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Dear Neighbors,
This week reminded me of something I say often: nothing I accomplish in the 26th Ward happens alone. Whether it is neighbors showing up to meetings, sharing feedback, calling in service requests, supporting small businesses, or taking to the streets to protect one another, the strength of this ward comes from people who care enough to participate. And this week, that participation showed up in a big way. |
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Chicago Reader Award The Chicago Reader named me Best Alderman, and while I am deeply grateful for the recognition, this award belongs to many. The past year has been very difficult for so many of our neighbors. This recognition reflects the work of an incredible team and a community that refuses to sit on the sidelines. I am fortunate to work alongside my Chief of Staff Juanita; Legislative Aide Marie; Zoning and Business Director Erin; our Barrio Services team Carlitos and Victoria; Ward Superintendent Jorge; and my Director of Communications Lisa. I also want to thank my office neighbor and partner in service, State Representative Lilian Jiménez, along with her team, Star and Bri. We share an office, but more importantly, we share the responsibility of serving our community. Most importantly, I want to thank you. Thank you for showing up, speaking up, and caring for one another. It is truly an honor to serve as your alderperson. |
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Grand Opening: Health Care Plus
Our team had the pleasure of attending the Health Care Plus grand opening on Tuesday. The room was full of great energy, and neighbors were excited about a new resource dedicated to serving seniors in the 26th Ward. Spaces like this matter. Our elders deserve places where they feel welcomed, supported, and guided as they navigate their health care needs.
We had the chance to meet the team, tour the office, and learn more about the services they will offer our community. We are grateful to see organizations investing in the health and well-being of our seniors, and we are excited to welcome Health Care Plus to the neighborhood. |
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Belmont Cragin Town Hall
Speaking of neighbors showing up. Calling all Belmont Cragin residents! After knocking on all the homes in Belmont Cragin, I am inviting you to our first Town Hall of 2026 on Monday, March 9th, at Iglesia Emanuel. This meeting is an opportunity to hear updates, ask questions, and share feedback about issues impacting you and the community. I hope to see you there. |
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Community Fundraiser for Immigrant Families
Many of you know Amin Cheema, the longtime owner of Best Sub #2 on North Avenue, who served neighbors in the 26th Ward for decades. After being deported despite years of building a life and business in our community, his family is continuing the work of caring for others.
They are hosting a community dinner in collaboration with Chef Zubair Mohajir this Sunday, March 8th, from 5-10 PM at Best Subs #2, with proceeds benefiting the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, which provides critical support and legal resources to immigrant families navigating this moment. Even as they face their own loss, the Cheema family is choosing solidarity.
If you are able, join them for an evening of food, community, and solidarity. |
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In Solidarity,
Alderperson Jessie Fuentes |
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Tree Planting in Hermosa 4/25 |
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The 26th Ward Office is partnering with Openlands, an organization dedicated to protecting natural areas and expanding Chicago’s tree canopy, along with the 35th Ward Office, the Office of Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vásquez, and Nixon Elementary School to host a community tree-planting day on April 25th. We are currently identifying Hermosa residents who are interested in having a tree planted in front of their home at no cost. Increasing tree coverage helps reduce extreme heat, improve air quality, and manage stormwater in our neighborhoods.
The Hermosa neighborhood has been identified as a high-priority area for tree planting due to its relatively low tree canopy coverage. On April 25th, residents, students, and partners will come together to take action and invest in the long-term health of our community.
If you are a Hermosa resident interested in having a tree planted in front of your home, or if you would like to volunteer during the tree-planting day on April 25th, please email juanita@the26thward.org. If you are interested in a tree planting but do not live in the Hermosa community, please contact the 26th Ward Office at info@the26thward.org or call or text 773-395-0143 for assistance.
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Development Feedback - 3251 W. Division |
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| Submit feedback on the proposed zoning change request to build 44 affordable housing unit.
Submit here. |
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California Ave Construction Alert |
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Immigration Rights Resources |
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| Construction season has begun! Don't forget to check out ChiStreetWork for updates on upcoming work in your neighborhood. |
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The 26th Ward's zoning process requires anyone requesting a zoning change to first complete a zoning intake form. After review, they present their request to the Zoning Advisory Committee and answer questions. In some cases, they may also present at a community input meeting. |
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We are currently reviewing zoning change requests for the following properties. |
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Pe Erre’s 1st Kids & Teens Domino Challenge |
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Humboldt Park Patriots Enrollment |
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Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation |
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Lens on Love - Youth & Healthy Relationships |
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Be a Student Election Judge |
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| High school students, your voice matters, even before you can vote! 🗳️
Serve as a Student Election Judge in the 2026 Election and help run your local precinct. Gain leadership experience, earn community service credit, and make an impact in your community. You can also pre-register to vote at 16 so you are ready on Election Day.
Find out more |
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World Baseball Watch Events |
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Chicago Food Justice Summit |
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Spring into Health 3/25 - 4/22 |
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Criminalized For My Survival 3/27 |
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Vendors Wanted: Chicago Plant & Flower Festival |
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Free Senior Legal Services |
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Bilingual Foster Homes Needed |
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| Calling all emerging real estate developers in Chicago! Ready to grow your business? The Chicago EDI Program will give you the skills, mentorship, and network to take the next step. ✨ Hands-on training and advising ✨ One-on-one mentorship ✨ Connections to peers and partners ✨ Pathways to financing Brought to you by Chicago Community Loan Fund and Community Investment Corporation, with Capital Impact Partners, and funded by MacArthur Foundation and U.S. Bank. Spots are limited 👉 Apply today |
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| Every child deserves a safe and loving home. 💙 Association House’s Foster Care Program ensures that children in our community are cared for, supported, and connected to families who will walk with them toward healing and stability. Learn more about becoming a foster parent or supporting the program at
👉 associationhouse.org/foster |
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| Seniors 60+ — Need help at home?
