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Neighbors,
Every week in the 26th Ward, we see how much stronger we are when we care for one another. From protecting immigrant rights in the face of federal threats, building safer communities, and improving our streets and schools, our work is rooted in dignity, solidarity, and joy. Here’s how we are moving forward together. |
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Protecting Our Communities in the Face of Federal Threats
Many neighbors have reached out about the threats of federal agents in Chicago. These attacks are designed to create fear, but we know that choosing solidarity and joy in Chicago. To watch my full video, see my instagram post.
In the 26th Ward, we are taking concrete steps to keep families safe, but government action alone is not enough. We are calling on neighbors to take care of one another by: |
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✔️ Share know-your-rights info: bit.ly/nwsresources
✔️ Volunteer with rapid response: bit.ly/NWSupdates
✔️ Create your Family Preparedness Plan @chicagosimrr
✔️ Map community defense and care in your community: bit.ly/kellyhayesmapping
✔️ Create and support hyperlocal mutual aid efforts
✔️ Celebrate joy as resistance
My office is committed to ensuring that no one in our ward faces this fight alone. Together, we will resist hate through city resources and community care and defend every neighbor's dignity, safety, and future.
And finally, remember that you have the right to remain silent and do NOT have to comply with officials without a SIGNED JUDICIAL WARRANT. |
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Building Safety Through Community Action
As we defend immigrant families, we are also working at the neighborhood level to build trust and strengthen safety for all residents. This week, the Community Safety Committee met to share updates, plan events, and discuss how we can support one another in creating safer neighborhoods. Topics included safety walks, trauma-informed practices, rapid response training, and upcoming events.
We focused first on safety walks and pop-ups. While the 26th Ward did not report major crimes in the first half of the year, residents raised concerns about multiple shootings, including a tragic incident near Harding and North Avenue that left a woman in critical condition. On Wednesday, August 27, we responded by knocking on doors, greeting neighbors, and sharing resources with families most impacted by violence. Community organizations like ALSO also led nine community pop-ups in response to the shootings. The committee also centered trauma-informed and healing-centered practices. We affirmed the importance of promoting safety, trust, and transparency, and moving beyond risk reduction to collective healing and empowerment. Members emphasized peer support, collaboration, and cultural awareness while correcting misconceptions about mental health and mass shootings with research-based facts.
Finally, we shared updates on rapid response training, Spanish-language “Know Your Rights” webinars, career fairs at Wright College featuring second-chance employers, free meals from New Life Centers, BUILD’s peace ride, CTS Health’s back-to-school event, and PRCC’s youth handball court proposal. Through every conversation, residents showed commitment to caring for each other, staying visible, and shaping solutions together. Together, We Keep Us Safe. |
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Investing in Safer Water for Our Families
As we strengthen community safety, we are also addressing critical infrastructure that affects the health of our families every day. On Wednesday, our office co-hosted a community meeting with the Department of Water Management and the First Ward to discuss the upcoming California Avenue Water Main & Lead Service Line Replacement Project. This stretch, between Armitage and North Avenue, was selected because many of its service lines date back to the late 1800s.
Construction is expected to begin in late September or early October and last about 80 days. Crews will start at Armitage and move southbound on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. One lane of traffic will remain open throughout the project. Over 55 service lines will be replaced. Residents along this stretch of California will receive mailed notices, water filter kits, and door-to-door outreach. During construction, neighbors can connect directly with on-site staff (look for the white hats) or reach out to our ward office with questions. As we modernize our infrastructure, we are also celebrating joyful wins that bring pride and new opportunities to our neighborhood schools and families. |
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Celebrating Joy in Our Ward Even as we face federal threats and ongoing challenges, our community refuses to be defined by fear. We continue to gather, celebrate, and build because joy and resilience are powerful forms of resistance.
