Earlier this week, Chicago experienced some of the poorest air quality in the entire world for several days as a result of smoke and debris from Canadian wildfires. Since Canadian wildfires are expected to get worse in the immediate future, not better, Chicago could face a similar situation again in the coming weeks. Please consider using this time to get prepared and to educate yourself, loved ones, elders, neighbors, and community members about air quality risks.

It’s recommended that you keep your doors and windows shut as much as possible on bad air days and use air purifiers, fans, and air cleaners. If you don’t have an air purifier, you can build a Corsi-Rosenthal Box using a box fan, MERV-13 air filters, and duct tape. Learn more about how to build this DIY air purifier here. The directions are available in both English and Spanish. Additional background information on the Corsi-Rosenthal DIY purifier can be found here. If you are looking to purchase an air purifier, ComEd is currently offering a $50 rebate on Energy Star-certified air purifiers. Learn more here. 

Many air conditioners draw air from the outside and do not eliminate smoke so running an air conditioner on a bad air day with no purification does not address issues of exposure. If your air conditioner has the option to re-circulate air, make sure that you do that. 

If you must go outside on a bad air day, limit your time outside and wear an N95/KN95 mask which can help reduce your risk of exposure to 2.5 PPM (parts per million) air pollution. 2.5 PPM refers to the concentration of fine particulate matter in the air. These tiny particles are small enough to be inhaled deeply into the respiratory system, causing health problems when present in high concentrations. PM2.5 pollution can result from various sources such as vehicle emissions, industrial processes, power generation, and wildfires. ProjectN95 is a good resource to find a wide variety of N95 and respirator-style masks. 

For information about air quality on a day-to-day basis, visit airnow.gov. If you want to sign-up to receive emergency text alerts from the city, visit Notify Chicago.

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Police districts around the city will be on the lookout for illegal fireworks displays, and this could result in a fine paid to the city. Please be sure to exercise caution and be mindful of our neighbors who are most impacted by the loud, sudden noises: our veterans, senior citizens, pets, and natural wildlife. 4th of July Fireworks are also likely to impact air quality so keep an eye on those monitors. We hope you have a safe holiday weekend!

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The Office of Climate and Environmental Equity recently released a survey that all Chicagoans are encouraged to complete. This survey asks about your environmental concerns and priorities, along with any additional comments you may have. The input will be used to help guide the city’s environmental structure and organization going forward. Please visit chi.gov/OCEE by Sunday, July 2nd to participate and have your voice heard!

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With the NASCAR street race transforming parts of downtown into a racetrack this weekend, please prepare for street closures, additional traffic delays, and transit reroutes in the downtown area. The Chicago Transit Authority has published a guide of the routes that will be impacted over the next few weeks. The city has also published a list of street closures that you can review here. Our office encourages you to use public transit if you’re traveling around the city this holiday weekend. 

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A quick reminder, our office will be closed July 3rd-4th, and we will reopen at 10am on July 5th.

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!

Volunteer Opportunities to Support the Newly Arrived Migrants

The Sanctuary Working Group of the Chicago Religious Leaders Network has developed a model for how to accompany families and they want to share this model.

If you are interested in being part of this effort, please go to lppchurch.org and fill out the form on that page and submit it. Once you submit it, someone will be in touch within 48 hours. Individual people or households can also be a part of this effort and will follow the same process.

Every person or community member interested will be required to attend an in person Training/Orientation. Please email Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church if you are interested in attending an upcoming training session at office@lppchurch.org.

Friends of Roosevelt Raffle for the Cluster Program

Friends of Roosevelt are currently hosting a raffle for the Roosevelt High School Cluster Program. The Cluster Program is an Educational Program for students with a higher level of need. These are students who have been diagnosed with Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, or both and need more individualized support. The cluster Program continues to be underfunded, which creates a struggle to provide students with the resources and learning environment they need and deserve.

All of the Funds Raised From the Raffle will go to the RHS Cluster Program. By entering into the raffle you would have a chance to win tickets to see Beyoncé in concert on July 22nd! 

Click here for more information and to enter the raffle.

Department of Water Management’s New Citywide Service Line Website

Check out DWM’s new citywide water service line website! In case you don’t know, the service line is the pip that carries water from the water main in the street to the property. DWM’s new website will allow for you to learn what kind of material your service line pipe is made of and if it needs replacement. All you have to do is go to their website, type in your address or water account number, and press find. The website will give you the status of your service line and offer next steps based on the results. 

For more questions, please call DWM at (312)-742-2406.

Community Advisory Council Applications, Deadline TODAY

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) is currently accepting applicants to our Community Advisory Council. This council is responsible for serving as a conduit between the broader Chicago community and COPA in order to assist the agency in creating and maintaining an effective and transparent dialog with the citizens we serve. Council members will share perspectives from the community about the agency’s work, as well as provide input on COPA-related topics that affect City of Chicago residents.

This is a great opportunity for interested Chicago residents to get involved with COPA and civilian oversight of law enforcement. 

Click here for more information and to apply.

Minimum Wage Increase Starting Tomorrow

On July 1, Chicago’s minimum wage increases per the Minimum Wage Ordinance. The Chicago minimum wage is tiered for large businesses with 21 or more employees, and small businesses with 4 to 20 employees. The minimum wage as of July 1, 2023, will be:  

• $15.80 for employers with 21 or more employees
• $15.00 for employers with 4 to 20 employees  
• $9.48 for tipped employees for employers with 21 or more employees
• $9.00 for tipped employees for employers with 4 to 20 employees (employers must make up the difference between any tips received and the applicable minimum wage for non-tipped workers.)    