The City of Chicago offers free chore services to help you stay safe and independent: Light help like cleaning, laundry, errands, or personal care after an illness One‑time heavy‑duty fixes like deep cleaning, clutter removal, moving furniture, or major tidying Find eligibility info and how to apply on the City’s Help In Your Home page. Or call 312-744-4016 or email aging@cityofchicago.org for more help |
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Domestic Violence Resources |
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CEDA Utility Relief Programs |
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Seniors Community Care Program |
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NEW Illinois Immigration Info Hub |
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Cannabis Expungement Project |
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| New Leaf Cannabis Expungement Project is a network of 17 nonprofits that helps anyone ever charged with a cannabis offense anywhere in Illinois clear eligible cannabis and non-cannabis cases from their record.
Our services are free.
New Leaf is state-funded and was formed after the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act was passed in 2019. |
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City of Chicago - Know Your Rights Guide |
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The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) provides this Rights Card to protect you during interactions with law enforcement or immigration officials. 📞 Family Support Hotline:
Call 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693) for assistance in English, Spanish, Korean, or Polish. ✅The right to remain silent. ✅The right to refuse answering questions without legal representation. ✅The right to contact an attorney or organization for help. Print and carry this card to assert your rights and ensure your safety in uncertain situations. For more information, visit www.icirr.org/family-support |
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Intake for People Experiencing Homelessness |
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| 🏠 24/7 Intake Location for People Experiencing Homelessness
For single adults in need of shelter, the Shelter Placement and Resource Center (SPARC) offers:
✅ Open 24/7 with a 200-person capacity
✅ Meals, showers, laundry, and shelter placement services
✅ On-site assistance and 3-1-1 shelter requests available around the clock
📍 Location: 2241 S. Halsted St. (S Halsted St. & W 23rd) |
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Court-Based Rental Assistance Program |
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Chicago Senior Risk Assessment Program |
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| The Chicago Seniors At Risk Assessment Program provides free fire/fall safety assessments for individuals ages 65 or over and those with a disability.
Chicago Fire Department members will assess the home for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as other fire and fall hazards.
Call to schedule an appointment. Phone: (312) 747-6691 |
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Chicago Rents connects landlords with tenants through various housing subsidy programs, offering guaranteed rent, vacancy filling, and personalized support. Created in response to COVID-19, it centralizes property partner relationships and helps Chicagoans in need of housing. If you are a landlord interested in joining the Chicago Rents program, you can click here to apply. |
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12 District Police Oversight |
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The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) has introduced a new and improved interactive calendar, which you can click here to access. One of the key features of this calendar is the inclusion of the yearly meeting calendar for both the Commission for Public Safety and your Local District Councils. By simply visiting this website, you can find the dates, times, and locations of all scheduled meetings. 14th Police District Council Join elected District Councilors every first Saturday of the month at 1pm to work for better police accountability, restorative justice, and evidence based approaches to public safety. |
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| Aligned candidates will be excited about supporting a community of founders, manufacturers, and industry leaders committed to commercializing hardtech solutions. They'll be inspired by creating economic opportunity locally while deploying solutions to impact the world. They'll come with energy and enthusiasm to join a team during a moment of growth and bold new ideas. Is that you or someone you know? |
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| Casa Central has several openings in both our teaching and nursing that are critical in our programs and they may be of interest to our residents. Teaching Positions: Nursing Positions: |
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What if your everyday work directly protected public health, improved our waterways, and helped millions of people across Cook County? At the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), that’s exactly what you do. What if you could build a stable, rewarding career and make a meaningful impact on your community at the same time? At the MWRD, you can—and that’s what makes it such an exceptional place to work. |
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| Greater West Town Project is offering a Shipping and Receiving Training Program with full-time classes that run for 12 weeks. Illinois residents who are 18 years old or over and low-income eligible can train at no cost. For 33 years, Greater West Town programs have successfully equipped community residents with in-demand job skills and placed them in jobs in industry with recent wages averaging $18-20 per hour. Apply here. |
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| Chicago Board of Elections is HIRING!
Various full-time positions avilable.
Apply by sending your resume to HR@CHICAGOELECTIONS.GOV
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| Are you a skilled and passionate healthcare professional looking to make a meaningful impact in the community? Humboldt Park Health (HPH) is seeking dedicated Physicians and Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) to join our team.
View open position HERE |
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| Click Here to view and apply for Chicago Department of Public Health jobs |
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If you know someone looking for reproductive justice resources in Chicago, they can go to this Department of Public Health resource page to use the City’s digital community resource directory. There is also a free talkline (1-888-493-0092) where operators are available to share information on various reproductive justice options. |
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| If you need assistance with a city service, let us know! You can submit your request through our website, by giving us a call, or submitting a request directly to 311.chicago.gov. Our team is here to provide the support you need and ensure our community thrives. |
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Requirements:
HS diploma or equivalent
