Dear 33rd Ward community,

As you may know, there has been an influx of asylum seekers into the city over the last few weeks. Many new arrivals, including pregnant mothers and young children, have been sleeping at police stations – going for days without showers and basic necessities. Across the city, mutual aid networks, individual volunteers, churches, and elected officials to name just a few have rallied together to support and respond to those arriving in this crisis. In the last few days, some of the newly arrived families in our ward have moved to Brands Park.  

Together, we’re working tirelessly with neighbors and City agencies to ensure the wellbeing of these families and the community at large. I want to inform you that the Brands Park playground will remain open to all in the community. We believe that access to safe outdoor spaces is crucial for the development of healthier communities. I am deeply grateful for the outpouring of solidarity we’ve seen from our community. We are still in the early days of this humanitarian crisis and we will continue to need your support. We are currently looking for donations of sleeping bags, basic needs, and children’s toys. Additionally, we are looking for neighbors and community members who would be interested in donating their time to plan and provide activities for children staying at the park.  

It has been so heartening to see so many of you stepping up to support in any way you can. Thank you for your love and commitment. Together, we are demonstrating why Chicago is, has been, and always will be a sanctuary. This is what a welcoming city looks like, and we are proud to be a part of it. This model of care being provided in Chicago is now being implemented in communities across the country to help more people receive the care they need. If you have any questions or want to support, you can reach our office at info@33rdward.org or by calling 773-840-7880. 

Additionally, I also wanted to inform and remind all of you that Monday will be the inauguration of Mayor Brandon Johnson and the new City Council. Our office will be closed for Inauguration Day. We will reopen and officially kick-off the new term of office on Tuesday, May 16th at 10 AM.

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I wanted to share with you some great news about the recent efforts to help our unhoused neighbors. The tent cities that have been set up along the Kennedy Expressway’s Northwest Side have been cleared out because of construction. I have been working with my colleagues Alderman Carlos Rosa, State Rep Guzzardi, and Senator Pacione Zayas alongside the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, to coordinate response with agencies such as IDOT, CDOT, DFSS, and IDHS to establish the proper process for sheltering unhoused neighbors under the Kennedy Expressway.

About 35 people were living in these long-standing homeless encampments. They have been relocated to apartments or shelters as part of the effort to ensure their safety and well-being. This was made possible by an influx of funding, including $500,000 provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services.

This collaborative effort has been instrumental in ensuring that the residents of these encampments are treated with dignity and respect, and are provided with the resources they need to start a new chapter in their lives.
We are committed to continuing to advocate for the resources we need to create healthier communities and to support those neglected. We believe that by working together, we can significantly increase housing security for our unhoused neighbors and help build a stronger, healthier city.

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!

33rd Ward Resurfacing Project Notice: Belmont, Kimball to Western

There is a resurfacing project happening on West Belmont Ave from North Kimball Ave to North Western Ave. This is a continuation of last year’s project. This work is part of the Chicago Department of Transportation’s Arterial Street Resurfacing – North Area Project, in the 33rd Ward.

Construction started earlier this week, and the work this year will include concrete flatwork, pavement patching, milling and paving the existing asphalt pavement, concrete medians, concrete bus pads, dedicated bike lanes and striping. Last years work focused on ADA sidewalk ramps and curb and gutter replacement.

During construction, temporary “No Parking” signs will be periodically installed as required for each activity listed above. These temporary signs will restrict parking during working hours, while adhering to rush hour restrictions, for the completion of the work. All work on this corridor this year is scheduled to be completed in August 2023.

Neighborhood Events

1. Spring Fling Holiday Bazaar, May 13th

2. Israel’s Gift of Hope Annual Basketball Tournament, May 19th

3. West Walker Garage Sale, May 20th

4. Ravenswood Manor Annual Garage Sale, May 21st

5. Literacy Chicago’s Annual Gala “The Magic of Literacy”, June 1st

6. St. Mary of Providence Open House, June 3rd

7. 312 River Run, June 12th

8. Flavors of Albany Park, June 21st

Youth Opportunities

1. Chicago Park District Summer Camp and Programs – Registration Open Now!

The Chicago Park District’s list of summer camps and other programs is available to view now on their registration portal.

