Dear community,

For the last five years, there has been a homeless encampment located at the California and Diversey underpass beneath the Kennedy Expressway. A major Kennedy Expressway construction project is underway and will continue for the next few years. Because of this construction work, it was necessary to clear the encampment for the residents’ safety and well-being. We have been in conversation with the state and the city to advocate for a permanent solution to house unhoused residents impacted by the Kennedy Expressway construction. Residents of the encampment will be temporarily placed in hotels while the process to get them permanent housing is completed. Some of the residents have already been matched with housing and will remain in hotels until those accommodations are available. Those who have not been matched yet will be in hotels until the process to get them permanent housing is completed.

We are grateful for the neighbors who have been supporting them such as the Avondale Mutual Aid. We are also grateful for the collaboration between State Representative Will Guzzardi, State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas, Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, and our partners at the state and the city. Together we have set an example of what is possible when the government works as it should to protect and care for people. 

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This month is the Chicago Abortion Fund’s Annual Fund-a-Thon. Last year, the Chicago Abortion Fund raised more than $250,000. To donate and get involved visit the CAF Fund-A-Thon Website. You can learn more about Chicago Abortion Fund’s work here. Please know that the Alderwoman and our office is closely monitoring the recent flurry of court rulings regarding mifepristone. We will provide updates via social media and in future newsletters.

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 “Forms” on the Neighborhood Services page, and apply here!

Healing Village, April 15th

On April 15th Student Voice, our office and other partner organizations will be hosting our second Healing Village event. The goal of this event is to bring the community together to experience different therapeutic modalities and learn together how to calm ourselves down and regulate our nervous systems. We want to build community with our neighbors and support our students in these efforts to create a safer and healthier community. We will have opportunities to practice yoga, tai chi, art therapy, music therapy and so much more! We will have food and mental health screenings will be available to all! 

CityKey Event, April 15th

Tomorrow at Roosevelt High School from 11 AM to 3 PM, Chicago residents will have the opportunity to get a CityKey ID. Chicago CityKey serves as a government-issued ID, Chicago Public Library Card , Ventra card, and can be used to open a bank account, rent an apartment, purchase off the counter medications, and more! You will need 3 documents to confirm your identity in order to receive a CityKey. CityKeys will be available to the first 200 Chicago residents and registration is not required. 

Iftar Dinner at Arzan Cafe

On April 19th at 7:30 pm Arzan Cafe and Rossana Rodriguez will host an Iftar Dinner for neighbors. Iftar is a celebration with plenty of food eaten together with family and friends during Ramadan. At this event, meals will be given for free on a first-come, first-served basis for the first 100 people to attend.

Arzan café located at 4702 N Kimball Ave, next door to Roosevelt High School.

Neighborhood Cleanup, April 15th

Join Cleanup Club Chicago to clean up the trashtastic Diversey and California highway interchange! We’ll cover both underpasses, multiple ramps, and the green spaces in between. There will also be a round of LITTER BINGO with prizes sponsored by Block Bins Composting! The cleanup will go from 12 PM – 2 PM.

PLEASE NOTE: for safety and liability reasons, Cleanup Club Chicago does not allow any volunteers under the age of 8.

Meeting Location: For the cleanup, we will meet up at the big green space at the corner of California and Diversey. It’s right across from Popeye’s Chicken, which is the address attached to this event.

Supplies: We will provide grabbers, bags, and some protective gloves. We recommend that everyone please bring their own 5 gallon bucket, water, and gloves

Click here if you’re interested in volunteering!

CTA Shuttle Bus Service- Blue Line Trains

Due to construction happening at the Belmont crossover, the CTA Blue Line will offer a free shuttle service between the Addison stop and the Western stop. Shuttle buses are expected to depart from the stations every 4-15 minutes.

The dates construction will be happening is April 14th-17th, April 21st-24th, and April 28th- May 1st.

Street Resurfacing In or Near Our Ward

Lakeshore Drive, between the Lawrence Ave exit and the Irving Park Rd exit

On April 16th there will be construction to repave and make repairs to Lakeshore Drive. Construction will not affect the morning and afternoon rush periods. All work is expected to be completed by mid June. For additional information, click here.

33rd Ward Zoning Update

It is expected that the Zoning Board of Appeals will hear ZBA Cases No. 44, 45, 46, 47-23-Z Friday, April 21st. The Zoning Board of Appeals will have the final say on whether this proposal is approved or not approved. 

