On
In This Week’s Newsletter
- Community Bulletin
- Block Party Applications
- Ward Night Out
- Opportunities to support new arrivals in Chicago
- Zoning Update
- Neighborhood Events
- Youth Opportunities
- Financial Health Workshop
- Department of Planning and Development Grant Programs
- Police District Councilors Host Know Your Rights
- Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Fall Registration
- Business Resources
- Employment Opportunities
- COVID-19 Resources
- Community Safety Updates
Quick Links
I wanted to start off this week’s newsletter by providing a reminder about weighing in the Irving Park affordable housing proposal and an update about the ways you can support new arrivals in Chicago.
Submit feedback and comments on Irving Park affordable housing through Thursday, August 17.
First, my office continues to accept feedback from community members on the proposed 100% affordable housing proposal for 2907-2917 W Irving Park Road through Thursday, August 17th. The public community meeting on Thursday, August 4th was one of the best attended of our time in office. Alex Hernandez covered the meeting for Block Club Chicago and you can read about the proposal and the meeting here.
We’ve received a substantial amount of feedback already and I continue to encourage residents to provide our office with feedback. You can review the proposal and provide feedback on our zoning website or you can simply provide feedback on the proposal by clicking here. You are also welcome to come and fill out a physical feedback form at our office as well.
How to support new arrivals in Chicago
I also wanted to give you an update about some of the best ways to support new arrivals in Chicago. Our office is constantly getting calls, emails, and walk-ins from constituents who wish to support new Chicagoans.
At this time there are a number of ways to support new arrivals throughout the city.
One of the immediate ways to help is to check the Amazon Wish List which is regularly updated by Instituto del Progreso Latino. The list is updated frequently to meet the needs of new arrivals in the city’s temporary shelters. Additionally, Instituto del Progreso Latino is accepting monetary donations to purchase items in bulk for new arrivals. Donations can be made by visiting InstitutoChicago.org. For additional information, visit chicago.gov/support.
Note: Please do not drop or donate items at Chicago Police Districts. Additionally only new items are being accepted at this time. Toiletries and new items from the Amazon Wish list are the highest priority right now.
If you do have furniture to donate that is in good condition, the Chicago Furniture Bank is your best bet. The Furniture Bank, in partnership with New Life Centers, is providing furniture to new arrivals who are being resettled into permanent housing. The Furniture Bank is also the largest provider of free furniture to the unhoused Chicagoans as well.
If you are interested in supporting ongoing local mutual aid efforts, we encourage you to support the Community Care Collective and donate some of your time, resources, energy, and skills. Please click here to learn more.
*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!
Ward Night Out
Ward Night Out is an opportunity to bring your questions or concerns to the Alderwoman in a one-on-one meeting. Each Ward Night Out is first come, first serve. Walk-ins will be taken until 6:45 pm. For more information, please contact our office at info@33rdward.org or 773-840-7880.
Migrant Support Opportunities
Having trouble filling a vacant apartment? Chicago Rents can help
Earlier this week, Ariel Parrella-Aureli reported on the Chicago Rents program for Block Club. If you’re not already familiar with this program, Chicago Rents is a program that offers guaranteed rents and additional incentives for landlords interested in providing affordable housing for tenants.The program has already housed more than 2000 Chicagoans. Chicago Rents provides support to both the tenant and the landlord throughout the duration of the lease. If you’re a landlord who’s interested in learning more, click here. Landlords can also fill out a survey by clicking here and Chicago Rents staff will reach out to you.
Zoning Update
The Board of Education of the City of Chicago (BOE) is seeking to change the zoning designation for North River Elementary School and ASPIRA Haugan Middle School” with a common address of 3729 W. Leland Avenue (the “Property” or “School”) from its current Institutional Planned Development #878 (IPD #878) to a B1-3 Neighborhood Shopping District and then to Institutional Planned Development #878, as Amended.
The purpose of the application is simply to allow a new sign with a 17 square foot dynamic image display within the School’s courtyard entry area on W. Leland Avenue. The sign will face west down W. Leland Avenue. No other changes to the School or its operations are proposed. The proposed zoning application will be heard by the Chicago Plan Commission at its hearing on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 10am in City Council Chambers, 121 N. LaSalle Street.
Any questions regarding the application can be addressed to our office or counsel for the BOE, Scott R. Borstein, 312 641-7144.
Neighborhood Events
1. Israel’s Gifts of Hope Back to School Drive, August 12th
2. Kelvyn Park’s Annual Mercado & Back to School Fair, August 12th
3. Upcoming North River Commission and Albany Park Chamber of Commerce events
Thursday, August 17 | 7pm-9pm | Tapestry 360, 3737 W Lawrence: Lot Jams (the last concert!)
