Newsletter – February 2, 2024

Posted on February 2, 2024February 2, 2024 by 33rd Ward Staff

Dear 33rd Ward Community,

Yesterday marked the beginning of Black History Month. The recognition of Black and African American people’s contributions to United States and world history in the month of February began nearly 100 years ago. Carter Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) started “Negro History Week” in 1926, to recognize the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass during the secondweek of February. The celebration of these two leaders and their contributions to the history of black liberation struggles in the United States had been honored by the Black community since the abolition of slavery.

During February, we dedicate time in our lives, in our workplaces, in our schools, and with our families to celebrate the beauty of Black people and Black culture. We look to the lessons of freedom fighters like Harriet Tubman, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Angela Davis, Huey P Newton, and so many leaders and healers of the past and present, for guidance as we continue to struggle together until all people are free. We hope that you will take time throughout the month to learn a little bit more about someone we’ve listed above, to write down your own story, or to get to know someone in your life a little bit better. If you feel compelled to share, please connect with us on social media at linktr.ee/ward33chicago. I look forward to hearing stories about what Black History Month means to you all. Stay tuned on our social media for more announcements throughout the month.

My office has a few community events to highlight this week:

Our Participatory Budgeting voting period comes to a close in two weeks on February 16. You can vote in person or online. More information is available by clicking here.
Tomorrow, Saturday, from 12-3pm! Join the North River Commission Youth Council at Roosevelt High School for their “Friends of the Community” event. This is a youth led and organized event, so please come support their efforts.
Tuesday evening at 5:30pm on Zoom – Zoning meeting: The meeting link is available by clicking here.
Next Saturday join us from 10-3pm at Roosevelt High School for a Healing Village.

Lastly, I would like to extend a big welcome to our newest staff member, Jordan Balter. Jordan will be joining our staff as the Community Outreach and Safety Coordinator. We look forward to developing this new role on our team, and welcome Jordan’s experience working within our community to provide aid and resources to neighbors in need.

As always, please reach out to my office if you have any questions. We are here to help.

– Rossana, 33rd Ward Alderwoman

Catholic Charities is seeking landlords to house asylum seekers. You can learn more and apply to provide housing by clicking here.

Snow Removal Volunteer and Request form You can fill out the form by clicking here. You can also reach out to our office during business hours at 773-840-7880 of by email at info@33rdward.org

Rincon Family Services Mental Health Crisis Line: (773) 640-9803

Make an appointment for your free Covid or flu vaccine from a city clinic: Location information can be found by clicking this link. You can see a list of flu clinics by clicking here.

33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION

Address: 4747 N Sawyer Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 10am – 5pm; Friday 9am – 4pm
Phone: 773-840-7880
Connect with us and access resources by clicking here.

WARD OFFICE EVENTS

Ward Night
Next: Monday, February 26, from 4:00pm – 6:00pm at 4747 N Sawyer Ave
Upcoming: March 11, 2024

Ward Night is an opportunity to bring your questions or concerns to the Alderwoman in a one-on-one meeting. Each Ward Night is first come, first serve. Walk-ins will be taken until 5:45 pm. For more information, please contact our office at info@33rdward.org or 773-840-7880.

Participatory Budgeting
Voting will be open for the 2024 Participatory Budgeting (PB) ballot on Tuesday, January 16 until February 16, 2024. You can learn more about PB, register to receive an online ballot, review project proposals, and learn where to vote in-person at our website: www.33rdward.org/participatory-budgeting

Voting is open to all residents of the Ward ages 13 and up, and/or to parents who have a child who attends school in the ward. 33rd Ward community members are all encouraged to take part in PB regardless of their citizenship status, race, gender, sexuality, language, etc.

SAGE Brigade
Sage brigade is a group of volunteers along with Councilwoman Rossana Rodriguez’s office, to help seniors with benefit information and fill out some applications in case they need help. Anyone can attend, but we focus on providing information regarding benefits or programs for seniors. Please reach out to our office at info@33rdward.org if you would like to join! Stay tuned for future events.

