Happy New Year! Each new year is a gift of learning, growth, and hope. May your mind and soul be enriched with love, solidarity, and more in the days to come! We wish you a successful and prosperous 2023!

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Last year we celebrated the groundbreaking for the Maria Elena Sifuentes apartment building, located at 3559 W Lawrence Ave. This was our first planned development (PD) delivered through our Community Driven Zoning Process. Through this project, we honor the legacy of Maria Elena Sifuentes, a beloved organizer in our community who fought fiercely for affordable housing and against displacement.

The project was funded through TIF and low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC). The apartments include 42 units for households earning 60% or below the area median income (AMI). An additional 8 units will be set aside for households at or below 80% of AMI. Click here to view a current AMI chart.

The application process for the apartments will open soon. If you would like to be contacted once the application is open, please contact our office via email at info@33rdward.org or call at 773-840-7880. In addition, Celadon Holdings and Communities United will host an application pick-up event on January 21st from 10 am-1 pm at Christ Lutheran Church located at 3253 W Wilson. Stay tuned for more details coming soon! 

We are proud of the hard work, energy, and organization it took from our community to get to this point, and we are excited to see the results of all this hard work. We are grateful to Communities United, Celadon Holdings, Chicago Department of Housing, Commissioner Marisa Novara, Maria Elena’s family, my amazing staff, and all the people who helped to get us here. 

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COVID-19 and the flu has been on the rise lately in Chicago and we want to make sure you and your loved ones have access to resources to prevent illness. All households in Chicago are eligible to receive COVID and flu vaccinations in their home and these are available to those 6 months old and older. To receive this service you must schedule an appointment. Visit this link for more info. You can also register to receive up to 4 free home Covid tests this winter season. Click here to order them today! 

The flu, Covid-19, and its variants can spread through droplets and aerosols. COVID-19 especially can last in the air for some time — even several hours — after transmission. N95 and KN95 masks, better ventilation, and air purification can help stop the spread of these potentially deadly and disabling diseases. The University of California at Davis has information about how to build a low-cost air purifier. 

In This Week’s Newsletter

Quick Links 

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

Participatory Budgeting 2023

Voting for participatory budgeting is now open! You can register to vote electronically here.  Once registered you will receive an email with voting instructions. You may also vote in person at our office, Roosevelt High School, or Carl Von Linne Elementary School.

If you would like to volunteer to get out the PB vote, please fill out this form or contact Stacy in our office by email: Stacy@33rdward.org

Christmas Tree Recycling Program

Starting January 7th, you can recycle your Christmas tree at 26 locations around the city. Only live or natural trees will be accepted. No garlands or wreaths can be recycled, and all ornaments and decorations should be removed from trees. If you put a plastic bag on your tree to move it, you must remove it before leaving it to be recycled. Each location will be accepting tree donations until January 22nd. 

For a full list of Christmas tree recycling locations, click here. 

Shared Cost Sidewalk Program

The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program is an extremely popular voluntary program in which property owners share the cost of sidewalk repair with the City. Thousands of Chicagoans have been a part of this popular program, taking advantage of the low cost, exceptional value, and ease of participation.

The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program cost per square foot charged to property owners is well below what a private contractor would charge. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may qualify for a further discounted rate.

Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of participants is based on availability of funds. The program typically reaches capacity quickly, so you are encouraged to apply early. Please note that if you applied for the program in previous years, you must apply again in 2023 if you wish to be considered for the 2023 program.

Applications will only be accepted through the City’s 311 system by calling 311, through the City’s service request website, or through the free CHI311 mobile apps. The property owner’s contact information and the property address are required at the time of request.

Applications open on January 9, 2023 and will be available from 6 AM to 10 PM

For more information, click here.

Neighborhood Events

1. Northwest Brewfest, February 4th

Youth Opportunities

1. NewHouse Architecture & Design Competition

The annual Newhouse Architecture + Design Competition showcases the talents of Chicago-area high school students who create projects that solve real-world problems. This competition gives students an opportunity to practice and refine design skills and create a project that could be part of their portfolio. It inspires teens to understand why design matters by researching, representing, and redesigning the built environment to solve challenges that are personal and place based. This is their 41st Annual Newhouse Competition, and the theme for this year is, “Sustainability Through the Lens of Biophilia.” Teenagers can participate to win prizes such as boat cruise tickets, cash prizes, and meeting professionals in the field.

2. CPS Families Child Tax Credit

Chicago Public Schools families may be eligible for up to $3,600 per child through the expanded federal Child Tax Credit program.