Don’t miss North River Commission’s last Lot Jams of the summer. It’s next Thursday, August 17th and will feature Radio Free Honduras at Tapestry 360 Health! Join NRC for a free concert and fun activities, free pizza from Golden Crust and free popcorn! #albanypark #lotjams #community #livemusic
4. Back 2 School Fiesta, August 19th
5. Community Summer Block Party, Aug 19th
6. Transforming Community Safety Collective’s Pop-Up Skatepark, August 20th
7. SAGE Brigade Summer Meet-up
You are cordially invited to the Summer Sage Brigade Senior Meet-Up!
With guest speaker from the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP). SHIP is a free statewide health insurance counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers. The helpline can answer questions on Medicare, Medicaid, enrollment, drug plan information, and more.
8. Clean & Green, August 26th
9. Self Defense & Empowerment Seminar, August 26th
10. Participatory Budgeting (PB) Launch Party! 🎉 Aug 31st
Join us for an exciting evening of community empowerment as we kick off our Participatory Budgeting initiative.
Are you curious about how local infrastructure improvements are decided? Interested in having a say in where funds are allocated?
This is your chance! Learn the ins and outs of Participatory Budgeting, learn about upcoming projects, and find out how you can join the PB Committee. Your voice matters, and together, we can improve and maintain our community through direct participation in infrastructure decisions. Mark your calendar and join us in our office located at 4747 N Sawyer on August 31st from 4-7pm. Let’s shape our community, together!
11. River Park Summer Event Calendar
12. Horner Park Advisory Council Summer Concert Series. Find the schedule here.
13. FEEDING CATS? SEEING CATS NEAR YOU? OR JUST WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Log in to this free community Zoom workshop from Cats in Action.
Helping Cats Near You
The 4th Sunday of every month
4pm – 6pm
Details here: www.catsinaction.org/workshops
Zoom Meeting ID:
868 5394 9492
Learn how to help community cats through TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), what to do with kittens, ongoing colony management, preventing nuisance issues and much more!
Youth Opportunities
1. Back to School Birth Certificate Days, August 19th
With the first day of school fast approaching, the Cook County Clerk’s Office will be offering extended weekend hours on select Saturdays in August for families seeking to obtain birth certificates to complete their child’s registration for school, sports, extracurricular activities, etc.
Their Back-to-School Birth Certificate Days will take place on Saturday, August 5, and Saturday, August 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Clerk’s Office locations in Markham, Maywood, and downtown Chicago.
Please help us serve our shared constituents and get the word out by posting this information to your social media pages, newsletters, or any other community outreach opportunities in your ward.
2. 2023 Community Services Block Grant Scholarship Program
The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) is currently accepting applications for its 2023 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarship Program.
The CSBG scholarship program provides financial assistance to Chicago residents attending post-secondary education programs during the fall semester of 2023 and has minimum income requirements to meet the eligibility criteria. DFSS is dedicated and committed to making resources available to residents that build stability, support their well-being, and empower them to thrive. To learn more, click here.
Applications must be received by DFSS via the web-based CSBG Scholarship Application Platform on Friday, August 25, 2023, by 5:00 p.m. DFSS will host webinars on August 2nd and August 9th at 10:00 a.m to discuss the program. To register for a webinar, applicants should email their choice of date and time to: DFSScsbgscholarship@cityofchicago.org. For additional questions or concerns, please contact us at DFSScsbgscholarship@cityofchicago.org.
3. 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!
Department of Planning and Development Grant Programs, Applications Due August 18th
The City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development is currently accepting applications for its Community Development, Climate Infrastructure Fund, and Equitable Transit-Oriented Development grant programs. You can review the criteria for each of the programs here. Applications are due by Friday, August 18th.
Business Resources
1. B2B Networking Event: POS & E-Commerce, August 24th
Join the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce on the fourth B2B networking event of the year where Maru Braemer, consultant at EPNA, will lead a discussion about POS and e-commerce. A networking happy hour will follow the presentation. Light appetizers will be served and you will be able to buy delicious cocktails and refreshing beer at Los Barriles Restaurant and Sports Bar.
- WHERE: Los Barriles Restaurant, 3548 W Lawrence
- PRICE: Free for Chamber members + 1 guest; $5 for non-members
- TICKETS: Get your tickets here
2. Maximizing Social Media & Digital for Your Small Business, August 29th
In this FREE workshop, in partnership with Uptown United, you will learn how to take better photos for social media and for your website, Google visibility, learn about free digital tools for your business, and SEO.
