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Neighbors, This week, our office moved from health care to classrooms to construction, showing up at every step. Here’s what we’ve been working on together. |
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Standing with LGBTQIA+ and Latine Communities Together with community members, they heard powerful reflections on the growing limits to gender affirming care and the work ahead to protect dignity, privacy, and choice. They helped build care packages with items to support healing and created handmade affirmation notes to uplift neighbors who need community. The group also heard from Queer Care, a mutual aid effort helping people navigate care and cost when the system falls short. Their message was clear. Mutual aid will be more critical than ever as barriers rise. Our office is committed to standing with LGBTQIA+ residents and working with partners like PPIL Action and Queer Care to expand access, reduce harm, and ensure our ward remains a place of safety and support. Learn how you can be part of collective care here. |
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As part of our efforts to promote community well-being in the 26th Ward, the Chicago Park District has partnered with RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center to host a free mobile mammogram screening event for women ages 40 and older in the parking lot of the Humboldt Park Boathouse starting on August 25.
Humboldt Park Boathouse 8/25 – 8/29 from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm 9/1 – Closed for Labor Day 9/2 – 9/5 from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
• Free mammograms for women ages 40+ • No insurance is required • Walk-ins are welcome; appointments available at 312-942-3225 • The mammograms will take place in the mobile unit. |
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Safe Schools for All: A Win for Immigrant Families That same commitment to dignity carried us into the school halls, where my Legislative Aid, Marie, and Chief-of-Staff, Juanita, joined State Reps Lilian Jiménez and Karina Villa, and allies at Lloyd Elementary to celebrate a massive victory for immigrant families and students. Thanks to the legislative work of Rep Jiménez and Villa, the Safe Schools for All Act was passed and signed at the end of last week. This new law will go into effect on January 1, 2026 and reinforces children’s right to public education, regardless of their immigration status. It requires schools to adopt policies for handling immigration agents and requests for sensitive information. Gratitude to Lloyd Elementary and Principal Salgado for hosting the press conference on Tuesday. Lloyd Elementary is home to many mixed-status families, and the outpour of love is a testament to why we must stand up for our values. When we protect the most vulnerable, we all benefit. |
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Upcoming Construction on California Avenue And as we protect our people, we must also protect our infrastructure. Looking ahead, our office is preparing neighbors for upcoming water main and lead service line replacements that will keep our streets and homes strong. Starting in September, the Department of Water Management will be doing construction on California Avenue between North Avenue and Armitage Avenue to replace the water main and lead service lines. While this work is vital, it will cause interruptions to both street access and water service. To get questions answered directly by DWM, we invite you to join our community meeting on Wednesday, August 27, at 6 p.m. at Moos Elementary (enter at Door 3). Please RSVP at by Monday so we know how much space to prepare. |
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Whether we are fighting for health care, safe schools, or safe drinking water, our office is here to make sure every neighbor in the 26th Ward feels seen, safe, and supported. |
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In Solidarity,
Alderperson Jessie Fuentes |
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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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Cicero Ave. Land Use Study |
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We need to hear from YOU! Please take a few minutes to complete the community survey for the Cicero Avenue Land Use Study. English and Spanish versions are available. The Department of Planning and Development, is evaluating existing conditions along Cicero Avenue between West Irving Park Road and West Grand Avenue. Encompassing 2.75 miles, the study will determine recommendations for land use improvements along the corridor that foster economic vitality, cohesion, safety and other local goals, based on input from community partners, business owners, residents and elected officials. The study area includes portions of the Portage Park and Belmont Cragin community areas. Click here to learn more. |
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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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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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College Application Workshop 9/28 |
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HNA Presents: Workshop 4200 Open House and the Hermosa Children's Market – Where kids learn to be their own bosses! 📅 Saturday, August 23, 2025 Join us for a day filled with creativity and empowerment at Workshop 4200—the perfect space to connect with neighbors, explore local art studios, and discover what makes our community thrive. 🔗 More information and free registration on Eventbrite:
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| 🎨 Join us for the Battle4TheCity Mural Festival!
Experience a day of art, culture, and community along the Bloomingdale Trail between Kedzie and Humboldt Boulevard. 🗓 Saturday, August 23, 2025
🕗 8 AM to 8 PM
📍 Bloomingdale Trail – Between Kedzie & Humboldt Blvd
🔗 Scan the QR code or visit www.battle4thecity.com to learn more! Hosted by Momentum Art Tech, the Bloomingdale Trail, and Alderperson Jessie Fuentes.
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First-Time Homebuyer Workshops-8/23, 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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Sangria Fest - 8/23 & 8/24 |
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🍷 Sangria Festival Chicago celebrates 10 years! 🎉 Enjoy live music, art, food, shopping, and of course… handcrafted sangria flavors!📍 Humboldt Park 📅 August 23 & 24 🎟️ Tickets on sale now! 🔗 SangriaFestivalChicago.com 🎨 21+ | Paint, taste, and celebrate!
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Free Mammogram - No Insurance Needed 8/25 |
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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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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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| 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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New Life Tuesdays Community Meals |
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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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Heat Resilience Policy & Program Community Survey |
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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
