This week, the city opened registration for a new mass vaccination site at the United Center. The site will begin administering Covid-19 vaccines next Tuesday, with capacity to administer 6,000 doses per day.
Vaccine supply from the federal government is still limited. The initial round of 110,000 appointments are limited to seniors aged 65+. If appointments still remain at 4PM Sunday, and if there are still appointments open and we have heard that many are still struggling to navigate the city’s appointment system. As of Friday, appointments still remain, and you can sign up through zocdoc.com/vaccine or by calling 312.746.4835. Call centers will be open from 8am to 8pm Monday through Saturday, and 8am to 4pm on Sunday.
This is a huge step forward in our ability to get our seniors and frontline workers–and eventually, all of us–vaccinated. As more appointments become available, we will be expanding our public health outreach and education here in our diverse 33rd Ward.
With official public-health outreach from the city and state still limited, we will be organizing volunteers to help us ensure that residents of all ages, languages, and digital savvy know how to get vaccinated. We’ll be putting flyers with registration information for the United Center up in high-traffic parts of the ward this weekend, and you can also download the flyer to forward or share with neighbors, family members, and friends.
We are also building a volunteer program to reach out to, and help schedule appointments for, our residents who may be struggling to navigate the online sign-up process. For now, we are seeking volunteers who can help dedicate some time to searching appointment websites for 33rd Ward residents who qualify for phase 1B. In the coming weeks, we will also need volunteers to help call and flyer seniors and other residents for whom language or Internet access might be a barrier to getting vaccinated.
If you can help our seniors and frontline workers search for vaccine appointments–or you know someone in these groups who needs help–please sign up below!
In This Week’s Newsletter
- Covid-19 updates, including new hotspots in 60618 and 60625
- March 11: Community meeting on Avondale liquor moratoriums
- March 12: Deadline to submit your ward infrastructure suggestions
- New community resources: car-seat inspection station and “living room” for mental-health support
- Shared Streets Feedback Survey
- Have an available rental unit? Sign up for the Covid-19 Expedited Housing Program
- One Earth Film Fest and other community events
- USPS mail delivery issues
Quick Links
Covid-19 Need-to-Know Info
COVID-19 test positivity continues to decline in Chicago, however case incidence is slightly higher
this week than last week.
7-day rolling average for COVID-19 test positivity in Chicago is 2.9%. This is a decrease from the prior
week’s 7-day average of 3.2%.
• 7-day rolling average for daily COVID-19 cases in Chicago is 283. This is an increase from the prior
week’s 7-day average of 263 daily cases.
According to the Chicago public health department’s data, portions of the 60625 and 60618 zip codes in the 33rd Ward are currently hotspots for Covid-19 infections, along with much of the northwest side.
This data fluctuates, and is not a cause for panic. But it is a reminder to continue being vigilant about wearing a mask, washing your hands, and limiting interaction with those outside your households, especially indoors.
Vaccine Workshop
Want to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and how it works? Join Dr. Jasmine Saavedra from Esperanza Health Centers for an hour-long presentation and Q&A session where we’ll explore how the vaccine protects the body from COVID-19 and answer any questions you may have.
This session will be in English and a session in Spanish will be held on March 9th at 5pm. Register here.
Vaccination Updates
Chicago remains in phase 1b of its vaccine rollout, which includes residents 65+ and specific groups of highest-risk and front-line essential workers. The city expects it to take at least through February and March for people in these groups to get their first dose of vaccine because of limited supply. But, we are making progress!
The city’s health department has partnered with Zocdoc to create a more centralized platform where people can check for and schedule vaccination appointments when they’re available. You can view available appointments through Zocdoc at zocdoc.com/vaccine.
The Chicago Department of Health has established a call center to address questions from the public. Phone lines are currently staffed from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Email coronavirus@chicago.gov or call 312.746.4835.
The latest vaccine distribution data is available for the City is available at:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/vaccine-data.html
The City of Chicago will share updates on vaccine availability within Chicago at www.chicago.gov/COVIDvax.