3. Business Grant Applications
- 2023 Source Grant provides up to $20,000 to small businesses to help stabilize operations, foster recovery, and resiliency, and advance equity in a post-pandemic economy. This grant is brought to you by the Cook County Small Business Resource. Businesses located in Cook County with fewer than 20 full-time employees that were in business prior to 2020 are eligible to apply. This opportunity is available for businesses in all sectors. The deadline to apply is Friday, August 18.
- Businesses with 2019 gross revenue between $20k-$50k are eligible to receive $10K grants
- Businesses with 2019 gross revenue of more than $50k are eligible to receive $20K grants.
- The Chicago Recovery Plan: provides additional opportunities for the City to invest in catalytic local development through three grants. DPD is accepting applications for grant funding to support local commercial, mixed-use, and light manufacturing development. City staff will prioritize projects in areas of Chicago where there is a history of disinvestment or limited private investment. The deadline to apply for all three grants is Friday, August 18th.
- Community Development Grants: Grants of more than $250,000 that can be used for pre-development, construction, or renovation costs for permanent capital improvement projects. Open to community developers, business owners, entrepreneurs, and property owners. Site control is preferred, but not required.
- Equitable Transit-Oriented Development: The City of Chicago is giving grants to support eligible affordable housing, mixed-use, or small-business ETOD.
- ETOD Development Grants: Grants of up to $250,000 to be used for construction or renovation costs for permanent capital improvement projects. Proposals will be evaluated based on how they help to meet the goals of the ETOD Policy Plan and advance aspects of the Connected Communities Ordinance.
- ETOD Pre-Development Grants: Grants up to $150,000 to execute planning and pre-development activities for ETOD initiatives during a twelve-month period (with the opportunity for extension).
- Climate Infrastructure Fund: $50,000 to $250,000 will be awarded to neighborhood projects that mitigate the effects of climate change and accelerate the city’s equitable transition to the green economy. The three categories for the application are: 1) Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Systems, 2) Electric Vehicles (EV) and EV Charging Infrastructure, 3) Green Infrastructure (GI).
For more business grant information please, visit North River Commission’s website.
Employment Opportunities
1. CTA Second Chance Program
2. North River Commission is Seeking an ESL Teacher
North River Commission’s FORGE program is looking for an Adult ESL teacher for classes starting in September 2023. Interested candidates do not need a formal teaching license or ESL certificate, only a solid grasp of the English language and comfortability teaching others. Classes will take place at Palmer Elementary School, likely 2 – 3 hours per week. Pay is $50/hr. Please reach out to Stef Coleman at stefcoleman@northrivercommission.org if you’re interested!
NRC’s FORGE program is a before and after-school program funded by a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, and is located at four schools on the northwest side: Albany Park Multicultural Academy, Bateman Elementary, Palmer Elementary, and Von Steuben High School. The program is free for students who attend those schools and includes frequent, free parent and family components, such as ESL classes!
3. The North River Commission is seeking a community development specialist
Do you have an interest or background in community development and the environment? North River Commission is hiring a Community Development Specialist to work on these key focus areas as well as public art, placemaking, and more.The Community Development Specialist is essential in developing and maintaining strategic partnerships among stakeholders that result in impactful solutions. Click here to learn more about the opportunity.
If you’re looking for work, consider giving the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) a look. The CTA is in the midst of a major recruitment campaign. Visit the CTA’s careers website to learn more. New jobs are posted every Friday.
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
2. The Community Commission on Public Safety and Accountability has revealed the top 3 candidates for the position of Chicago Police Superintendent.
The nominees include CPD Deputy Chief Angel Novalez, who heads CPD’s division focused on constitutional policing and reform, Shon Barnes, serving as the Chief of Police in Madison, and CPD Deputy Chief Larry Snelling, responsible for overseeing CPD’s counterterrorism efforts. Mayor Brandon Johnson has until this Sunday August 13th to choose a nominee for the Superintendent role from these finalists, and subsequently, the complete City Council will participate in a vote to confirm the selection.
3. The Village and Ravenswood Manor-Albany Park Circle hosting a Zoom with 17th Police District Council on Thursday, August 30. The 3 elected members are confirmed to participate.
On Thursday, August 30th at 7 pm, the Village and Ravenswood Manor-Albany Park Circle will host a Zoom meeting with 17th District Police Councilors Anthony Tamez, Elizabeth Rochford and Steve Spagnolo. Contact Karen, kegerer@comcast.net, for the Zoom link and with any questions you have for our three 17th District Police Council Members.
