Dear 33rd Ward neighbors, 

In the midst of the asylum seekers’ arrival, our community has rallied again to support these new arrivals. Please read Mina Bloom and Alex Hernandez’s piece in Block Club Chicago earlier this week on our collective efforts to truly build communities of care. It’s beautiful, inspiring, and empowering to see this work happening throughout the 33rd Ward. During the darkest days of the pandemic, our community rallied together by building mutual aid efforts to secure and deliver masks to neighbors, support the unhoused, and those who couldn’t access food and much needed supplies. Re-engaging and reactivating these volunteer and rapid response networks to support the new arrivals in our area is exactly what we talk about when we nourish a caring community. I’m incredibly proud that what we’ve built in the last few weeks is being replicated all across the city. 

There are still plenty of ways to get involved in these efforts if you would like to. You’re welcome to contact our office info@33rdward.org or by calling 773-840-7880. 

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.

33rd Ward Zoning Update

Our office expects that a zoning change application will soon be filed with the City Council’s Committee on Zoning for the property generally located at 3004-3006 W Belmont. The applicant proposes to rehabilitate the existing two-story building and add an additional floor. CDZD partner Avondale Neighborhood Association has reviewed the proposal and provided feedback to the applicant. Community members can review the proposal here and submit feedback by visiting https://33rdward.org/zoning-proposals/.

Neighborhood Events

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

2. Asylum 101 Training, Every Wednesday in May

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. North River Youth Council Wellness Festival, June 3rd

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

8. 312 River Run, June 12th

9. Flavors of Albany Park, June 21st

Youth Opportunities

1. Chicago Fire Student Discount

Chicago Fire is offering student passes to all CPS and local college students in Chicago. Click here to get yours today.

2. 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!

3. Roosevelt High School Freshman Registration Days

Click here to make your appointment today.

4. Queen of Angels Open House, May 23rd

Click here to RSVP

 5. 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 TODAY at 11:59 PM. For questions, please contact Sunaina Randhawa at srandhawa@hanacenter.org.

6. 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.

7. 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!

8. 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

Spanish Language Edition of Openlands’s Treekeepers Course

Environmental group Openlands is offering a Spanish language version of its popular tree stewardship course this summer. The course is offered free of charge, but spots are limited. Classes take place at McKinley Park on Tuesday and Thursdays from 6:15 to 8 from July 11 to August 3rd.  Learn more here and sign-up here. You can also email treekeepers@openlands.org for additional information. 

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.

Free Legal Advice, May 20th

Residents Can Get FREE Legal Advice from The Chicago Bar Association

Do you need legal help? Not sure if you need an attorney or just need a little advice? Attorneys with The Chicago Bar Association’s Call-A-Lawyer Program are ready and available to take calls from the public and offer brief legal advice on Saturday, May 20. The CBA is here to help as part of an ongoing legal public service program.

Calls will be accepted on May 20 from 9 a.m. to noon at (312) 554-2001.

Residents can call in and briefly explain their situation to an attorney, who will then work to suggest self-help strategies or provide advice to help resolve their issues. If callers need further legal services or have questions beyond the scope of the attorney’s practice area, they will be advised to contact the CBA Lawyer Referral Service during the week for a referral to an attorney in the appropriate area of law.

The CBA’s Lawyer Referral Service has more than 200 prescreened, qualified lawyers experienced in almost every area of law that offers their services to the public. When contacting the LRS during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, callers can be referred to attorneys practicing in numerous areas of law, including:

• Domestic Relations – including divorce, custody, support, and other family law matters.
• Personal Injury – including auto accidents, slip and falls, product liability, wrongful death, malpractice, and other types of injury cases.
• Estate Planning – including will and trust drafting, probate, and will contest.
• Real Estate – including buying or selling real estate, foreclosure defense and landlord/tenant issues.
• Employment Law – including wrongful termination, harassment, and discrimination.

To reach a lawyer after normal business hours, the CBA offers an On-Call service that provides callers access to attorneys in three different areas of law. You can reach a lawyer 24/7 for help with criminal defense, personal injury, and family law matters by calling (312) 554-2001 or visiting www.lrs.chicagobar.org

Listening Session with the Department of Housing, May 24th

DOH is hosting an in-person listening session on May 24 for individuals who identify at LGBTQIA+. This listening session is open to those across the city of Chicago and will be the first of an ongoing series. Click here to RSVP.

Autism & ABA Therapy Parent Workshop, May 31st

Rise Up 4 Autism, invites you to join them for a FREE Autism & ABA Therapy Parent Workshop on Wednesday, May 31 at their new Albany Park location, 4901 N Kedzie Ave. The workshops will take place at from 12:30-1:30 pm or 5:30 pm- 6:30 pm. Click here to learn more!

Workshop discussion topics include:

• Early signs of Autism
• What is ABA Therapy
• Available Services for your child

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.

Small Business Spotlight: The Taco House

This week we wanted to shine a spotlight on The Taco House located at 3336 W Lawrence Avenue – right across the street from the Kimball Brown Line. Taco House recently rebranded and is proud to continue to anchor this street of Lawrence. Pro Tip: You can’t go wrong with the al pastor and skirt steak tacos!

Business Resources

1. Meta 101 Workshop, May 22nd & 23rd

Join the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce on the first in-person workshop of the year to learn about social media hacks, how to make good posts, how to take good pictures, how to use Meta and Canva, and much more! Bring your computer and your phone and all your questions about social media. This will be the first of a series of workshops – join us in May, June and July!

RSVP below:

May 22nd event in English

May 23rd event in Spanish

2. Small Business Composting Program

North River Commission and Special Service Area #60 are excited to announce a composting pilot program in partnership with WasteNot Compost, Chicagoland’s largest compost collector and only zero-emissions service provider. 

This pilot program empowers businesses to divert food and other organic waste from landfills, in an effort to foster a thriving, sustainable community. WasteNot is proud to offer SSA #60 exclusive rates, engaged support, and special services to SSA #60. This includes education and marketing materials for businesses to make composting an easy addition to your operation and promote the initiative to the larger community. WasteNot offers an approach to composting that is centered on engagement, convenience, and customer satisfaction. SSA #60 is excited to even further the accessibility of this program by offering a generous rebate to all participating businesses within the SSA.

Interested businesses should complete this form for more information or to join! Please reach out to Tommy at tommy@wastenotcompost.com with any questions about the program

3. Business Grant Applications

• The Ignite Fund supports the creation and presentation of experimental, innovative, public-facing, and accessible visual arts-based projects by Chicago-area artists and artist-led collectives. The Ignite Fund provides two types of grants: project grants ($3,000 and $6,000) and research & development grants ($1,500). Individual artists and artist-led collectives (up to 6 people) are eligible to apply for Ignite Fund grants.
  • Application closes May 26, 2023, 11:59pm (CT).
  • Find more information and APPLY HERE!

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

Employment Opportunities

1. Chicago Tool Library is Hiring!

The Chicago Tool Library is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to provide equitable access to tools, equipment, and information to allow all Chicagoans to learn, share, and create. Located in the West Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago, our lending library houses thousands of items that range from basic hand tools and table saws to ice cream makers and camping equipment. We are a forward-thinking organization hoping to help our city reshape its relationship to ownership, consumption, and creativity.

They are seeking 1-2 part-time Tool Librarians with an anticipated start in June. Click here for the full job description and to apply.

2. Nursing Job Fair, May 23rd 

3. Pharmacy Job Fair, May 25th

4. 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