Thank you to the significant number of community members who took the time to weigh in on the proposal. After reviewing the proposal and taking into consideration the feedback our office received, the Alderwoman has made the decision that she will submit a letter of opposition to this proposal. Regardless of the Alderwoman’s input, the Zoning Board of Appeals will make the final determination. It is not uncommon for the Zoning Board of Appeals to go against an Alderperson’s input. 

If you are interested in attending the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting next Friday where it is expected that this case will be heard, click here. For additional information or questions, please contact Director of Policy and Development Joe Engleman at joe@33rdward.org. Following the ZBA’s decision in the case, our office will provide an update on the outcome.

Construction Notice

Our office has learned that building permits have been filed for the construction of three single-family homes located at 4502, 4504, and 4506 N Spaulding. No zoning change was required for these homes to be built. Previously our office hosted a public community meeting regarding a proposed zoning change for that location (4500 N Spaulding), however the project did not move forward. Our office has reached out to the construction company to see if additional information about their plans.

Neighborhood Events

1. Irving Park Food Pantry Toiletry Drive, All Month Long

2. Lizard’s Liquid Lounge 15th Anniversary Celebration, April 15th

3. Mojo Pack Walk, April 15th

4. River Park Advisory Council Spring Benefit, April 18th

5. Irving Park Bar Crawl, April 20th

6. Bateman Earth Day Work Day, April 22nd

7. Avondale Earth Day Party & Clean Up, April 22nd

Youth Opportunities

1. Chicago Public Schools Honorary Student Board Member

An Honorary Student Board Member is selected every year to represent the Chicago Public School’s student body by attending the Chicago Board of Education’s monthly meetings. Interested rising Juniors and Seniors must submit an application to the Board Office by April 28, 2023.

2. Summer Job Opportunities with Chicago Parks District

The Chicago Parks District has opened applications for summer job opportunities, and they have over 2500 open positions. Click here for more information.

3. Summer Internship Opportunity with Representative Will Guzzardi’s Office

Representative Will Guzzardi’s office is accepting applications for a summer intern.

Community Outreach Internship, Summer 2023
Office Location: Rep. Guzzardi’s District Office, 3458 N. Cicero Ave. 
Dates of Internship: June 12 – August 19, 2023
Internship Hours & Pay: 15 hours/week compensated at $15.00 per hour
Bilingual and BIPOC candidates are encouraged to apply! 

Requirements

• Applicants must be a current High School senior
• Applicants must have US Citizenship 
• Preference given to applicants who live or attend high school in the 39th District (map here>>)

Applications are due April 14th and can be accessed via the links below:

English Application

Spanish Application

4. Align Your Inner Self Youth Program (16-24), Now through September 2023

Black Alphabet started as an organization founded to encourage story telling and educate communities about the cultural and social contributions Black LGBTQ+ identified people have made upon the world. Now the organization has transformed and they are focused on creating and spreading awareness on issues that have an impact on the Black LGBT+ community.

Their new program, Aligning Your Inner Self, for youth ages 16-24 is to help those who are looking to align their inner voice or conscience through the use of art. The program started in March and they will have monthly sessions through September 2023.

Click here to register for a session!

5. Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation (CLCF) Scholarship Opportunity, Application due May 5th

Are you a college-bound high school student from Chicago? Or are you currently in undergrad? The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation (CLCF) is providing forty $5,000 scholarships to qualified students from across Chicago! Students can apply online via the Caucus’ website. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 5, 2023 at 11:59pm

6. 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.

Space Activation Seeking Volunteers

Space Activation is looking for volunteers for their pop-up skateparks this year! They are hoping to increase the success of their events, and to make that possible, Space Activation needs more volunteers throughout the year. For each event, they would need help with general event tasks, promoting different policy initiatives, and posting fliers in the area before the event date.

The dates listed on the flyer are the dates they plan to have pop-ups, and each pop-up will be from 2pm to 5pm. Volunteers can choose a time slot that works best for their schedule.

For more information, contact Megan via email at mrhyme@gmail.com

Chicago Seniors Connected Spring 2023

The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) provides programs and supports to older adults aged 60 and better throughout the year to keep older adults healthy, active, and engaged. More information can be found in their new spring Chicago Seniors Connected program brochure, which can be downloaded here.

Some of the upcoming highlights include:

• Virtual health, fitness, and recreational, programs;
• Grandparent programming “Grandparent Counseling, Gap-Filling Financial Support & Food Boxes”;
• Volunteer opportunities for Seniors 55+;
• Food and Nutritional Opportunities “Golden Diners Program, Regional Senior Centers Nourish Chicago Pop-Up Pantries, Homebound Home Delivered Meals, local Food Pantry listings and more.”