To find out if you’re eligible, and to apply for this credit, visit GetCTC.org/chicagops, a simplified tax filing tool that takes just a few minutes to complete and does not require any tax documents. Some families may also be eligible for an additional $1,400 stimulus payment. Families have until mid-November to claim this money. More information can be found on this flier.

Chicago Park District Winter Programs, Now – March 2023

Registration for all Chicago Park District Winter Programs is now open, with lots of availability for recreation, fitness, arts & culture, drop-in programs, and more. Programs range in age group from tots, youth, teens, adults, and seniors.

Most programs start next week, so sign up now to beat the winter blues, stay active, and have fun with the Chicago Park District this winter. Nearby programs with availability include such fun options as:

• Archery at Horner Park, Thu 6:15 PM – 7:15 PM,  January 12 to March 23 (ages 11-16)
• Arts and Crafts at Peterson Park, Mon 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, January 9 to March 20 (ages 6 – 12)
• Color Theory & Oil Painting at Eugene Field, Mon 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, January 9 – March 20 (age 18 and up)
• Drop-in at Gompers, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, January 10 – March 23 (Ages 6-12)
• Many, many more! 

Visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/winter-programs for full details on Winter programs, and click the special link below to see programs with openings at parks near Albany Park, Irving Park, and North Park! 

Emerging Evaluator Pathways Program, Applications Due January 9th

Evaluation Pathways Initiative (PI) is a program designed to strengthen the diversity of the Chicago area evaluation field by increasing the recruitment, retention and training of culturally responsive and equity-focused evaluators of color in the Chicago region.

The Emerging Evaluators program provides training and support to emerging evaluators of color – individuals who are providing evaluation and data support to organizations, but have not received formal training as evaluators, or who have only received minimal training. Participants will be welcomed from a variety of settings including public health, education, human and social services and community organizing.

For more information and to apply, please email Lisa at lapontesoto@tanomaconsulting.com

Queen of Angels Open House, January 17th

Click here to sign up today.

Fair Housing Workshop for Landlords, January 26th

Are you a landlord? Join the North River Commission in partnership with the Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance (CAFHA) and HOPE Fair Housing Center for a FREE landlord workshop on Thursday, January 26th at 10:30 am via Zoom. Come learn the basics of fair housing, federal and local laws, disability rights, and the new source-of-income protections that went into effect on January 1, 2023. To RSVP email Erika at erika@northrivercommission.org.

Fair Housing Workshop for Tenants, February 8th

Join the North River Commission in partnership with Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance CAFHA and HOPE Fair Housing Center for a FREE tenants workshop to learn about tenants’ protections under state and local laws and how to identify housing discrimination.

When: WEDNESDAY, February 8th at 12 pm
Where: Christ Lutheran Church located at 3253 W Wilson Ave

Light refreshments will be provided. To RSVP email Erika at erika@northrivercommission.org.

Immigrant Family Support Program

If you or someone you know is an undocumented citizen living in Illinois and was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, you may qualify for a $2,000 grant!

To apply or to check your eligibility, call the FSN hot line 1-855-435-7693, email covidfund@icirr.org, or visit their website icirr.org/covidil for more information.

Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) Relaunch

IHDA has opened a new round of the Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) to help homeowners who continue to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the trends they have identified during the first round of applications, they have doubled the maximum ILHAF grant amount from $30,000 to $60,000! This grant can cover overdue mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and association fees.

To date, ILHAF has provided $32.5 million to help 2,346 Illinois homeowners avoid foreclosure. Doubling their assistance amount to $60,000 will allow for them to help even more homeowners remain in their homes as they navigate inflation fears, changing market conditions, and continue to support the state’s overall recovery from the pandemic.

Households who need help with past-due mortgage payments and related expenses can apply for free assistance at www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org until Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023. If you would like to learn more or share ILHAF information with your communities, you can find a downloadable ILHAF outreach toolkit in both English and Spanish at www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org/toolkit-mortgage.

If you have questions about ILHAF, please call at 1-866-ILHELP-1 (1-866-454-3571) or email them at HAFQuestions@ihda.org.

Trilogy Winter Clothing Drive

Trilogy is a community mental health agency located in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. This year they are having a winter clothing drive for Chicagoans in need. If you are able to donate they are accepting donations in Albany Park at 3737 W Lawrence Ave Monday through Thursday from 11am – 4pm. If you have questions on what kind of clothing items they are looking for, please contact them at (773)- 508-6100. 

