Newsletter – February 23, 2024

Posted on February 23, 2024February 23, 2024 by 33rd Ward Staff

Dear 33rd Ward Community,

A lot happened this week! On Wednesday evening my office hosted a community meeting to learn from neighborhood leaders with Sierra Club of Illinois and Citizens Utility Board. At the meeting, we were given a presentation related to assistance programs available to help our neighbors transition their homes to electric appliances, as well as explanations about ways to heat our homes using sustainable energy. You can view the presentation by clicking here and learn more about a popular form of sustainable energy called “heat pumps” by clicking here. One of the main concerns we heard from our neighbors at this meeting was about the source of our electricity. We discussed options for clean and sustainable energy sources for electricity production, as well as ways we can reduce our overall reliance on electricity.

Yesterday, I joined many of my colleagues and members of our communities in testifying at the Chicago Public Schools Board of Education meeting about the need to remove “School Resource Officers” or “SROs” from our neighborhood schools. Across Chicago a total of 39 out the 91 high schools still employ police officers. The community has been organizing for many years for the removal of police officers from our high schools so that money can be spent on proven effective solutions to student safety such as restorative justice programs, student mentors, mental health services, and much more. I am relieved to share the news that these SROs will be removed from the remaining 39 high schools by the start of the 2024-25 school year this fall. You can read the full statement about this decision from the CPS Board President and CPS CEO by clicking here.

Next week on Wednesday, February 28, my Committee on Health and Human Relations will meet at 11am in City Hall Council Chambers for a subject matter hearing (meaning no vote will be taken) on the Treatment Not Trauma Working Group. The Working Group was established by ordinance in October of 2023 and has been meeting regularly since then to draft a report with recommendations for expanding Chicago’s public mental healthcare clinic network and for developing a non-police crisis response model to care for Chicagoans experiencing mental health crises. This meeting will be an introduction to the working group’s structure, its goals, its various participants and partners, and an opportunity to receive information related to the community engagement process. You can participate in this meeting in a variety of ways such as written public comment, virtual public comment, and in-person public comment. Learn more about how to participate by clicking here.

Lastly, the Home Repair Program (HRP), formerly known as the Roof and Porch Repair Program will begin accepting applications this coming week on February 26 – March 5. The Home Repair Program provides grants to income-eligible homeowners for improvements to their roof or porch. The amount of financial assistance is based on household need and available funding. A site inspection will determine the scope of work required and the repair cost. Homeowners can register their interest in the program online, by calling 311, or by using the CHI311 mobile app from 9:00am on Monday, February 26 – 5:00pm on Friday, March 8, 2024. Please note that registering your interest in this program does not guarantee service. Callers will be prioritized based on Dept. of Housing priority areas. Department staff will contact you within a month of the registration deadline regarding the status of your registration.

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

– Rossana, 33rd Ward Alderwoman

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
Today was the final day to submit your votes for our Participatory Budget ballot this year. We will be following up soon with the results from the vote. Thank you to everyone that participated in the PB process this year. This includes neighbors that submitted ideas, the committee of community members and students that worked over many months to develop our ballot, and all of the volunteers across the ward that worked so hard over the past month to get out the vote! Even though the voting period is over, you can learn more about PB, review project proposals, and review results from previous years at our website: www.33rdward.org/participatory-budgeting

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! We are currently planning a second food delivery event for seniors in the community and will have our next planning meeting coming up very soon. Please stay tuned for updates!

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
For full details on this project, click here. To submit feedback, click here.

The public comment period is now open through February 20. You can access the feedback form and project details by clicking here. Once the comment period is closed we will make an announcement about the final decision

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 will meet on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 10am.

City Council met on Wednesday of this week to introduce a series of honorary resolutions for Black History Month including resolutions honoring the legacy of the Divine Nine and the 157th Anniversary of Morehouse College. Council also voted to support an ordinance from Ald. Matt O’Shea limiting the ability of Dollar Store companies to open stores within a certain proximity of an existing dollar store, as well as more restrictions to enforce cleanliness and safety of dollar store properties.

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.

Chairwoman Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez’s Committee on Health and Human Relations will meet on Tuesday, February 27 at 1:00pm in partnership with the Committee on Workforce Development to vote on legislation known as a Labor Peace Agreement.

Chairwoman Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez’s Committee on Health and Human Relations will meet on Wednesday, February 28 at 11:00am to hold a subject matter hearing on the Treatment Not Trauma Working Group, which was established by ordinance in October of 2023. This meeting will be an introduction to the working group’s structure, its goals, its various participants and partners, and an opportunity to receive information related to the community engagement process. You can learn more about how to participate by clicking here.

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:

Current: People’s Gas will start a small project next week near Cullom and Albany. The project will consist of replacing a valve and there should not be much disruption, since most of it is underground.
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.

The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation (CLCF) is proud to announce the opening of its annual Foundation’s scholarship program for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The deadline to apply is Friday, May 3, 2024 at 11:59pm.

