This week our city received 75 immigrant neighbors from different countries in Central America and Venezuela.

As you know, we made Chicago a Sanctuary City and we are intentionally working to be a welcoming place for all people in need of refuge. We are collaborating with the city, state, and delegation agencies to ensure the well-being of the individuals and families that have recently arrived.

Donations are being accepted at the 33rd Ward Alderman’s office (3001 W Irving Park Rd), the 35th Ward Alderman’s office (2934 N Milwaukee Ave), and Rincon Family Services (3710 N Kedzie Ave).

Items being collected: towels, laundry detergent, pillows/pillowcases, twin and full-sized bed sheets, bus passes, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, garbage bags, underwear (for all genders), socks, snacks, and bottled water.

Stay tuned to our social media pages to stay up to date on how to best support our immigrant neighbors.

Thank you to everyone for all donations so far! Solidarity is one of the highest expressions of love and we are so lucky to experience it so often during times when there is so much hate being unleashed by some people in powerful positions. Thank you neighbors, your support means the world. This is what Sanctuary looks like.

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The water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi has recently been declared a state of emergency by President Biden after heavy rains and floods left the capital without access to safe water. Jackson, MS is the largest city in Mississippi, which leaves approximately 150,000 people without clean water. Even though local, state, and federal officials are doing their best to restore access to safe water, at this time, the water crisis is indefinite.

Monetary donations are currently being accepted by Mississippi’s Rapid Response Coalition, Cooperation Jackson, The Mississippi Food Network, and Immigrant Alliance for Justice and Equity.

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As part of our commitment to affordable housing in our ward, we established a community-driven zoning process that allowed us to deliver a 50-unit affordable housing building in Albany Park! The Maria Elena Sifuentes apartment building is over 50% completed. We expect that the application process will start in late fall/ early winter and move-ins start in the spring! Here’s a sneak peek of one of the one-bedroom apartments that is mostly finished!

In This Week’s Newsletter

Quick Links 

*Want more information on community opportunities and job postings? Check out our Community Bulletin!

*Block party applications are open! Read more under “Form” on the Neighborhood Services page, and apply here! 

Participatory Budgeting Launch Party, September 12th

On Monday, September 12th, we will be hosting the first-ever PB33 Launch Party! We are so excited to share details of our Participatory Budgeting process for 2023 and hear from our neighbors. This opportunity would allow for you to:

• Submit your ideas for ways to improve your community
• Find out how you can get involved in the committee
• Register to vote in the 2023 cycle of PB33
• Meet your neighbors and the Alderman

Read more about Participatory Budgeting and sign up to get involved here: https://33rdward.org/participatory-budgeting. 

Public Health & Safety Community Meeting, September 13th

Serve as a Poll Worker on November 8th

Chicago needs poll workers more than ever! Help defend democracy and apply today to work the November 8, 2022 General Election. Apply today to become an Election Judge or Election Coordinator! 

Neighborhood Events

1. Albany Park Lot Jams Concerts, Present-Oct 8th

 

2. Albany Park Taco Crawl, September 8th

3. Guatemalan Independence Day Parade, September 11th

4. Clean & Green, September 17th

5. Fall Nature Fest, September 17th

Business Spotlight: Romero’s in Bloom

Romero’s in Bloom, located at 4751 N Pulaski, is a new business in Albany Park and they sell Ecuadorian groceries and flower arrangements. Please stop by to welcome them to the neighborhood and purchase some beautiful Ecuadorian roses for you or a loved one!

Legal Assistance Tenants Workshop, September 14th

North River Commission and Autonomous Tenants Union are hosting a virtual workshop for tenants about legal assistance and negotiation tactics. 

To RSVP, please email or call Erika at erika@northrivercommission.org or (872)-257-8773.

Small Business Expo, September 17th

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) will be hosting a free small business expo on September 17th from 10am-2pm.

The expo will feature resources from nonprofit and government agencies, workshops presented by local business service organizations, and a networking hour to meet and connect with other current and aspiring business owners. The keynote address will be given by  entrepreneur Corey Gilkey, and will leave attendees with tangible takeaways to pursue their dreams of business ownership.

Click here to register for this event.

Ask CTA Event, Now- October 6th

CTA is hosting “Ask CTA” events at key rail stops now through the first week in October (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays of each week). At each event, CTA will have at least two CTA Senior Staff Members available to address customers’ comments and feedback.