Testing Options
The City’s community-based testing sites remain open to all people living in Chicago, regardless of insurance or immigration status. You’re encouraged to register in advance at http://chicagocovidtesting.com/.
If there aren’t any available time slots, you can use this interactive testing map to locate other testing sites nearby. There are a number of options in or near the 33rd ward:
1. Swedish Hospital: Call: 773-907-7700 or go online for more information.
2. Pharmacy One, 4751 N. Kedzie Ave, 2nd Floor. Schedule an appointment via email or their Facebook page. pharmacyone@curishealthcare.org.
3. Heartland Health Centers is offering FREE COVID-19 testing for those that are uninsured, regardless of immigration status. Call 773-751-7800 for an appointment. More info here.
4. Physicians Immediate Care, Six Corners at 4211 N Cicero Ave. Curbside COVID-19 testing for anyone with symptoms. Website.
March 11: Community Meeting on Avondale Liquor Moratoriums
Infrastructure improvements in the 33rd Ward: We want to hear from you!
If a street or alley in your area is in need of some attention, let us know! The Chicago Department of Transportation gives our office data on the condition of our streets and alleys to inform how we use our annual funds to improve the ward. This data does not, however, offer us insight on the experience of residents who live, work, or commute in the Ward — insight that only our 33rd Ward neighbors can offer us.
We created a new form where residents can submit Infrastructure Improvement Recommendations so we can take them into account when determining the next 2021 Menu.
The deadline for recommendations for the 2021 budget is March 12, 2021.
We have taken all recommendations that have been submitted via email and phone calls but we wanted to create a form where residents can formally submit their ideas.
NOTE: You do need a Google account to submit this form because we are asking for images to be submitted. So please take pictures before submitting your recommendation.
New Community Resources in the 33rd Ward
We are blessed in the 33rd Ward with many wonderful community partners. Two of them, Rincon Family Services and Concordia Place, have just launched new community resources that we want to share.
“The Living Room” at Rincon Family Services
The Living Room Program is Rincon Family Services’ (RFS) new initiative to continue providing quality services to the residents of our communities. The Living Room is a community respite program that offers an alternative to Emergency Departments (ED) for people experiencing an emotional crisis. It aims to provide a comfortable and safe, non-clinical space to adults, 18 years old and over, that are experiencing a mental health crisis.
Hours of operation: Mon – Fri 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Located at 3710 N Kedzie Ave
For additional information, contact program director Deborah Al-Waraqi at (773) 5649070 or dalwaraqi@rinconfamilyservices.org
The Living Room will have the following rooms available for the use of Guests:
1) Private Space – A space where Guests will first meet with the Recovery Support Specialist and/or Qualified Mental Health Professional for an assessment to evaluate appropriateness for the program.
2) The Living Room – A common space where Guests can sit down and watch programming selected to help them keep calmed and relaxed.
3) Meditation Room – A space where Guests can retreat to for meditation, deep breathing, or to calm down. This space will have minimalistic furniture, electric candles, soft light, a water fountain, and other items conducive to relaxation, or for calming down.
4) Art Therapy Room – In this room, Guests can use art as a medium to express themselves, play board games, color in adult-themed coloring books, etc.
5) Gaming Room – Research shows that gaming is a powerful tool to reduce stress after a long day. In this room, Guests will be able to play selected games that can help them relax. We will also have computers in this area to be used by Guests for employment-related activities.
6) Library – Reading is also a great tool to escape from the stress of everyday life. In the Library, Guests will have a good selection of books and magazines at their disposal. There will also be board games for the use of Guests.
There is also kitchenette area full with healthy snacks and beverages for those guests in need of nourishment. The facility will also have showers for the use of guests, and a washing machine/dryer where guests can wash their clothes if needed.
The Living Room will always be staffed by two Recovery Support Specialist and a Qualified Mental Health Professional. All will receive intensive training on various issues related to service provision, including Trauma-Informed Care, Active Listening, Motivational Interviewing, and other similar topics.
Car Seat Inspection Station at Concordia Place
Did you know that 4 out of 5 car seats are incorrectly placed? Concordia Place is offering free Car Seat Inspections one Saturday a month from March-June. Call 312-695-8663 or e-mail sandra.torres@nm.org to schedule an appointment.
