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Neighbors,
As we begin a new year, our focus remains clear: protecting our neighbors, investing in stability, and keeping our communities rooted. From basic infrastructure to housing, culture, and accountability, this week reflects what it looks like to lead with care and to center people in every decision we make. Thank you for continuing to show up, speak up, and shape the future of the 26th Ward with us. |
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Shared Cost Sidewalk Program Opens January 12
We start the year with opportunities for residents to care for their blocks and strengthen the foundation of our neighborhoods. The City of Chicago’s Shared Cost Sidewalk Program opens for applications on Monday, January 12, 2026, beginning at 6 a.m. This program allows property owners to repair sidewalks by sharing the cost with the city and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications must be submitted through 311 online, by phone, or through the 311 app under the Shared Cost Sidewalk Program request category. Our office will be open starting at 2 p.m. on Monday for residents who would like assistance submitting an application or have questions about the process. We encourage interested residents to apply early and reach out so we can help keep sidewalks safe and accessible throughout the ward.
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Community Development Grant Winner
A message from Sandi Byrd, Executive Director at CCJ.
This week, the Department of Planning and Development announced the recipients of the City's Community Development Grants. With strong advocacy from Alder Fuentes, the Chicago Community Justice Foundation was awarded a $2.3 million grant to help fund the renovation of its building at 3845 W. North Avenue in the 26th Ward. CCJF's building will provide a vital resource to the community by partnering with other community-based organizations, such as ALSO, Association House, Build, Inc., and New Life Centers, to bring co-located services, including legal, violence prevention, workforce development, and mental health services to this space. The unique relationship between CCJF and its partners will allow them to build on the momentum the community is already seeing in violence reduction and historically low rates of homicides. The space will also serve as a community hub for activities such as meetings, creative arts, and community events, and is expected to bring at least 100 full-time jobs to the North Avenue Corridor. |
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Three Kings Day Gift Giveaway
In the 26th Ward, we protect our people by protecting our culture. This week, we gathered in Humboldt Park to celebrate Three Kings Day alongside the Puerto Rican Cultural Center and our community. This tradition is rooted in love, joy, and collective care. At a time when so many forces try to displace us and erase our histories, choosing to come together, honor our elders, and bring joy to our children is an act of resistance. Events like this remind us that our neighborhoods are not just places to live. They are places of memory, belonging, and power. We will continue to fight to keep them that way.
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Groundbreaking: Affordable Senior Housing in Humboldt Park
We’re starting the new year right by taking care of our seniors and building more affordable housing in the 26th Ward. This week, we broke ground on the long-awaited transformation of the historic Pioneer Arcade into 61 affordable senior apartments. This project helps ensure our elders are not priced out by gentrification and can age with dignity and the love they deserve in the neighborhood they helped build. This is what it looks like when we put people first and invest in stability, care, and community.
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3251 Division Community Meeting 3251 Division
I want to share an update on a proposed 44-unit affordable housing development at 3251 W Division St that our office discussed with neighbors this week, led by Hispanic Housing Development Corporation. Community members showed up in strong numbers and shared thoughtful, honest feedback, with overwhelming support for approving a zoning change to support affordable housing. Many neighbors spoke about the urgency of keeping working families rooted here as rents rise and displacement continues, and deconversion (the practice of converting a multiple-unit building into a single-family house), while others raised concerns about density and parking. Those concerns were heard, and the development team presented updated designs that reflect changes made in response to earlier community input. I remain committed to a transparent, community-led process that builds real buy-in and moves us toward solutions. Future meetings will be held and will be publicly announced.
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LSC elections
Our schools are the bedrock of our community. If you are interested in playing a vital role in supporting our young people, consider applying to run for the 2026 Local School Council (LSC) election. Use this map to check your eligibility to run. Applications to become an LSC candidate close at 3 pm on Tuesday, January 20. All application materials must be submitted by the deadline to be nominated as a candidate.
Attend an application workshop on Wednesday, January 14, by registering here. Schools with LSC’s in the 26th Ward include: Pablo Casals School of Excellence, 1234 N Monticello Funston Elementary, 2010 N Central Park Lloyd Elementary, 2103 N Lamon Lowell Elementary, 3320 W Hirsch Marine Leadership Academy, 1920 N Hamlin McAuliffe Elementary, 1841 N Springfield Moos Elementary, 1711 N California North-Grand High School, 4338 W Wabansia Stowe Elementary, 3444 W Wabansia Yates Elementary, 1839 N Richmond
LSC Election Day is March 18, 2026, and CPS is seeking paid election judges. |
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CCPSA statement
Hundreds of Chicagoans showed up this week to speak truth, share testimony, to uplift and listen to our neighbors most impacted by ICE detention and the fear and violence it has brought into our communities. This kind of collective presence matters because safety does not come from silence, it comes from people showing up for one another and demanding accountability when harm occurs. We honor the courage of those who spoke and reaffirm that community voices must lead any process examining whether city systems are truly protecting our immigrant neighbors. |
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CACC Pajama Adoption Event Adopting from Chicago Animal Care and Control means giving a local animal a second chance while supporting a city service rooted in care, compassion, and responsibility. Our office encourages residents who are able to consider adoption and help create more loving homes across our city.
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In Solidarity,
Alderperson Jessie Fuentes |
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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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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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We are currently reviewing zoning change requests for the following properties. |
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Collaboration For Change Events |
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Collaboraction is delighted to announce a new monthly performance by our youth ensemble, The Light, featuring their original theatre, dance, and music pieces that inspire social change on issues of their choosing, with special guests. The performance will be a monthly event at Collaboraction's House of Belonging on the FIRST SUNDAY of each month at 3 pm. |
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Collaboraction Theatre Company invites families to a sneak peek of its new Humboldt Park home with the Sunday Family Magic Matinee featuring The Magical Myster AJ, one of Chicago’s favorite family magicians. Join us Sundays November 30 through December 28 except December 14 at the Kimball Arts Center, 1757 N Kimball Ave for an interactive, hour long show packed with magic, circus fun, and big laughs for kids ages 4 to 10 and fun for adults too. |
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✨ Let your voice shine at RADIATE and yes, it’s FREE! ✨ Join us every 3rd Tuesday of the month at CollabOrAction for a creative night of expression, connection, and community. 📝 6 PM Creative Workshop + Sign Up
🎤 7 PM Open Mic
💜 FREE and open to all 📍 Kimball Arts Center 1757 N Kimball |
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Rush Youth Apprenticeships |
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Body Safety for kids 1/24 |
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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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Mozart Advisory Council 1/12 |
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Free Business Digital Skills Program |
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Paid Study for Community Workers |
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Chicago Environmentalists Holiday Guides |
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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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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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| 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
