets. Plus, you may purchase riding equipment and enjoy a warm welcome! Read more here.
Water Riders, 3057 N Rockwell. W-F 10:30am-6pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-5pm
If you love to spend your time in the waters, kayaks are available for rent at Water Riders in Rockwell beside the river for exploring the lovely river habitats. They are available for reservation or walk-in. Rentals are up 2 hours. Read more here.
Chicago Electric Boat Company 3057 N Rockwell M-F 12pm-8pm Sat-Sun 10am-8pm
If all of this action is too much for you and you’d prefer to relax in the water, you can also visit the Chicago electric boat business at Rockwell by the River. This summer, you may hire a boat with your friends for up to four hours and experience the magnificence of our River!
https://www.chicagoelectricboats.com/
Metropolitan Brewery 3057 N Rockwell M-Thur 2pm-9pm F-Sat 11am-10pm Sun 11am-4pm
Metropolitan Brewery is one of the most incredible locations to spend time this summer, soaking in the river scenery and sampling some delectable local beer. Following your kayak or boat excursion, head inside to escape the sun, or keep enjoying the summer heat on their breathtaking deck. You can even reserve a few tables inside to share summer delight with friends. Keep an eye out for their October celebration, which begins on October 1.
Rent, Mortgage and Utility Assistance
Illinois Rental Payment Program – Tenants Apply by June 13
The landlord-led application period for the Illinois Rental Payment Program is now closed. Joint applications initiated by landlords prior to Tuesday, June 8 will remain accessible to landlords and tenants. These joint applications MUST be completed by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 13.
PLEASE NOTE: If your landlord DID NOT START an application, you may still apply.
- An additional application period for tenants applying directly for rental assistance will open at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 28. Tenants have until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 18 to complete their portion of the application.
Visit www.IHDA.org/ilrpp for more information.
Chicago Emergency Rental Assistance Program – Tenants and Landlords Apply by June 15
The Chicago Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) has been extended and will continue accepting applications from tenants and landlords until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, June 15, 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 and eligible utilities.
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.
View frequently asked questions for answers to common questions.
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 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 and Infrastructure 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.
This week, we did a walk-through of Addison (Kedzie to Elston) and Kedzie (Elston to Irving Park) with the Restoration Manager for the Department of Water Management. There are many small repairs left to be made before the final repaving happens for both streets, and we wanted to make sure nothing was missed.
In the coming weeks, residents can expect to see cement work along these routes, including a full bus pad replacement on Addison and many sidewalk repairs along Kedzie, especially where new fire hydrants have been installed. Drivers should expect a single-lane closure on Addison lasting one week.
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.
Northwest-Siders for Racial Equity and Justice
A new community group encompassing 33rd Ward residents! To learn more, contact consentdecree4CPD@gmail.com
Be Your Own Boss Summer Internship
Be Your Own Boss Summer Internship Join Future Founders for a three-week PAID virtual internship where you’ll get a crash course in entrepreneurship, work with awesome high school students from across the city, and build a business of your very own! Interns are paid up to $300 based on their attendance and participation in the program. Applications are due by Monday, June 14th: https://future-founders.lpages.co/byob-summer-2021-app-landing-page/
Bilingual Bird Walks
Oak Street Health – Become a Patient
American Needs You Mentorship Program
Join America Needs You (ANY) in bridging the gap between college access and career readiness for low-income, first-generation college students in Chicagoland. Volunteers not only make a meaningful impact in a student’s life, but benefit from robust professional development and networking with hundreds of early-to-mid career professionals. Share your expertise as a one-time Career Coach at our workshops, or become a Mentor Coach and develop a strong one-on-one mentoring relationship with a student, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals. Sign up here: https://www.americaneedsyou.org/volunteer/ Priority deadline to apply to be a Mentor Coach is June 30th! Email leah.schneck@americaneedsyou.org with questions.
Chicago Little League Challengers in Horner Park
The Challenger Division is a division of Little League for boys and girls with physical and mental challenges, ages 4 – 18 (or up to age 22 if still enrolled in high school) to enjoy the game of baseball. In a Challenger game, each player bats and plays the field each inning. No score is kept during Challenger games, but rather the focus is on player interaction and skill development – both physical and interpersonal. Games are played Sunday morning at Horner Park. The goal for the Chicago Little League is to ensure that each player has the opportunity to increase their knowledge and skill of the game while having fun and being part of the team.
After a pause last year, the new season will run June through August.
Opening Soon! Visceral Dance Center
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
Follow us on Facebook or Twitter
Check out our ward website for info on services and events: https://www.33rdward.org/
Best,
Rossana Rodriguez