This month we delivered food at GNA Senior Building! The GNA building residents, located at 4054 North Kedzie, reached out to the alderman’s office requesting assistance in obtaining supplemental food boxes. On Thursday, January 24, 2024, the Sage Brigade located a food pantry and provided the seniors with boxes of food; eggs, fruit, vegetables, and plenty of non-perishables! All the senior participants were so grateful and appreciated the extra effort in getting the food boxes. Sage Brigade will evaluate the success of the event and seek out more volunteers to assist the seniors with a regular food program. Special shout out to Karen and Irma for packing and distributing the food boxes to the residents and to all other volunteers that helped make this event a success!

Snow Removal Volunteer and Request form
The 33rd Ward Alderman’s office helps coordinate support efforts with our neighbors to keep our Ward safe and walkable for our community after heavy snowfalls. We invite you to let us know if you are in need of help with shoveling your snow OR if you are someone who is able to help your neighbor with shoveling their snow. Our office will reach out to match volunteers with an individual in their area, who is in need of support. You can fill out the form by clicking here. You can also reach out to our office during business hours at 773-840-7880 of by email at info@33rdward.org

Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance Townhall with Sierra Club Illinois
February 21 at 6pm
Our ward office: 4747 N Sawyer

Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (O2024-0007305) will set new indoor emissions standards for new construction, effectively requiring the use of electricity to heat new buildings and the use of all-electrical appliances in most cases. You can RSVP by clicking here.

ZONING ANNOUNCEMENTS

Current Zoning Proposals Under Review:
Please follow our Facebook and other social media accounts for the most up to date notices on public meetings and input surveys regarding zoning changes in the ward. You can also regularly check our Zoning page on our website by clicking here.

3316-28 W. Montrose Ave
Virtual public meeting Tuesday, February 6 · 5:30 – 7:00pm
The meeting link is available by clicking here.
For full details on this project, click here. To submit feedback, click here.

3448-62 W. Lawrence Ave
Neighborhood: Albany Park
For full details on this project, click here. To submit feedback, click here.

3331 – 3325 N Whipple St.
Neighborhood: Avondale
For full details on this project, click here. To submit feedback, click here.

COUNCIL CORNER

We will use this space to share updates on legislation coming through the Committee on Health and Human Relations and City Council. You can attend meetings at City Hall, 2nd Floor Council Chambers or stream online by visiting the City Clerk’s website where a link will be posted on the homepage exactly at the posted meeting start time. City Council met on January 24, 2024; Next meeting: January 31, 2024

City Council will meet this Wednesday, January 31, to vote on Ald. Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez resolution in support of the United Nations General Assembly vote in December 2023 calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, the release of all hostages, and the need for humanitarian aid in Gaza. The City Council voted to accept this resolution. You can watch a recording of the City Council meeting at the City Clerk’s website.

Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (O2024-0007305) will set new indoor emissions standards for new construction, effectively requiring the use of electricity to heat new buildings and the use of all-electrical appliances in most cases. Our office will be hosting an informational community meeting related to the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance on February 21 at our ward office beginning from 6-7pm.

Chicago City Council maintains a number of committees on topics related to the business of the city. You can attend meetings at City Hall, 2nd Floor Council Chambers (unless otherwise noted) or stream online by visiting the City Clerk’s website where a link will be posted on the homepage exactly at the posted meeting start time.

WARD OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Catholic Charities is seeking landlords to house asylum seekers. You can learn more and apply to provide housing by clicking here.

Traffic Notice:

Ongoing: Please reduce your speeds and stay patient during periods of heavy traffic during school drop-off traffic at Hibbard, Edison, and Albany Park Multicultural Academy schools. This area is a safety zone for our young neighbors and pedestrians. Please consider alternate routes for your commute if school drop off traffic is challenging for your schedule.