New Leaf Free Cannabis Expungement Program

New Leaf is a statewide, state-funded initiative, made up of 19 non-profit organizations throughout Illinois, which provide free legal representation or legal information to people who want their cannabis convictions expunged from their record.

Part of their job is to try and reach more people with cannabis charges or arrests, as they believe there are still far too many people, specifically within Cook County, who have not heard about New Leaf and what it can do for them.

For more information please visit their website or give them a call at (855)-963-9532.

Apply for CTA’s Citizens Advisory Board

The Chicago Transit Authority is currently accepting applications for its Citizens Advisory Board. Click here to learn more.

The application deadline is Friday, April 28th, 2023. 

Rain Barrels For Sale

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Chicago is selling and distributing rain barrels to Cook County residents while supplies last.

Rain barrels are a type of green infrastructure that captures rainwater from your roof and save it for when you need it. By keeping this water out of the sewer system, rain barrels can also help prevent sewer overflows and flooding. You can use rain barrel water to wash your car, water your lawn, or clean work boots and tools. Rain barrel water is naturally free of chlorine, lime, and calcium and some gardeners swear their plants prefer it. However, since rain barrel water is runoff from your roof, do not drink it!

To purchase yours today click here.

Cash Assistance Available from City of Chicago Recovery Plan

On February 2, The Department of Family and Support Services announced a new round of applications for $500 direct cash payments through the Chicago Resiliency Fund 2.0. Chicago residents who make a living as domestic workers or who missed COVID stimulus due to immigration status, can now apply. More information, including application details, at chicash.org.

Credit Building Workshop, April 25th

Join North River Commission and Wintrust Bank for a FREE credit-building workshop. Join us on Tuesday, April 25 at 6 p.m. via Zoom.

In this workshop you will learn about:

• Current credit-building programs
• Best practices to improve your credit score
• Additional financial education

RSVP with Erika via email at erika@northrivercommission.org or via text at 872-257-8773. 

Business Resources

1. Hire Trans Now

Hire Trans Now is a Chicago non-profit program offering small businesses free training and consultancy to help make their hiring practices more welcoming and inclusive of trans & nonbinary job seekers. HTN aims to make trans-inclusion accessible and achievable for businesses by focusing on clear, actionable best practices. Complete this form for more information or contact Silas Leslie (jsleslie@chicagotherapycollective.org) with questions or to sign up.

2. Roosevelt High School Apprenticeship Program

North River Commission is seeking Albany Park businesses to work with our youth. We want to encourage our youth to gain a sense of responsibility while offering an opportunity for hands-on entrepreneurial experience!

If you are interested in mentoring high school students on how to be successful in your respective professional arena, please reach out to Megan Lacey, Youth & Family Organizer, at meganl@northrivercommission.org or 312-718-3819. 

3. Business Grant Applications

• The State of Illinois continues to provide grant funding to small businesses and non-profit organizations hit hardest by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Back-to-Business Grant Program has opened for a new round of applications for arts organizations, hotels, and restaurants. To learn more about eligibility requirements and watch past webinars on how to apply, please visit their website. 
• The Kitty Fund makes micro-investments in Moms who are running employer-based small businesses with two or more employees. The award was created in honor of Morher’s Day and Founder’s First CEO Kim Folsom’s mother, Catherine “Kitty” Abrams Tadlock Webster, who passed away in March 2020. This 25,000 fund will make investments of $1,000 to 25 mother-led business owners in the form of grants. Applications open on March 21, but you can pre-register today!
• CTA Building Small Businesses Program is an immersive financial capacity-building program tailored for small business acceleration that provided programming focused on financial management, access to capital sourcing, technical assistance and back office support, and procurement connections. 
• The Small Business Growth Fund is presented by Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) and will award small business owners between $5,000 and $25,000 in grants to help accelerate their growth. To be eligible, your business must:
  • Be a for-profit business located and registered in one of the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia
  • Have less than $1M in 2022 gross annual revenue
  • Have a clear plan for how the funds will help them achieve a significant growth milestone in 2023
  • Applications close on April 21, 2023, at 6 p.m. ET.
• Verizon Small Business Digital Ready: Learn new skills, build your network, and apply for a $10k grant.
  • For 2023, LISC and Verizon Small Business Digital Ready have committed $1 million in small business grants.
  • Applications close at 11:59 pm PT on Friday, May 12, 2023.
  • To unlock the application for the current round of grant funding, register on Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, and complete any combination of two courses, coaching events, and community events.* View more here.

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

Employment Opportunities

1. CPS Paraprofessional Job Fair, April 19th 

2. CTA’s Find a Job Fridays

MPox (MonkeyPox) Resources

The MPox 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