We just wrapped up a long City Council meeting in what had already been a chaotic week.
On Wednesday, Mayor Lightfoot adjourned our meeting early after confronting my colleague, 20th Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor, over her principled stand to to defer the appointment of the city’s top lawyer for mishandling of the Anjanette Young case.
I’ll be sharing more about our work to make the Council a more effective and independent body, but for now I want to highlight some positive news from today for our community: We were able to pass two ordinances allocating a total of $6 million in Chicago’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds for projects in the 33rd Ward.
Affordable housing is a critical need in our community, and $2.5 million will go towards a new affordable development and daycare facility in the currently-vacant lot at Central Park and Lawrence. This project has been led by Communities United and received support from the majority of community members and partners in our Community Driven Zoning Process. TIF funds will also go towards expansion and improvement of Ronan Park and the adjacent Global Refugee Gardens, in partnership with the Parks District.
We have too often seen TIF funds going to politically connected developers for projects like Lincoln Yards, or sitting unused while needs of neighborhoods go unmet. I’m pleased that we’ll be able to put this some of this public money towards affordable housing, community gardens, and beautiful public spaces for all to enjoy.
In This Week’s Newsletter
- Covid-19 – In-home vaccinations for 12 and up now available!
- Tips to prevent flooding
- Summer markets & concerts in the 33rd Ward
- Rent and mortgage assistance – Tenant application period re-opens June 28
- Celebrating July 4 safely
- July 10 – free paper shredding event
- Block party applications now open
- Participatory budgeting 2022 – join the committee!
- Infrastructure and construction updates
- More gov announcements & resources
- Community bulletin board
Quick Links
Tips to Prevent Flooding
Chicago has been experiencing bouts of rainfall in the last couple of days and forecasts suggest it will continue in the coming days We know that heavy rain leads to flooded streets, so here are a few things to keep in mind when you see pooling water on your street.
- It may take a moment: The city has installed restrictors into your streets sewer drains which control how quickly water flows into the sewers. This is what helps protect our basements from flooding. However, it means that water may take 1 – 2 days to drain completely.
- If there is trash or debris covering the drain, and you are able to do so, removing it may provide an immediate solution. If you’re unable to remove the debris blocking your sewer, please call or e-mail our office for help!
- If you still do not see a change in the level of sitting water after two days, please report it for cleaning here or reach out to our office. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call our office during office hours at (773) 840-7880, or e-mail us at info@33rdward.org with the address of the sewer catch basin.
Summer Concerts & Markets in the 33rd Ward
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.
NB: This week’s show was rescheduled for next Thursday due to rain! You can check out Sonic Octopus on Thursday, July 1.
River Park Summer Concert Series
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.
While you’re there, explore the flora and fauna of Horner Park with a great audio tour for families! From Block Club Chicago:
A new podcast episode allows families to explore Horner Park while hearing about the area’s wildlife.
Shawn Pfautsch and Jessica Ridenour — a married couple who are a part of Chicago’s theater scene — created the story so people could have fun and learn while touring the park. The audio tour, “The Night Heron,” follows the story’s namesake bird as it investigates the mystery of a strange bird spotted in the park.
The audio story is part of the Chicago Children’s Theatre’s Walkie Talkies podcast series, created to get families to explore the neighborhoods in creative ways.
Save the Date: Sidewalk Sale
Celebrating 4th of July Safely
Neighbors, as we approach the Fourth of July, we’re receiving a lot of calls from residents disturbed by fireworks set off near their blocks.
We ask 33rd Ward residents to please remember that consumer fireworks remain illegal to purchase or use in Illinois. Setting off fireworks can be especially frightening or triggering to neighbors with post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as household pets. Please celebrate responsibly and be respectful of those around you!
Free Paper Shredding Event July 10
Join us for our upcoming paper shredding event on July 10th at 11AM in the Roosevelt High School parking lot. Please remember when you are bringing your documents that you will need to remove, staples, paper clips, binder clips, and anything else that may obstruct the shredding process. Trucks have limited capacity so this will be first come first served, and we will wrap up once the truck fills up. Facebook event.
Covid-19 Updates and Guidelines
Get Vaccinated at Home and Get a $50 Gift Card
The Chicago Department of Public Health announced this week that its in-home vaccination program, Protect Chicago At Home, is now open to all Chicago residents age 12 and up. To encourage Chicago residents to take advantage of the program, Chicago-based Grubhub will donate gift cards valued at $50 to every household that chooses in-home vaccination.
Appointments can be booked now and gift card distribution will begin June 28. The gift cards will be usable immediately at any restaurant available through the Grubhub app.
Call (312) 746-4835 to make an appointment or register here.
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.
Remember: the pandemic isn’t over, and other people may have risk factors different from your own. The biggest risk remains for people who are still unvaccinated. And while vaccines are safe and highly effective, risks still exist, and it’s never a bad idea to bring a mask when you go out and err on the side of caution for yourself and others around you.
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.
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/
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.
Rent, Mortgage and Utility Assistance
Illinois Rental Assistance Program
If you have unpaid rent and your landlord failed to apply for the state’s rental assistance program during the first period, you can 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.
Apply here. You can also learn more about how to fill out the application at this free webinar offered by North River Commission.
Tuesday, June 29 at 11:00 AM- Illinois Rental Repayment Program Webinar
Join North River Commission and Northside Community Resources for a webinar presented in both English and Spanish for tenants interested in applying for the Illinois Rental Repayment Program.
As a reminder, if your landlord did not initiate 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. Learn how to fill out the application at this FREE webinar!
RSVP to Dalia Aragon at dalia@northrivercommission.org or via text at 312-860-8543.
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.
CARES Act Mortgage Forbearance Program – apply by June 30
Through the CARES Act, homeowners with federally-backed mortgages can put their loans into forbearance for six months to a year. At the end of the forbearance, the missed payments are either recapitalized through a modification or are put on the end of the loan as a non-interest-bearing balloon payment. Reverse mortgage borrowers, and borrowers who are already behind on their mortgage (or are even in foreclosure) are eligible.
The deadline to request relief is the end of this month: June 30, 2021. Requesting a CARES Act forbearance is simple. Homeowners can use a self-help tool at COVID-19 Mortgage Relief – Chicago Volunteer Legal Services (cvls.org). You can also contact 312-332-8785 or COVID@cvls.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/
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.
CTA Second Chance Direct Hiring
Link here: https://ctasecondchanceinterest.questionpro.com/
Adoption Fees Waived at Chicago Animal Control
Chicago Methodist Senior Services Hiring Event
Visit cmsschicago.org/employment
Kedzie Center Seeking Finance & Operations Director
The Kedzie Center seeks a (24 to 40 hours per week) Finance and Operations Director to support its mission of increasing access to high-quality and culturally informed mental health care to residents in Chicago’s northwest side. A non-profit organization, the Kedzie Center is the first community-funded clinic in Illinois that provides individual, family, and group therapy, psychiatric care, and case management regardless of the client’s ability to pay (www.thekedziecenter.org). The Finance and Operations Director will work closely with the Executive Team, report to the Executive Director and supervise staff on all billing-related matters. Learn more here.
Chicago Sports Academy Space Rental
Northwest-Siders for Racial Equity and Justice
A new community group encompassing 33rd Ward residents! To learn more, contact consentdecree4CPD@gmail.com
Oak Street Health – Become a Patient
Woodworking Training Program
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
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