Infrastructure Improvement Projects:

Upcoming: Road Closure Monday-Friday 7am-3pm, December-March – Peoples Gas will be performing maintenance work on Sacramento, north and south sides of the intersection at Montrose. Road closure of 4300 and 4400 Sacramento during weekdays from 7am-3pm. The road will be open outside of those posted times. Work will begin mid-December and is expected to be complete by mid-March of 2024.
Current: Road Closure – Department of Water Management private contractor will begin installing an underground sewer structure at the intersection of N Albany Ave and W School St. Due to the nature of the work, this intersection will be closed to traffic for the duration of construction. Work at this location is expected to last approximately 4-6 weeks. Upon completion by the contractor, a City of Chicago In-House sewer crew is expected to continue installation of sewer pipe along W School St between N Albany Ave and N Elston Ave.

Final Virtual Public Meeting with Chicago Parks District Strategic Plan
Wednesday, February 7 at 6:00pm
Register for link: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/strategic-plan

This is an opportunity to share with the Chicago Park District how you #pictureyourparks. From facilities, to green spaces, to programming, what do you want to see in the future of the Chicago Park District? The Park District wants YOUR input to help reimagine the future of the Park District and inform our next strategic plan. Your voice will help create a plan that reflects the needs and desires of our communities.

You can help us plan for the future at the Park District by providing us with feedback on how you “Picture Your Parks.” You can do this by completing a short survey that will be open until February 18.

GreenCorps 2024 is recruiting
Greencorps Chicago is the City of Chicago’s green industry job training program for individuals with barriers to employment. Greencorps Chicago is currently recruiting potential candidates for this year’s Employment & Training Program. More information and how to apply can be found on the attached flyer and at https://greencorpschicago.org/how-to-apply/.

During the ten-month program, Greencorps Chicago trainees earn a starting wage of $18.50. Greencorps Chicago trainees receive practical experience, professional development, and classroom & field training in a variety of environmentally-related jobs with skills that are easily transferable to other industries. Trainees are offered a number of professional certifications including Defensive Driving, First Aid/CPR, HAZWOPER, OSHA 10-Hour Safety, Chicago Wilderness Prescription Burn Class, and the Illinois Pesticide license. Throughout the program, trainees are supported with wrap-around social services, a stable income, and assistance finding full time employment upon completion of the program.

For more info, please see: https://greencorpschicago.org/how-to-apply/.

The Department of Family and Support Services has launched their new Rental Assistance Program. You can learn more and apply by clicking here.

The Department of Family and Support Services has launched their 2023 Winter Senior Connected Program.
DFSS provides programs and supports to older adults aged 60 and better to keep them healthy, active and engaged. You can see their full program list and learn more by clicking here.

Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) New Re-entry Programs
You can locate a list of all Chicago’s Reentry Support Centers by visiting Chicago’s Resources for Returning Residents website, or by calling 2-1-1/3-1-1 for additional resources and support.

Emergency Heating Repair Program is now Open
The Department of Housing’s Emergency Heating Repair Program is now open from Nov. 1, 2023 to April 1, 2024. The process for submitting a service request is outlined in the attached letter, as well as other general information about the program. You will also be able to find the same information on the webpage chicago.gov/ehrp.

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
CEDA’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides heat and electricity assistance, offering support for natural gas, electricity, oil, or propane, with cash aid available for renters and qualified homeowners eligible for vouchers for heating system repairs. Find a partner organization to enroll here.

Winter Overnight Parking Ban is now in effect
The overnight parking ban which is now in effect. The ban is enforced on 107 miles of arterial streets throughout the city from 3am-7am regardless of if snow is falling or on the ground. You can visit the website of the Department of Streets and Sanitation for more information and a map of streets that are included in the ban.