Business Resources

1. Plant Chicago Circular Economy Leadership Network Applications Now Open

Plant Chicago, based in Back of the Yards, is recruiting for the 2023 cohort of its Circular Economy Leadership Network. The program is open to any Chicago-based small business, early-stage entrepreneurs, home-based businesses, and independent contractors interested in implementing and establishing circular economy practices. Plant Chicago is accepting applications until Wednesday, February 1st, 2023. For additional information about how to apply, you can learn more here or reach out to Plant Chicago’s Circular Economy & Small Business Manager Elise O’Malley at elise@plantchicago.org. 

2. Business Education for Entrepreneurs

The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection(BACP) offers weekly webinars to educate entrepreneurs in all areas of running a business. To register for upcoming webinars, visit chicago.gov/businesseducation. To watch all past webinars, visit BACP’s YouTube channel.

• Friday, January 6 at 9:30 PM – Capital, Coaching, and Connections for Small Businesses, presented by Allies for Community Business – REGISTER HERE

3. Business Grant Applications

• Founder’s First Grant — A total of $100,000 will be awarded to 30 businesses in Chicago in the form of cash and full-tuition scholarships to a stellar accelerator.
  • Grant money can be used as growth capital to hire or rehire premium wage jobs.
  • Cash infusion can be used to purchase, fix or enhance equipment necessary to help you manage growth challenges and scale for the future.
  • Founder identifies as one of the following: Latinx, Black, Asian, Women, LGBTQIA+, Military Veteran, or located in a Low to Moderate Income area.
  • TO QUALIFY: Must be located in the state of Illinois and have a current staff of 2-20 employees. Will have the ability to add 1-2+ net new premium wage jobs in the next 12 months. Your company must be a service-based business and at least one revenue stream serving other businesses. Must be a for-profit company with annual revenues between $100K and $3 million.
  • The application deadline is February 4, 2023.  Please email chicago.jobcreators@foundersfirstcdc.org with any questions about the Job Creators Quest Grant.
• Innovations for Healthy Living – Improving Minority Health and Eliminating Health Disparities funding opportunity
  • Granted by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) as part of the America’s Seed Fund. This opportunity is for eligible SBIR/STTR entities to develop technologies and products that address health disparities while engaging and empowering individuals and communities.
• Upskilling Initiative
  • Provides professional development grants to businesses that serve employees aged fifty (50) and older who are currently earning up to $16 an hour. Training funds will be disbursed in $2,000 increments, pending a guaranteed commitment from the employer of a $1.50 or more per hour wage increase respectively after the training is complete.

• HerRise Micro-Grant
  • Provides financial assistance, with the help of our corporate sponsors and donors, to women of color creating innovative solutions that impact their community and that are often unable to secure funding for their small business. Each month a $500 micro-grant will be awarded to a small business owned by women of color.
  • Small business grants are useful for financing a particular small business need. Past recipients used their growth grants for computers, equipment, marketing materials, software purchase, website creation and more.

For more business grant information please, visit North River Commission’s website.

Employment Opportunities

1. Contracting Opportunities Open House with CTA, January 19th

Join CTA as they share information about the Red Line Extension Project, All Station Accessibility Projects, and many other projects to upgrade the Chicago Transit Authority infrastructure. Learn how your firm can partner on these projects to keep Chicago moving as you meet with potential prime contractors! This event takes place Thursday January 19, 2023, from 10:00 am-12:00 pm at the Kehrein Center located at 5628 W Washington Chicago IL 60644.Doors open at 9:45 am. Presentation starts at 10:15 am. Click here to register.

2. CPS Paraprofessional Job Fair, January 18th

The Chicago Public Schools Talent Office is hosting a CPS Job Fair for paraprofessional positions for our 2022-23 school year. 

Date: Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm
Location: 36th Ward Office – C118, 6560 West Fullerton Ave

Click here to register for this event.

3. Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club is hiring

For a full list of open positions and jobs descriptions click here.

4. St. Mary of Providence is hiring a Direct Support Person (DSP)

5. Tapestry 360 Health now hiring

Tapestry 360 Health is hiring Medical Assistants ($500 hiring bonus), Medical Receptionists ($500 hiring bonus), Call Center Representatives ($500 hiring bonus), and Nurses ($3000 hiring bonus). 

Tapestry 360 Health, formerly known as Heartland Health Centers, is a federally qualified health center with 16 locations serving Chicago’s north side and nearby suburbs, offering affordable and comprehensive primary care, oral health care, and behavioral health care services. 

6. CTA’s Find a Job Fridays

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.).

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. 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!

2. Receive Your Updated COVID-19 Vaccine At Home!

3. 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