Fiesta Boricua will bring our community together this weekend in joy, culture, and resilience. We also celebrated the opening of five new businesses on Division Street, including Pe Erre: La Casa del Dominó, Smash Jibarito, Dope Drip Café, Sara’s Cocina, and Ya Ready! Each ribbon-cutting reflects our ward’s ongoing economic and cultural vitality. These businesses strengthen Paseo Boricua and ensure that Division Street remains a hub of pride, tradition, and growth. |
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And at Lowell Elementary, the community gathered for the ribbon-cutting of a brand-new playground and parking lot. Congratulations to Principal Ana Rodríguez, students, and families. May this new space bring countless memories and friendships. |
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These are difficult times. Families are living with fear, our communities are under attack, and the weight of federal overreach is real. But in the 26th Ward, we know that fear does not define us; solidarity does. Every new playground, ribbon-cutting, block walk, and mutual aid effort reminds us that we are stronger when we stand together.
We will continue to fight, organize, and celebrate. Even under the shadow of hostility, our light is community care, our strength is resilience, and our future is built on joy, dignity, and justice.
We are here. We are brave. And together, we keep us safe. |
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In Solidarity,
Alderperson Jessie Fuentes |
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Office Closures 9/1 & 9/5 |
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Fiesta Boricua 8/30 - 8/31 |
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Free Mammogram - No Insurance Needed OPEN NOW |
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| Early detection saves lives.
The Rush MD Anderson Cancer Center is offering FREE mobile mammogram screenings in Humboldt Park from August 25–29 and September 2–5, right at the Boathouse parking lot (1301 N Humboldt Dr). No insurance is required just show up if you're a woman age 40 or older. Walk-ins welcome, but appointments encouraged. 📞 Call (312) 924-3225 for more info.
🩷 Tag a friend and spread the word. our health matters!
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Filming Notice 8/29 - 9/2 |
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| Open 4 Business Productions will be filming scenes for Chicago Fire in our neighborhood on Tuesday, Sept 2, 2025. No Parking/Tow Zones: Friday, August 29, 7 AM–5 PM: East side of Homan from Evergreen south to the alley; south side of Evergreen from Homan to 3345 W. Evergreen. Monday, September 1, 9 PM–Tuesday, September 2, 2 PM: North side of Evergreen from Spaulding to Homan; south side of Evergreen from Homan to 3345 W. Evergreen; north side of Potomac from Homan to St. Louis; east side of Homan from Potomac to Hirsch. Traffic Control: Tuesday, September 2, 7 AM–1:30 PM: Intermittent traffic control on Evergreen between Spaulding and Homan. |
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Cicero Ave. Land Study Open House - 9/16 |
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 Share your ideas to help shape the future of Cicero Avenue! Join us and the Chicago Department of Planning and Development for a community open house for the Cicero Avenue Land Use Study.
 Tuesday, September 16
 6–8 p.m.
 Lloyd Elementary School (2103 N. Lamon Ave.)
This study will develop recommendations for land use improvements that support economic vitality, safety, and other local priorities—guided by input from community partners, business owners, residents, and elected officials. Learn more at Chicago.gov/CiceroAve |
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| Meet Alma from Alma’s Way at Explore Your City from 10:30am to 2:30pm on Saturday, September 20 at the Humboldt Park Field House in Chicago!
Learn about places families can explore throughout Chicago via public transportation, like the local park district, forest preserve, theatre, planetarium, zoo, culinary school, and more! Participate in educational activities, try out new instruments, add to a community mural, and enjoy games, crafts, and giveaways. Sensory friendly activities available, with a special performance by Chicago Children’s Theatre’s Ride Kit Friends Tour! |
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Unhoused Solidarity Day 10/6 |
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| We are proud to welcome the Streetwork Collective to Humboldt Park for Solidarity Day, a World Homeless Day celebration of service and care. This wrap-around resource fair will bring together organizations like Heartland Alliance, The Night Ministry, and Shower Up to support neighbors experiencing houselessness. Join at the Humboldt Park Boathouse from 9 AM to 5 PM for food, clean clothing, document support, showers, medical care, harm reduction services, housing and benefits assistance, and opportunities to get involved. For info, email: RSpangler@hahhealth.org or Morgan@orangetentproject.org |
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| Is Your Water Safe? Find Out for Free Citywide change is essential, but we can take simple, meaningful steps at home to protect our health and neighborhoods. As we work together for change at City Hall, we can take small but powerful steps at home to keep our families and communities safe. You can now request a free water lead test kit through the CHI 311 app from the comfort of your home. The kit comes with three bottles and simple instructions. After you collect your samples, schedule a pick up or drop them off, and the City will send you the results. |
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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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Street Sweeping Map & Schedule |
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Street Sweeping takes place between April and November. |
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Boulevard Landmark District Extension Project |
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The “Logan Square Boulevards District” is a significant part of our community's history and character. An extension of this Landmark District is currently being considered. This process typically takes 6 to 9 months and includes communication and notices throughout the process.