Chicago Launches Composting Pilot Program
The City of Chicago is launching its first-ever citywide Food Scrap Drop-Off Program, and all Chicago residents are welcome to drop off their household food scraps for composting at one of 15 locations across the city– for FREE! Composting keeps food scraps out of landfills, reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and recycles nutrients that enrich soil. You can learn more here. See this article by The Triibe for information as well.

Our ward has two nearby sites: the Irving Park location at 4605 W Lawrence Ave, and the Avondale location at 3143 N Rockwell St. Images showing the cart locations can be found on the website.

Use this Food Scrap Drop-Off Form to sign up for one of the drop-off sites.

Grid-Based Tree Trimming
The Bureau of Forestry is no longer receiving individual tree trimming requests and has shifted to a grid-based maintenance schedule similar to the street sweeping schedule. You can view the map here.

Current grid section: N044, W036: Montrose to Leeland, Central Park to Harding

Each grid segment can take between three weeks and two months to complete. Tree trimming personnel will be in the ward weekly, weather permitting. Similar to street sweeping notifications, trees will be posted with signage in advance of tree trimming. Upon the completion of each grid segment, we will make an announcement about which grid will be completed next. If you’re worried about the immediate safety of the area around a given tree due to its conditions, you can reach out to 311 or our office so the appropriate service request can be made.

Having trouble filling a vacant apartment? Chicago Rents can help:
Ariel Parrella-Aureli reported on the Chicago Rents program for Block Club. 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.

Sign up to volunteer professional services to neighbors in need
Our office is putting out a call to local professionals, businesses, and consultants that would like to be on a list of resources for neighbors in need. Our office regularly needs advice regarding architecture, building construction, and many other areas of professional expertise. This will not be a business directory. We are specifically seeking members of the community that are willing to provide professional advice to our team and members of our community in times of extreme need. We will not be connecting our constituents to these professionals for the purpose of providing contracts or expanding their business. If you would like to help, you can fill out this contact form and our team will be in touch before adding you to our directory.

Local School Playground Improvements
There are several active school playground improvements in the ward.

Cleveland’s new playgrounds and outdoor classroom have funds from the state. Those funds were just approved a couple of weeks ago as noted in our newsletter. Construction is expected to be complete by the new school year. We will share updates in our newsletter as the project advances.

Bateman has funds from our Participatory Budgeting program and additional grant funding to come from CPS and the state. The applications are being processed and we will share updates in our newsletter as the project advances.

Von Linne has funds from our Participatory Budgeting program and additional grant funding from CPS and the state. The playground is in its design phase and we expect construction to begin in the summer.

The Roosevelt High School turf field is under construction and received funding from a variety of sources including the Kedzie/Lawrence TIF.

It is very challenging to secure funds for our school improvements, and we are very proud of the organizing work everyone at the schools has done to make these projects happen. We understand this process has taken a long time, but we are very close to celebrating all of these new projects together.

SUPPORTING NEW CHICAGOANS

Volunteer Opportunities
Members of our community have formed the Community Care Collective to direct mutual aid efforts in the 33rd Ward. You can learn about volunteer opportunities by following this link.

Migrant Mission Website
Chicago has added an official Frequently Asked Questions page to their website dedicated to the Migrant Mission. This FAQ details the process for welcoming migrants and responds to many of the questions that have been asked by the public. Check this page for information.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sign up for a community member’s monthly Newsletter for “Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and Supporters” including events and services for veterans in Chicago and surrounding municipalities. Please email: dbmontoya12@yahoo.com to be added to monthly emails. You can view this month’s updates and fliers by clicking here.

Deadline Approaching to Run for Local School Council
The deadline to file as a candidate for this spring’s Local School Council (LSC) elections is February 8, 2024. Running for a seat on the LSC is a great way for families and community members to play an active role in our schools. You can file paperwork at the school where you wish to serve, or send your completed forms to the CPS Office of Local School Council Relations. The forms are available at schools, and at cps.edu/lsc, along with more information on the LSC election process overall.

