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Neighbors,
Our city has felt heavy these past weeks, but the 26th Ward and Chicago have shown what community truly means even in the most challenging moments. We have refused to shrink in fear and instead leaned into love, care, and collective power. From protecting one another to celebrating joy, this week has reminded me that our strength has always lived in the people.
Budget
Yesterday, the Mayor presented his budget address, which he is calling The Protecting Chicago Budget. I am still digging into the details, but on the offset, I am feeling extremely hopeful. Hear my immediate reactions here. We begin our budget meetings with each department on Tuesday, October 21. If you have specific questions you would like for me to ask department heads, email marie@the26thward.org. I’m looking forward to offering top lines at Monday’s Pop-Up Ward Night. |
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Signs and Whistles The people of the 26th Ward have been standing tall in the face of fear. Our school watch is active at each of our 16 campuses, neighbors have been donating and picking up Protecting Chicago signs and whistles, and we are all working hard to support our local businesses. These tools have become powerful symbols of courage and unity. While this has not prevented every single encounter with ICE, I am reaffirmed that it is community that can overcome tyranny. WE KEEP US SAFE. We have restocked our supply of signs and whistles. Stop by our office at to pick up yours and join neighbors who are standing strong for one another. |
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Halloween Fest & Senior Wellness After weeks that have tested our spirits, it means so much to gather again in joy and care for one another, and to remember why we fight for our people. This month, we are grounding in both care and celebration. Our Senior Wellness Fair honors the elders who built this city, offering health screenings, connection, and community joy. Their wisdom reminds us that caring for one another is not charity. It is how we survive. And as we continue that spirit of community, the Humboldt Park Advisory Council’s Halloween Fest invites families with children ages 3 to 12 to join a day of creativity and laughter. From arts and crafts to spooky tattoos and a screening of Coco at 1 p.m., it’s a celebration of imagination, belonging, and neighborhood pride. Join us for these moments of care and connection. Come celebrate our elders, our children, and the community that continues to rise with love and strength. Together, we remind Chicago what it means to keep each other safe. |
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In Solidarity,
Alderperson Jessie Fuentes |
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Senior Wellness Fair 10/22 |
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Public Hearing on Proposed Landmark Designation 10/22 |
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The Commission on Chicago Landmarks will hold a public hearing on the Proposed Landmark Designation of the Humboldt and Sacramento Extension to the Logan Square Boulevards District.  When: Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
 Where: City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., 11th Floor, Room 1103
 Livestream: bit.ly/stream10-22
How to show your support: Those wishing to submit a statement in favor can complete the form linked here: bit.ly/statement10-22. In-person attendees must submit a statement in support or opposition for the record. More Info: read the complete architectural and historical report on the city's landmark district here: bit.ly/blvd-landmark
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Home Owner Relief Fund Event 10/23 |
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Residencia Paseo Boricua 10/3-10/31 |
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KYR Community Canvass Every Wednesday |
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Join us every Wednesday to distribute Know Your Rights materials with neighbors.
To share possible ICE sightings, Call ICIRR’s Family Support 24-hour Hotline at 855-435-7693
For Updates: Sign up for our newsletter at bit.ly/NWSupdates |
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26th Ward Lighting Improvements |
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Join Parents for Peace and Justice for a safe and healing space for families impacted by gun violence. |
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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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We are currently reviewing zoning change requests for the following properties. |
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3446 W North Ave 1701 N Kimball 3652 W North Ave
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| 1739 N Drake 1118 N California 3265 W Armitage
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GoCPS Applications Open for the 2026-27 School Year |
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Chicago Public Schools has opened the GoCPS application window for the 2026-27 school year, allowing families of students entering K-9 to apply through 5 PM on Friday, November 14, 2025.
GoCPS provides access to a wide variety of programs including selective enrollment, International Baccalaureate, STEAM, Fine & Performing Arts, Career & Technical Education, Dual-Language, and more. Students applying to selective enrollment must complete required admissions testing, with scores released before the application deadline. |
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Next Up Workshops at Humboldt Park Library 10/18 |
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| 📢 Attention high school freshmen! Enrollment is now OPEN for the House of Hope Anti-Violence Youth Foundation’s Operation Clean Youth program. 💪✨
This program offers:
✔️ Valuable job and life skills
✔️ Supportive mentors
✔️ A weekly stipend (paid check)
✔️ A chance to make a real difference in your community
Apply today at 👉 nokidsdieinthechi.org
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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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Empowering Bilingual Small Businesses 10/18 |
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SANA Healing Collective Open House 11/1 |
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We love seeing community-centered healing grow! Our friends at @sanahealingcollective are expanding their space and celebrating 4 years of care. You can support their work by donating to their Community Care Fund or purchasing items from their Gift List to help furnish their new space.
Save the date for their Open House: Saturday, November 1 3324 W. North Ave, Chicago |
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Chicago Park District Fall Events |
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National Family Caregiver Month |
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DFSS will be partnering with delegate agencies, community partners, and senior centers to offer different events in October and November to honor and support family caregivers. They will also be distributing caregiver kits at some of the events! |
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Artesanos del Coquito 11/29 |
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Free Flu and Covid Vaccinations |
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Free Flu Shots at Participating Jewel Pharmacies |
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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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| 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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| The Illinois Department of Human Services is hosting virtual and in-person recruitment events in English and Spanish. Register here, and apply for open positions here. |
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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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| 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