This project builds on decades of historic preservation work and reflects the ongoing commitment of the 26th Ward to encouraging sustainable development and maintaining the unique identity of our neighborhoods.
You can learn more about the project, review FAQs, and submit your thoughts at the26thward.org/boulevard-landmarking. |
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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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| Updated Proposal for 3300 W Pierce – We Want Your Input!
The development team for the former Pierce Church has submitted an updated proposal to convert the building into a 26-unit apartment complex. In response to community concerns, they’ve secured 20 off-site parking spaces near the property. We’re asking neighbors for new feedback. |
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We are currently reviewing zoning change requests for the following properties. |
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3446 W. North Ave 1701 North Kimball 1751-53 N Spaulding Ave 3652 W North Ave
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| 1739 N Drake 1616 N Saint Louis 2054 N. Pulaski Rd 1118 N California
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Teen Lit Night UNBOUND 9/19 |
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| A night celebrating YA literature, art, and culture at Teen Lit Night!
This one-of-a-kind event will feature:
🪩A silent disco party with Mo MAMI
🎵Lo-Fi beats with Backpack Beatz
😋Book-themed mocktails and food
👕Custom t-shirt and DIY totes with artist Clue Chicago
📚Free pop-up library to build your personal library
✍️Teen lounge with authors K. Ancrum and Jamia Wilson
For teens and young adults, 13-22.
Don’t miss it! |
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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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PeErre Grand Opening 8/29 |
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First-Time Homebuyer Workshops-8/30 |
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| First-Time Homebuyer Assistance (VIRTUAL) DATES: Session 1: Saturday, August 23, 2025 Session 2: Saturday, August 30, 2025 🕙 TIME: 10 AM – 1 PM 💻 LOCATION: Online via Zoom (open to the public) ✔️ Includes: HUD-approved Homebuyer Education Certificate. 📌 To receive the certificate, you must complete both workshop sessions and a mandatory individual counseling session. READY TO REGISTER? 📧 Email: epinto@northwestcenterchicago.org 📱 Text (preferred): 708-669-6820
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Who Will Inherit Your House? 9/5 |
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| 🟡 Propietarios de Hermosa, esto es para ustedes.
¿Quién heredará su casa? 🏠 Con un servicio legal gratuito, usted puede reunirse con un abogado y completar un Transfer on Death Instrument (TODI), una forma sencilla de asegurar que su propiedad pase directamente a sus seres queridos sin un proceso costoso de sucesión.
📅 Regístrese antes del viernes, 5 de septiembre para recibir este servicio gratuito.
📍 Disponible solo para propietarios en Hermosa. |
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| ✨ Word Dealers: 2nd Annual ~ A Night of Poetry ~ ✨
Celebrate the 7th Anniversary of the Legends Mural and honor the life and contributions of four Puerto Rican trailblazers in the arts and literary world.
When: Saturday, Sept 6, 2025, 5–9 PM Where: 3501 W. Pierce Ave. What: Free outdoor family event with an open mic for all! Bring your umbrella chairs and enjoy an evening of community, poetry, and art.