The Ask CTA events will be held in the mornings from 7:30-9:30am and in the evenings from 4:30-6:30pm. Locations of event will be posted on CTA’s social media accounts each week.

Volunteer with the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

CERT is a national community-based opportunity for citizens to learn basic hands-on disaster response techniques that can be applied to daily lives. Over the years, Chicago CERT members have supported many special events, disaster preparedness drills and emergency exercises alongside the City of Chicago’s public safety team.

The next 30-hour CERT training course will be held every Tuesday and Thursday between September 6th and October 6th from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Chicago State University. The course covers topics such as disaster preparedness, fire safety, hazmat, search and rescue, and more.

To sign up for this training course, you can register/sign-up by emailing chicagocitizencorps@cityofchicago.org or by using this registration link.

MeterSave Program with DWM

The Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) has announced that they are installing free water meters after approval by the City Council, which allowed for some additions to the program. The voluntary MeterSave Program, which has provided over 130,000 meters to
homeowners since 2009, has saved residents up to 50% on their water bills.

Those on the MeterSave waiting list will be prioritized when the program begins in September, but anyone interested in receiving a meter can join the list by registering at: www.MeterSave.org

The program in its current form will end in January of 2023 when the state law changes to require lead service line replacement as part of any meter installation.

Job Resources

1. NAMI Chicago

NAMI Chicago has positions open in Mental Health Services and they are looking for outstanding and dedicated people to join their growing team. Interested candidates can apply online by selecting any of the available positions below:

• Helpline Coordinator
• Helpline Peer Support Specialist
• Helpline Specialist
• Clinical Support Manager
• Controller

2. The Kedzie Center

The mission of the Kedzie Center is to provide accessible, culturally informed, quality mental health care to North River residents through the integration of clinical practice, education and evaluation, and the application of psychological insight to address community concerns, as informed by the community and in collaboration with local residents and partners. Please click the link below if you are interested in joining their team!

• Bilingual Administrative Assistant, Marketing & Outreach

3. St. Mary of Providence

St. Mary of Providence is a nonprofit residential and day services facility whose mission is to help people with developmental disabilities meet life’s challenges and reach their highest potential in spiritual, emotional, mental and psychological growth, while also promoting their dignity as human beings. Follow the links below or contact them at humanresources@smopchicago.org.

• Teachers Aid
• Developmental Educational Instructor
• Direct Support Persons

Public Health Updates

MonkeyPox Resources

The monkeypox virus is spread through close contact with body fluids, sores, shared bedding or clothing, or respiratory droplets (kissing, coughing, sneezing, etc.). This week, there were 860 documented cases in Chicago. 

Vaccinations for MPV are currently available in Chicago for adults 18 and up. Because of the limited availability of vaccines, you must meet the eligibility requirements outlined by the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH).

COVID-19 Resources

1. You are now eligible for 8 MORE free at-home COVID rapid tests!

Residential households in the U.S. are now eligible for 8 free at-home tests on USPS.com.  

2. At-Home Vaccinations: Get your whole family vaccinated at home! CDPH is offering vaccination appointments at home for up to 10 family members. Click here to set up your appointment!

3. At-Home Vaccinations Incentive

Through August 30, any Chicagoan age 5 and up is now eligible to receive a $50 gift card for booster COVID vaccine doses (regardless of zip code) via the City’s At-Home vaccination program. 

Per CDC rules, this bonus is only being offered to individuals that have not received more than $100 in COVID vaccine incentives from the City. Incentives will be provided while supplies last.

Click here to schedule your appointment

4. Vaccinations

CPS Students: 

– Permanent sites
– Mobile Events
– School-Based Health Centers
–  Sign up for weekly COVID testing at CPS

33rd Ward Vaccination Events

1. Theodore Roosevelt High School

2. Swedish Hospital: Walk-In’s Welcome

* More information on City testing sites here!

Community Safety Updates

1. 17th District CAPS Meetings

The 17th District has resumed beat meetings in-person. 

Information about Beat Meetings here.

Please contact the 17th District Community Policing Office / CAPS, if there are any questions or concerns.

Email: caps.017district@chicagopolice.org

Telephone: 312-742-4588