CLCF has awarded $1 million of scholarships since 2022, and will award over $200,000 dollars worth of scholarships this year. That is over (40) $5,000 scholarships to qualified students from across Chicago. Are you a college-bound high school student? Or currently an undergraduate student in Chicago? The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation (CLCF) has given over $1 million of scholarships to deserving young people. This year CLCF is providing forty $5,000 scholarships to qualified students from across Chicago. Students can apply online via the Caucus’ website: https://www.ccclatinocaucus.org/about-scholarships.

ComEd Grid Improvement Public Meeting
Tuesday, February 27 from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
ComEd’s Chicago Training Center, located at 3536 S. Iron in Chicago

ComEd is working towards filing their modified multi-year grid plan on March 13, 2024. In advance they are holding two community public meetings where community members can come and learn more, and provide input, about the investments and programs they are proposing to make throughout their service territory from now until 2027. They will also talk about how they plan to support the implementation of the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which moves Illinois to the forefront of the clean energy transition, and how they will be supporting their customers through this transition. They hope to answer any questions attendees might have about these investments and programs. A presentation by ComEd will begin at 5:30 PM and will include a question-and-answer session, and opportunity for general comments, following the presentation. The event is open to the public.

Department of Housing 2024 Home Repair Program
Apply between February 26 and March 5

The Home Repair Program (HRP), formerly known as the Roof and Porch Repair Program will begin accepting applications this coming week on February 26 – March 5. The Home Repair Program provides grants to income-eligible homeowners for improvements to their roof or porch. The amount of financial assistance is based on household need and available funding. A site inspection will determine the scope of work required and the repair cost. Homeowners can register their interest in the program online, by calling 311, or by using the CHI311 mobile app from 9:00am on Monday, February 26 – 5:00pm on Friday, March 8, 2024. Please note that registering your interest in this program does not guarantee service. Callers will be prioritized based on Dept. of Housing priority areas. Department staff will contact you within a month of the registration deadline regarding the status of your registration.

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/.

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!

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.

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.

Chicago River Student Congress
Saturday, February 24

The Chicago River Student Congress will be held at Northeastern Illinois University on Saturday, February 24. It is a free, educational event geared toward middle school and high school kids. There will be hands-on workshops and about lots of different water-related and environmental topics. Snacks and free T-shirts are provided to all attendees! The website at chicagoriver.org/education/student-congress has more info.

The Chicago Food Policy Action Council’s 19th annual Chicago Food Justice Summit
The Chicago Food Policy Action Council’s 19th annual Chicago Food Justice Summit is right around the corner! The 2024 Summit will be held virtually on Wednesday, March 6th and Thursday, March 7th with an in-person finale at the South Shore Cultural Center on Friday, March 8th.

This year’s theme is Climate Resilience and the three-day summit will showcase the intrinsic ties between the environmental justice and food justice movements. Presenters and panels are set to cover subjects such as gardening small spaces like a porch or patio, how SNAP benefits can help you seed a home garden, Altgeld Gardens’ deep ties to the birth of the environmental justice movement, how to build sustainable food systems in Chicago schools, and a whole lot more.

You can register for the Summit by visiting: https://registration.socio.events/e/19thchicagofoodjusticesummit.

Online panels and programs will feature both live Spanish translation and human-generated captions. For additional information and accessibility requests, please contact access@chicagofoodpolicy.org.

COVID-19: To limit the spread of COVID-19, we will be requiring all attendees to conduct an at home test the morning of the in-person portion of the event. If you feel ill or test positive for COVID, please stay home. Masks will be mandatory and available at the event.

Rincon Pre- Apprenticeship Program
March 12, 2024

Albany Park Mutual Aid is hosting a heating bill drive for the month of February

GoCPS Family Training Events RSVP here

High School offers from GoCPS will be available on February 23rd after 5pm. Families of 9th-grade applicants can log into their online GoCPS accounts at this time and view high school offers received and waitlist notifications.

Elementary school offers from GoCPS will be available on March 22nd. Families who applied for entry into kindergarten through 8th (including academic centers) can log into their online GoCPS accounts at this time and view new elementary school offers received and waitlist notifications.

Community Development Grant
Deadline is Feb. 16th – Apply by clicking here

The City of Chicago remains dedicated to bolstering local business corridors and enhancing neighborhood vitality through the Chicago Recovery Plan, which offers additional opportunities for catalytic local development investments.

The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) periodically accepts grant applications supporting commercial, mixed-use, and light manufacturing projects, prioritizing areas with a history of disinvestment.

Eligible applicants: Community developers, entrepreneurs, and property owners, may seek funding for pre-development, construction, or renovation costs. Projects demonstrating strong local impact and leveraging community resources receive priority.

Only applications for funding levels more than $250,000 are currently being accepted. Grant requests should represent no more than 75 percent of anticipated total project cost.

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.

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

Gompers Park Athletic Association Baseball Signups are Open

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.