Questions? Text 773-739-3498 or email 3501piercelegends@gmail.com |
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Veteran’s Resource Fair 9/13 |
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| Veteran’s Resource Fair at New Life Covenant Church  Date: Saturday, September 13th
 Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: New Life Covenant Church, 3400 W. Division
This event is a meaningful opportunity to support veterans and their families by connecting them with valuable resources. |
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| Looking for the freshest blooms in Chicago? Chicago Flower Market is a farmers market for local Midwest flowers. Stroll the market, buy yourself a bouquet, grab a bite or coffee and sing along with bilingual early childhood music duo, Little Parade. www.chiflowermarket.com
¿Buscas las flores más frescas de Chicago? Chicago Flower Market es un mercado de flores locales de esta región del país. Date una vuelta por el mercado, cómprate un ramo, cómete algo o tómate un café y canta junto con el dúo bilingue www.chiflowermarket.com Se habla Español. |
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Homeowner Exemptions Workshop-9/17 |
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🏡 Homeowner in Cook County? Don’t Miss This Workshop!
Join the Cook County Assessor’s Office on Wednesday, September 17 from 6:00–7:30 PM at the Humboldt Park Branch (1605 N Troy St) for a Homeowner Exemptions Workshop. Learn how property tax exemptions work, which ones renew automatically, and how to check if they were applied to your home. The session will also include a live Q&A, so you can get your specific questions answered. 🔍 Great for homeowners looking to understand their property taxes and save money.
📚 For more info, ask your librarian or visit chipublib.org.
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Affordable Homebuying Roadshow 9/27 |
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| 🏡 Ready to take the next step toward owning a home? Join LUCHA and the Association House of Chicago for the Affordable Homebuying Roadshow, powered by PNC
Saturday, September 27, 10 AM - 2 PM National Museum of Mexican Art
This event will walk first-time and low- to moderate-income buyers through homebuying with expert guidance, workshops, and information on flexible lending programs.
👉 Register today: https://tinyurl.com/lucharoadshow |
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Community Support Youth Soccer |
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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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🌼 Help Keep Hermosa Beautiful! 🌼
Join your neighbors in beautifying Hermosa by adopting a traffic circle or corner! Let’s work together to keep Hermosa vibrant, safe, and welcoming!
📩 Email: info@ourhermosa.org | 🌐 ourhermosa.org | 📱 773-295-7790
Let’s make our community shine! ✨ |
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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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Avoid Bird Alert: Protect Yourself & Your Pets |
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| 🐦 H5N1 Bird Flu: What You Need to Know 🦠 Protect yourself and your pets from H5N1 bird flu by avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and their droppings. If handling is necessary, wear protective gear like gloves, goggles, and an N95 mask. 🐾 Keep pets safe! Don’t let dogs or cats interact with wild birds or contaminated areas. If they come into contact, wash them immediately and monitor for symptoms. 🍗 Always cook poultry and eggs thoroughly to kill any potential virus. For more info, visit: Chicago Department of Public Health |
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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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| HIRE360 is recruiting candidates into union trades apprenticeship program and preparing them for work opportunities in upcoming Chicago construction projects. This 8-week program is for Illinois residents 17 and a half or older that are authorized to work in the U.S., have a flexible schedule, a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel to various locations. More information here. |
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Ready to start your culinary career? 🍳
Impact Culinary Training is now recruiting for August 2025!
✅ No cost job training
✅ Open to young adults in Chicago’s West Side, ages 18–24
✅ 8 weeks of kitchen training
✅ 4 week paid internship
Apply today at www.impactculinary.org/apply-now or scan the QR code to get started.
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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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| OEMC currently has four job postings on the City’s website
Apply HERE |
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| Ready for a new career?
GWTP has trained over 2,000 people for good jobs with real career paths. No high school diploma or GED required, and programs are free for eligible applicants.
✔️ Short-term training
✔️ Industry certifications
✔️ Job placement support
✔️ Background friendly
✔️ Transportation and other services included
📲 Call 312-563-9570 to schedule a tour or register online today!
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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
