I hope everyone is looking forward to this holiday weekend! There’s a lot going on in the 33rd Ward to help make it a fun, safe one for all.
First, we hope you’ll stop by our second outdoor pop-up market in Albany Park tomorrow morning, from 9AM – 1PM at 4433 N Kedzie, to check out vintage clothing, jewelry, and other unique pieces by our local vendors.
We’ll also have two family-friendly community events hosted by the 33rd Ward’s Transforming Community Safety Collective. On Saturday, join us for a Community Walk and Clean-up event Saturday, July 3rd from 6:30-7:30 at Hibbard Elementary (3244 W. Ainslie). And on Sunday, there will be a FREE bike, skate & scooter workshop, games, & art-making on from 3-5 pm at Drake Gardens (4643 N Drake). We will have snacks, resource sharing, and music.
While 4th of July entails fun and festivities, unfortunately, it’s also a weekend when violence has tended to spike across the city. Earlier today, the full City Council held a special meeting in which we discussed aspects of the Police Department’s strategy to help reduce gun violence. I will continue to push for an approach to public safety that addresses systemic issues.
Community presence and involvement has an important role to play in proactively preventing violence. This year, we are fortunate to also have street outreach workers from the Alliance of Local Service Organizations (ALSO), who will be out canvassing the community and engaging with neighbors. ALSO just began work in our community last year, after the city agreed to expand their service area. Relying on evidence-based practices and their own lived experiences, outreach workers and violence interrupters with ALSO work to prevent escalating street conflict and support young people to improve their outcomes and opportunities.
Relationships are key to the success of this model, and these take time to build. Our office aims to support this critical work by facilitating connections with community members whenever possible. At our Sunday event in Drake Gardens, we’ll be joined by some of our outreach workers–if you’re interested in learning more or supporting this work, we hope you’ll stop by!
Finally, I want to reminder everyone 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!
In This Week’s Newsletter
- Covid-19 – In-home vaccinations for 12 and up now available!
- Summer markets & concerts in the 33rd Ward
- Rent and mortgage assistance – Tenant application period now open!
- Horner Park dog park update #2
- July 5 – River Park clean-up challenge
- July 8 – community zoning meeting for 2913-2915 W Belmont
- July 10 – free paper shredding event
- July 10 – mutual aid diaper drive in Horner Park
- Block party applications
- Participatory budgeting 2022 – join the committee!
- More gov announcements & resources
- Community bulletin board
Quick Links
Summer Concerts & Markets in the 33rd Ward
Night Out in the Parks
This great tradition has returned for 2021! We compiled a list of the events in the 33rd Ward–including at Brands, River, and Horner Park–here. Check out the full list of events at www.nightoutintheparks.com.
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.
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
Horner Park Dog Park Update #2
A few weeks ago, we wrote with an update for neighbors about the Horner Park dog-friendly area, which is currently closed due to the presence of glass fragments and debris. As an office full of dog-owners, we understand the frustration, and we have been communicating with the Chicago Park District to try to ensure that the necessary remediation is completed ASAP.
As of now, the park district has begun removing and refiling the top layer of dirt in the large dog area. Next, personnel will have to complete this for the small dog area, and then both areas will need to be mulched. Unfortunately, heavy rains this week temporarily halted progress, but the parks supervisor for Horner Park hopes to complete these improvements soon. We will keep you updated, and hope to see you and your four-legged friends there soon! For now, please continue to be mindful that your dogs must be leashed within Horner Park.
July 5 – River Park Clean-up Challenge
Join the River Park Advisory Council for a clean-up at River Park, Ronan Park, Legion Park & interconnected parkland on both sides of the river from Lawrence to Peterson Ave.
Where: Meet at the fieldhouse at 5100 N Francisco Ave at 8am
When: Monday, July 5 at 8am. We should be done by 10am.
Why: Cleanup from July 4 festivities before youth summer camp resumes on Tuesday
What to bring: gloves, water bottle, grabber if you have one.
River Park Youth Advisory Council is forming (approx. age12-18), and this is your chance to get involved. The group that bags the post will be heaped with praise!
Sign up and complete the online waiver here.
July 8 – Community Zoning Meeting for 2913-2915 W Belmont
Join us for a Virtual Community Meeting to discuss the 2913-2915 W Belmont proposal on Thursday, July 8th at 7pm.
This proposal is for a 4-story mixed use building containing commercial space at grade, 6 dwelling units above, a rooftop deck, and 6 parking spaces. https://33rdward.org/zoning-and-development/
Application for Zoning Change by Lexington Homes
*All* property owner and developers in the ward applying for a zoning change in the ward must go through our Community-Driven Zoning and Development Process. In addition to sharing plans about the proposed size, use, density, and affordability of the development with the public, developers are required to meet with and hear feedback from residents before our office will issue a decision on their application.
This week, a developer filed paperwork with the city proposing 360 housing units, namely townhomes and apartments, for the site of the former DePaul College Prep campus on the corner of California and Addison.
This is a sizable development project that our office will be reviewing closely, and we hope community members do so as well. Process. As with all zoning applications, we will notify neighbors when our community-driven zoning process begins. Neighbors are of course always welcome to call our office with their thoughts or concerns about this and any other development project or zoning matter. We can be reached at 773.840.7880 and via email at info@33rdward.org.
July 10 – Free Paper Shredding Event
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.
July 10 – Mutual Aid Diaper Drive
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.
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/
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.
Summer Programming at Chicago Public Libraries
CTA Second Chance Direct Hiring
Link here: https://ctasecondchanceinterest.questionpro.com/
Openings at Blu Commercial Cleaning
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