Dates are: March 13, April 3, May 8, and June 12
Time: 10AM – 12PM
Location: Concordia Place, 3300 N Whipple
Shared Streets Feedback
The Active Transit Alliance is seeking feedback for a short survey developed to gauge responses to the Shared Streets program rolled out during the warmer months of the Covid 19 pandemic. Active Trans will be using the response to create a report on the program.
Here is the survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MRS2H2X
Available Units Needed for Covid-19 Expedited Housing Program
The City of Chicago, through DFSS, is leveraging $35 million of CARES Act funding to ensure that Chicagoans who are disproportionately likely to suffer because of COVID-19 can shelter in long-term stable housing. This investment in the Expedited Housing Initiative (EHI) has allowed the Chicago Continuum of Care to help more than 400 individuals and families apply for housing since October 2020, including more than 60 people who have been living in encampments in the city. EHI aims to house more than 2,000 additional households in the next year.
More than 100 landlords have already joined the program and are receiving financial incentives, free advertising, tenant case management, and timely payments, all while contributing to ending homelessness in Chicago. Each household in the program receives supportive services from trained staff, laying the foundation for a positive tenant-landlord relationship.
There is a high demand for affordable studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, as well as units with accessibility features that accommodate wheelchairs.
Those with available units can learn more and join this initiative by visiting the Chicago Rents program website and complete the Landlord Survey to share your unit availability with the CoC or contact chicagorents@allchicago.org with any questions.
One Earth Film Festival
TThe One Earth Film Festival, which has appeared in many Chicago wards for the past several years, is returning for its 10th anniversary season March 5-14. Instead of its usual in-person, community-based format, all films will screen virtually to keep everyone safe during COVID19.
This year’s festival theme is “10 Years of Inspiring Change,” and you’re invited to watch more than 25 outstanding short and feature-length films that shine a light on the most important issues of our time.
Learn solutions and actions addressing climate, environmental justice, waste, water and more. Watch online from the comfort of your own home, and participate in filmmaker and expert Q&As. Film watch parties are free (suggested $8 donation). Advance registration is highly recommended. Reserve your tickets at oneearthfilmfest.org.
USPS Mail Delivery Issues
Residents across the ward and city are experiencing significant delays with mail delivery associated with the U.S. Postal Service.
Because members of Congress are responsible for overseeing the Postal Service, we have been working with our area’s U.S. Representatives.
If you are experiencing difficulties with reliable or timely mail delivery, you can contact Rep. Quigley’s office using this form, or Rep. Garcia’s office with this form. You can also call Rep. Garcia’s office at (773) 342-0774 or (773) 475-0833 and ask for David Garcia, who handles USPS relations.
Boletín de 5 de marzo de 2021
Esta semana, la ciudad abrió el registro para un nuevo centro de vacunación masiva en el United Center. El centro comenzará a administrar las vacunas Covid-19 el próximo martes, con capacidad para administrar 6.000 dosis diarias.
El suministro de vacunas del gobierno federal aún es limitado. La ronda inicial de 110,000 citas está limitada a personas mayores de 65 años o más. Si las citas aún permanecen a las 4 p.m. del domingo, y si todavía hay citas abiertas y hemos escuchado que muchos todavía están luchando para navegar por el sistema de citas de la ciudad.
A partir del viernes, aún quedan citas y puede inscribirse a través de zocdoc.com/vaccine o llamando al 312.746.4835. Los centros de llamadas estarán abiertos de 8 a. M. A 8 p. M. De lunes a sábado y de 8 a. M. A 4 p. M. Los domingos.Este es un gran paso adelante en nuestra capacidad para vacunar a nuestros trabajadores de la tercera edad y de primera línea, y eventualmente a todos nosotros. A medida que haya más citas disponibles, ampliaremos nuestro alcance y educación de salud pública aquí en nuestro diverso 33rd Ward.