The Chicago minimum wage also applies to Subsidized Temporary Youth Employment Programs. Anyone age 24 or younger employed by or engaged in employment coordinated by a nonprofit organization or government agency will see a minimum wage increase to $13.50 on July 1st.

Neighborhood Events

1. Legislative Town Hall, July 7th

2. Climate Migration Joy Circle, July 8th

3. Free Kidney & Diabetes Screening, July 12th

4. 10th Annual Procurement Symposium, July 13th

5. Free Paper Shredding Event, July 14th

6. Thrive Together Annual Summer Fundraiser, July 20th

7. Horner Park Brewfest, July 21st

8. Summer Float Party, July 23rd

Youth Opportunities

1. Roosevelt High School Registration Days

2. Mayor’s Youth Commission Accepting Application for 2023-2024 Cohort, Due TOMORROW

The Mayor’s Youth Commission is a group of up to 32 Chicagoans between the ages of 14 and 19 that serve as a liaison between the Chicago Mayor’s Office and Chicago’s youth. The Commission meets monthly to foster youth-driven civic engagement and amplify youth vices to impact the City’s critical policy conversations. Any youth that is interested must apply by July 1st.

This is a paid opportunity for youth and a great way for young people to get their voice heard! Click here to apply today!

For any questions about the application or for more information about the Mayor’s Youth Council, please email mayorsyouthcommission@cityofchicago.org

3. 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.

4. 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!

5. 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.

6. 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!

Free Summer Events in Chicago Parks

The Chicago Park District is offering hundreds of free events in parks across the city this summer. Please visit their website for more information.

Affordable Housing Workshops in July

In July, the Spanish Coalition for Housing and facilitate workshops within Logan Square about CHA Affordable Housing. For more information about these events, please visit their website.

Kimball Station Area & Curb Mobility Study

Help the City of Chicago build better connections to the Kimball Station! Do you shop on Lawrence Ave? Take the bus or the Brown Line? Or live in Albany Park? You can win a $25 gift card for sharing your thoughts on how you get around and why. Take the survey here.

NAMI Chicago Hotline

NAMI Chicago is the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which is the largest grassroots mental health advocacy organization in the country. We operate a mental health helpline where residents can call for themselves or a loved one to receive help in accessing mental health services in their community. Their Helpline can help people navigate the mental health system based on their needs and goals.

Mental health affects everyone, no matter who they are or where they are from. That’s why NAMI Chicago is committed to showing up for everyone in the community—whether it’s Chicago’s first responders, students and school staff, a person on the other end of the phone, or in the community, meeting individuals where they are. NAMI Chicago knows healing is possible on a community level. Read their Roadmap to Wellness here.

Free Asthma Services in Chicago

Do you know a child, adult or family member that has uncontrolled asthma? The American Lung Association in Greater Chicago has a program where a skilled healthcare professional will visit your home and provide an asthma assessment. The healthcare professional will provide health education and any materials and products needed to mitigate your asthma symptoms. Products include, but are not limited to, green cleaners, HEPA vacuum cleaners, air cleaners, beds, bed and pillow covers.

Beat Facilitator Applications are Open

Apply today to become a Beat Facilitator.

Stand Up and Speak Out Chicago is a campaign organized by the Chicago Police Department to ask Community Residents and business stakeholders to unite efforts to work together to create change, build relationships and make Chicago safe.

They are now accepting applications. Click here for more information

Business Resources

1. Business Grant Applications

• WomensNet’s Grants: Offers several grants, including the monthly $10,000 Amber Grant and quarterly Startup Grant. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Top Small Business Awards: Offers a $25,000 cash prize to startups with fewer than 250 employees or less than $20 million in gross revenues. Deadline to apply is July 7. 
• Fresh Start Business Grant: A program that offers entrepreneurs a $2,500 grant to put toward startup and free business formation services. Deadlines are June 30 and Sept. 30. 

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

Employment Opportunities

1. Job Fair & Open House at HANA Center, August 11th

HANA Center is excited to invite you to their 2023 in-person Job Fair!

Come prepared to connect with employers from various industries – please bring multiple copies of your resume and cover letter, or sign up for their resume writing workshop before the event (Contact Rubi at rzamudio-rivera@hanacenter.org or 847-250-7348)

This is a free event to both job seekers and employers. Plus, get a professional haircut or get your professional headshot taken at NO COST!

Click here to RSVP today!

2. Concordia Place is hiring for President & CEO

Concordia Place is currently seeking a President and CEO. for more information about the role and how to apply, click here. 

3. 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.

4. UR Chicago Alliance Employment Opportunities

UR Chicago Alliance is a faith-based work development program that unites and mobilizes churches, community organizations, and businesses to provide access to living-wage opportunities and long-term support through a network of Christ-centered relationships. URCA’s focus is on:

• Job Readiness and Life Skills Training: We provide 8-week training using the Chalmers Center job preparedness curriculum. We provide program participants with access to technology and coaching in digital literacy, resume building, interviewing, networking, and code switching.
• Long-Term Mentorship: Each program participant is paired with a mentor from the local community for 18 months who provides support as they pursue living-wage work.
• Community Partnerships: Our robust network of community partners helps address issues related to poverty and unemployment including adult education classes, counseling, financial literacy, and others.
• Employment Partnerships: URCA maintains an active pipeline of employer partnerships, and we regularly update Leaders on job opportunities. Once placed, our program participants earn wages ranging from $15 to $46 per hour with benefits for full-time positions.

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