Apply Now to be a Chicago Park District Summer Lifeguard!
Complete three easy steps: (1) Apply (2) Take the swim test (3) Get hired! Get a $50 Amazon gift card for taking the test, and $400 for completing the training. Must be a Chicago resident age 16 or older by July 1, 2024. Enjoy your perfect summer job in the parks! Apply now at chicagoparkdistrict.com/lifeguards/CPS.

Learn About Teach Chicago Tomorrow: Our Program for CPS Graduates to Become CPS Teachers!
If you know a CPS senior or recent graduate who wants to become a teacher, Teach Chicago Tomorrow is the program for them. Teach Chicago Tomorrow supports students as they earn their bachelor’s degree in education by providing them with mentorship, financial support, and a clear pathway to becoming a CPS teacher. Currently, first-year CPS teachers make a minimum annual salary of $66,000.

To learn more about the Teach Chicago Tomorrow program, interested students should fill out the program interest form and sign up for an upcoming virtual information session. Questions? Email teachtomorrow@cps.edu!

Geographic Society of Chicago Trivia Night
Tuesday, March 5 at 7:00pm
Leader Bar, 3000 W Irving Park Rd

Cook County Behavioral Health Summit
Thursday, February 15 from 8:30am-5pm (schedule available upon registration)
UIC Dorin Forum, 725 W Roosevelt Road

Cook County Health will host a Behavioral Health Summit to bring together diverse health and community stakeholders. The summit will help inform and shape Cook County’s behavioral health systems and future funding opportunities. Cook County Health is a key partner in centering and expanding public health approaches to addressing community violence. The JAC will be participating in the summit alongside partners engaged in violence prevention as well as residents and organizations representing communities disproportionately impacted by crime, violence and incarceration.

Learn more and register to attend at: BHSummit.rsvpify.com

Support the Friendship Center Food Pantry resource drive for pets
February 7th from| 6-9 p.m.
Half Acre Beer, 2050 W Balmoral Ave
Learn more at: https://friendshipcenterchicago.org/flop/

The Friendship Center is a neighborhood food pantry, dedicated to fostering hope and dignity within our northwest Chicago Community. They service approximately 4,500 neighbors monthly through their client-choice fresh food pantry, home deliveries, hot meals, and assistance with public benefits. They also extend support to around 400 cats and dogs through their monthly pet food pantry. The food pantry is open to Chicago residents and is available four days a week for food distribution (M, Th, F from 12-4pm, and Tu from 3-7pm).

They are launching a resource drive “For The Love of Pets,” to help Chicago families faced with financial crisis to keep their pets with them.

Territory has a number of internship, afterschool program openings, and job postings to review below. You can learn more about Territory by visiting their website: https://territorynfp.wpengine.com/

Our House is excited to invite you to an Open House on Sunday, February 11th, from 4-7pm. Come visit our office space, learn more about our work, and enjoy light refreshments.

Gompers Park Athletic Association Baseball Signups are Open

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Fall Registration
Are you intellectually curious? Or looking for engagement and social connection? OLLI invites you to join this vibrant learning community at Northwestern University, specially designed for adults age 50+. In stimulating discussions, you’ll explore a wide range of your favorite subjects, including history, literature, creative arts, contemporary issues, science, technology, and more–with no tests or grades. Registration is Feb 5 through Feb 19 for 14-week study groups that begin March 4th in Evanston, downtown Chicago, or online. To view our fall catalog of 100 study groups, email olli@northwestern.edu. And join us for “A Taste of OLLI,” our free online information session on Jan 30 at 11a Central via Zoom (Register here ).

Free Winter Weekdays at the Art Institute
This holiday season, we are happy to announce the return of Free Winter Weekdays from November 27 to December 22, 2023. Illinois residents can enjoy free admission on Mondays (11:00–5:00), Thursdays (11:00–8:00), and Fridays (11:00–5:00). Their new gallery tour is available in Spanish and American Sign Language.