Para garantizar que los residentes de todas las edades, idiomas y conocimientos digitales sepan cómo vacunarse, ¡necesitaremos su ayuda! Colocaremos volantes con la información de registro para el United Center en las partes del barrio con mucho tráfico este fin de semana, y también puede ayudar compartiendo con vecinos, familiares y amigos.
También estamos construyendo un programa de voluntariado para llegar y ayudar a programar citas para nuestros residentes que pueden tener dificultades para navegar el proceso de inscripción en línea. Por ahora, estamos buscando voluntarios que puedan ayudar a dedicar algo de tiempo para hacer citas en línea para los residentes del Distrito 33 que califiquen. En el futuro, también necesitaremos voluntarios para ayudar a llamar y enviar volantes a las personas mayores y otros residentes para quienes el idioma o el acceso a Internet pueden ser una barrera para vacunarse. Si puede ayudar a nuestras personas mayores y trabajadores de primera línea a buscar citas para vacunas, o conoce a alguien de estos grupos que necesite ayuda, ¡regístrese a continuación!
Enlaces útiles
| Servicios al Vecindario | Calendario |
| Construcción | Servicios para personas mayores |
| Chi Covid Coach | Prepárate para el invierno |
| Zonificación y Desarrollo | Recorsos para Inquilinos |
Información de COVID-19
La positividad de la prueba COVID-19 continúa disminuyendo en Chicago, sin embargo, la incidencia de casos es ligeramente mayor esta semana que la semana pasada.
De acuerdo con los datos del departamento de salud pública de Chicago, partes de los códigos postales 60625 y 60618 en el 33rd Ward son actualmente puntos críticos para las infecciones por Covid-19, junto con gran parte del lado noroeste.
Estos datos fluctúan y no son motivo de pánico. Pero es un recordatorio de que debe seguir vigilando el uso de una máscara, preferiblemente lavarse las manos y limitar la interacción con quienes están fuera de su hogar, especialmente en el interior.
Taller sobre la Vacuna
¿Quiere aprender más sobre la vacuna de COVID 19 y cómo funciona? La Dra. Nahiris Bahamón de Esperanza Health Centers ofrecerá una presentación y contestará sus preguntas sobre las vacunas y cómo estas nos protegen contra el coronavirus. Las sesiones son de una hora y se llevarán a cabo el lunes, 8 de marzo a las 5 pm (para la sesión en inglés) y el martes, 9 de marzo a las 5 pm para la sesión en español.
Mar 9, 2021 05:00 PM
Un nuevo sitio de vacunación masiva se abrirá en el United Center a partir del 10 de marzo con capacidad para administrar 6,000 dosis por día, todas las cuales serán proporcionadas directamente por el gobierno federal y no se sacarán de la asignación estatal o municipal. El sitio será solo con cita previa, y las personas mayores tendrán acceso por primera vez a las citas antes de que abra el sitio. Si las citas permanecen disponibles después de que las personas mayores hayan tenido su período de registro exclusivo, cualquier espacio disponible restante estará abierto para cualquier ciudadano de Illinois elegible según las pautas del estado. El programador de vacunas de Zocdoc es un nuevo servicio que cualquier organización de atención o entidad gubernamental puede utilizar, sin cargo, para agilizar la programación de vacunas. Los residentes de Chicago pueden visitar zocdoc.com/vaccine, donde confirmarán su ubicación y elegibilidad. Si es elegible según las pautas de Illinois, Zocdoc mostrará las ubicaciones de vacunación cercanas y la disponibilidad de citas en tiempo real.
El Departamento de Salud de Chicago también ha establecido un centro de llamadas para atender preguntas del público. Actualmente, las líneas telefónicas cuentan con personal de 9 am a 5 pm de lunes a viernes. Envíe un correo electrónico a coronavirus@chicago.gov o llame al 312.746.4835.
Y aún puede inscribirse en Chi COVID Coach para recibir actualizaciones del CDPH sobre el progreso de la distribución de vacunas en Chicago. Recibirá actualizaciones sobre cuándo la Ciudad pasa por cada fase e instrucciones sobre cómo registrarse para las citas de vacunación. Chi COVID Coach NO es un sitio web de citas para vacunas.