For a list of camps and programs in Irving Park, Albany Park, and North Park, including programs at North Park Village and Peterson Park – see here!

 2. HANA Center’s 2023 Scholarship Application Now Open!

The HANA Center invites applications for the 2023 Mr. Sei Won Kim & Mrs. Ae Nyou Choi Scholarship. This $1000 scholarship aims to invest in the next generation of Korean, Asian American, and multiethnic immigrant leaders who will approach challenges with an open and innovative mind, lift up our communities, and advance equity and justice for all people.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Korean, Asian American, or multiethnic immigrant student age 18-35 enrolled/accepted into an undergraduate or graduate-level university or college (as of Summer or Fall 2023)
• Plans to pursue a career in community work supporting immigrant communities in areas including social services, public health, community organizing, and policy advocacy
• Active engagement in activities that contribute positively to local Korean American and multiethnic immigrant communities

Applications will be considered on the basis of:

• Potential positive impact of applicant’s contributions to support Korean American and multiethnic immigrant communities
• Demonstration of financial need

Applicants must submit:

• Completed application form
• Proof of student enrollment or official acceptance
• Two letters of recommendation
• Resume / Curriculum Vitae

Applicants should complete the application form, including all of the required documents, by Friday, May 19, 2023, 11:59 PM. For questions, please contact Sunaina Randhawa at srandhawa@hanacenter.org.

3. 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.

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. 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.

DFSS Rental Assistance Program

The Rental Assistance Program (RAP) provides funding to Chicagoans who are at risk of becoming homeless. RAP helps Chicagoans who have housing right now, but who may become homeless soon because they lost income or had another eligible emergency which prevents them from paying rent. Learn more and apply at chicago.gov/fss/RAP.

Assistance may include: 

• Payment of future rent, or rent arrears to prevent eviction
• Security deposits in cases of fire, flood, foreclosure, domestic violence, or eviction

You are eligible if: 

• You live in the City of Chicago and are at risk of becoming homeless due to eviction, loss of income or other emergency
• You economically classify as a low-income household
• Your landlord completes the RAP requirements

Options to prove eligibility: 

• Eviction notice, proof of loss of income or proof of other qualifying emergency
• Paystub, benefits statement, or affidavit (explanation) of no income
• Driver’s License, State ID, CityKey, or other
• Lease or Landlord agreement forms

17th District Free Pet Health Fair, May 20th

Join the 17th District in partnership with CACC for free vaccines & microchips for your dogs and cats on Saturday, May 20th from 10am-1pm. Please come to the 17th District south parking lot to line up. This event is first come first serve, limited to (100) animals.

Hearing Aid Research Study

Patient-Centered Hearing Trial at Northwestern University are recruiting participants for their hearing aid research study!

As you may be aware, hearing loss is very common among American adults. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to many other health conditions including cognitive decline. To improve access to hearing healthcare, the FDA has approved over-the-counter hearing aids. Their study is a national trial to understand how individuals can best select and fit their own hearing aids, purchased at a highly discounted rate of $650. 

They are looking to recruit individuals between 50 and 79 years old who have not tried hearing aids before but are experiencing mild to moderate hearing difficulty. They have three sites up and running in the greater Chicago area on Northwestern’s Evanston campus, NMH downtown, and at a clinic in Palos Hills. For more information on how to join the study, call (877)-884-5242 or visit P-CHAT.soc.northwestern.edu.

Business Resources

1. Neighborhood Mix & Mingle, May 16th

Are you looking for real estate-related professionals? Join real estate agents Mary Medill and Sugandhi Chugani for a networking night with industry professionals! Meet local contractors, lawn care providers, insurance agents, and more!

2. Business Grant Applications

• 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. Learn more here.

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

Employment Opportunities

1. CPS Job Fair, May 17th 

2. Free City-wide Job Fair, May 18th

North Branch Works is co-hosting a citywide jobs fair. It will be held on May 18^th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hatchery (135 N. Kedzie Avenue). Available positions include welders, assemblers, inventory control and forklift operators, industrial maintenance mechanics, and food and beverage roles. 

3. CTA Building Small Business Virtual Meeting, May 18th

4. CTA Hiring Event, May 19th

5. 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