YOUTH RESOURCES

BUSINESS RESOURCES

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

CPS Hiring
Monthly CPS Job Paraprofessional Fair in the community for positions with Chicago Public Schools.

They will continue to host these community job fairs monthly throughout the city at various locations on the second Thursday of every month. They want to encourage members of the community to apply for positions within CPS in the area in which they live at www.cps.edu/careers.

COMMUNITY HEALTH

Below is a list of Mental Health resources that are available locally here in the City of Chicago.

CDPH Resources
City of Chicago STI Specialty Clinics
City of Chicago Mental Health Centers
City of Chicago Mental Health Website
Illinois Department of Human Services
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call 988
Rincon Family Services Mental Health Crisis Line: (773) 640-9803

Make an appointment for your free Covid or flu vaccine from a city clinic
Location information can be found by clicking this link. You can see a list of flu clinics by clicking here.

Safer Use Society
Weekly on Wednesdays at 5:30pm. RSVP for location.

Thrive for Change is providing a weekly event as social support for individuals actively using drugs, on MAT, those seeking an alternative to a 12-step program & everything in between. No abstinence required, no expectations, no judgment, just compassionate understanding & support. This is a hybrid style meeting, meaning that you can show up in person or online via zoom.

We fully embrace harm reduction based programming and activities, we will host monthly skill shares, peer-peer community-based development, & culturally competent facilitation. This is not a 12-step group. More details can be found in the RSVP form or at social media @thrive_4change

Narcan and Fentanyl Test Strips Available at Our Ward Office
Our office has been certified to distribute Narcan and Fentanyl testing resources to our community. You can stop by during our open hours or reach out to info@33rdward.org for more information.

Free Asthma Services from American Lung Association
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. More information by clicking here.

COMMUNITY SAFETY

My office believes that the best approach to community safety requires us all to participate in conversation together, to learn about each others’ needs and find ways to support each person. We encourage everyone to participate in the CCPSA, attend your regular beat meetings (CAPS), and your local CCPSA District Council local meetings.

Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability
Last year, Chicagoans elected their first ever Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA). The CCPSA is a city-wide elected body of three representatives from each police district. These representatives have a wide range of responsibilities that you can learn more about by clicking here.

CCPSA Announced Meeting Schedule for 2023.

17th District CAPS Meetings:
17th District CAPS Webpage with schedule.
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

Click here for information about beat meetings.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Block Party Applications
Request Ward Services
CDOT Infrastructure Improvement Map
33rd Ward Community Driven Zoning
33rd Ward Safety and Wellness
Find your CAPS Beat
Recycling and garbage schedule
2023 Street Sweeping schedule and interactive map
COVID-19 Resources
Resources for Seniors
Resources for Renters
Chicago Clerk’s Office

33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION
Address: 4747 N Sawyer Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 10am – 5pm; Friday 9am – 4pm
Phone: 773-840-7880
Email: info@33rdward.org
Website: www.33rdward.org
Follow up on Facebook
**Follow our social media and connect with resources: linktree

33RD WARD STAFF
Veronica Tirado-Mercado, Chief of Staff
Stacy Erenberg, Deputy Chief of Staff
Jonathan Nagy, Director of Communications and Engagement
Rebecca Rios, Director of Infrastructure and Zoning
Abraham Espino, Neighborhood and Business Services Coordinator
Eric Ramos, Ward Superintendent
Elizabeth Espino, Neighborhood Services Representative
Ariana Aguilar, Neighborhood Services Representative
Charlie Billingsley III, Neighborhood Services Intern

Do you have news to share?
We are always trying to improve our communication! If you have information to share with the community, we would like to know! To submit an item for our weekly newsletter, please send an email with the event details including date, time, and location, and a brief written description. Any photos should be submitted in .JPEG format. Please submit by 5pm on Thursday.