• Los últimos datos de distribución de vacunas para la ciudad están disponibles en:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/vaccine-data.html.
• La ciudad de Chicago compartirá actualizaciones sobre la disponibilidad de vacunas en
Chicago www.chicago.gov/COVIDvax.
Opciones de pruebas
Los sitios de prueba basados en la comunidad de la ciudad permanecen abiertos a todas las personas que viven en Chicago, independientemente de su seguro o estado migratorio. Le recomendamos que se registre con anticipación en http://chicagocovidtesting.com/.
Si no hay franjas horarias disponibles, puede utilizar este mapa de prueba interactivo para localizar otros sitios de prueba cercanos. Hay varias opciones en el distrito 33 o cerca de él:
1. Swedish Hospital: Llame a 773-907-7700 or go online for more information.
2. Pharmacy One, 4751 N. Kedzie Ave, 2nd Floor. Facebook page, pharmacyone@curishealthcare.org.
3. Heartland Health Centers ofrece pruebas COVID-19 GRATIS para aquellos que no tienen seguro, independientemente de su estado migratorio. Llame al 773-751-7800 para una cita
4. Physicians Immediate Care, Six Corners at 4211 N Cicero Ave. Curbside COVID-19 testing for anyone with symptoms. Website.
Cuéntanos sus recomendaciones para mejorar calles y callejones
Si una calle o callejón en su área necesita atención, ¡avísenos! El Departamento de Transporte de Chicago brinda a nuestra oficina datos sobre el estado de nuestras calles y callejones para informar cómo usamos nuestros fondos anuales para mejorar el barrio.
Sin embargo, estos datos no nos ofrecen información sobre la experiencia de los residentes que viven, trabajan o se desplazan al trabajo en el distrito, información que solo nuestros vecinos del distrito 33 pueden ofrecernos. Creamos un nuevo formulario donde los residentes pueden enviar Recomendaciones de mejora de infraestructura para que podamos tenerlas en cuenta al determinar el próximo Menú 2021.
La fecha límite para las recomendaciones para el presupuesto de 2021 es el 12 de marzo de 2021.
Nuevos recursos comunitarios
“La Sala” a Rincon Family Services
¡Estamos increíblemente orgullosos y llenos de esperanza al saber que Rincon Family Services acaba de abrir un nuevo recurso de salud mental en nuestro distrito 33! La Sala es una instalación no clínico que tiene como objetivo hacer que el proceso de búsqueda de servicios de salud mental sea accesible y acogedor. Los vecinos mayores de 18 años que luchan emocionalmente pueden venir a La Sala durante las horas de apertura para jugar un juego, participar en terapia artística, tomar un respiro y hablar con especialistas que se han recuperado de sus propios diagnósticos de salud mental y quieren ayudar a otros.La Sala sigue las guias de salud pública y solo permite hasta cinco invitados en el espacio en un momento dado. Se requieren máscaras.
La sala está abierta de 10 a.m. a 6 p.m. lunes a viernes. Para más información visite https://www.rinconfamilyservices.org/livingroom
Revision de Asientos de Seguridad Para Ninos a Concordia Place
El Servicio Postal
Los residentes de todo el distrito y la ciudad también están experimentando retrasos significativos con la entrega de correo asociado con el Servicio Postal.
Debido a que los miembros del Congreso son responsables de supervisar el Servicio Postal, hemos estado trabajando con los representantes estadounidenses de nuestra área. Si tiene dificultades con la entrega de correo confiable u oportuna, puede comunicarse con la oficina del Representante Quigley usando este formulario, o la oficina del Representante García con este formulario. También puede llamar a la oficina del Representante García al (773) 342-0774 o (773) 475-0833 y preguntar por David García, quien maneja las relaciones con USPS.
Office Hours:
Monday: 12:00 PM – 7 PM
Tues – Thurs: 10 AM – 5 PM
Friday: 9 AM – 4PM
️E-mail info@33rdward.org anytime for service requests or general queries
️ Call us at 773-840-7880 during business hours
Follow us on Facebook or Twitter
Check out our ward website for info on services and events: https://www.33rdward.org/
Best,
Rossana Rodriguez