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Dear Neighbors,
This week was about building systems of support in our community, from preparing to protect our immigrant neighbors, to strengthening accountability, to continuing the work of keeping our neighborhoods stable, clean, and connected. Here is what is happening in the 26th Ward and how you can be part of it. |
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Community Preparedness Event
Alderman Burnett and I are co-sponsoring a Community Preparedness Town Hall tomorrow, Saturday, March 21, at 10 am at the Salvation Army. We will have workshops from rapid responders, ARISE, and the Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights. The goals of this event are to begin building out our westside coalition to respond and support our immigrant neighbors. |
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Strengthening the Welcoming City Ordinance
As we continue building systems of care and protection in our community, we are also strengthening accountability at the city level. This week, city council passed an amendment that strengthens Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance by giving the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) the authority to investigate potential violations involving CPD. This means that if there are concerns about police collaboration with federal immigration enforcement, there is now a clear, independent process to investigate those complaints. This creates a strong, more transparent accountability process that actually enforces the Welcoming City protections. |
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Investing in Affordable Housing and Preventing Displacement
That commitment to accountability goes hand in hand with our work to keep families in our neighborhoods and prevent displacement. The Mayor of Chicago joined Alderperson Jessie Fuentes and City staff to discuss a transformative joint venture between Hispanic Housing Development Corporation and the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, aimed at bringing new affordable housing to the 26th Ward. The proposed development has the potential to deliver approximately 220 units, serving families and individuals across a range of income levels.
This initiative reflects the Ward’s continued commitment to preserving the cultural fabric of our community while actively working to prevent displacement and gentrification. By partnering with trusted community organizations, the project prioritizes keeping long-term residents in the neighborhood. We look forward to advancing this effort alongside our community partners with strong support from the City. |
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April is Earth Month
Looking ahead, we are continuing that work by investing in the health and sustainability of our environment and public spaces. Next month is Earth Month, and my office has planned and collaborated with organizations and other elected officials to present this year's Earth Month Series. On April 11th, we will have a recycling extravaganza where you can recycle shoes and clothing in any condition, drop off prescription pills no longer needed, shred paper, and recycle electronics. No registration is required.
Keeping with tradition, we will be a site lead for Humboldt Park's Earth Day Clean-Up. You can register to join our team, Equipo 26, at bit.ly/earthdayward26. That's on April 18th from 8 am-12 pm, and it's a perfect opportunity to keep our parks clean. On Saturday, April 25th, we will be in Hermosa planting trees. If you would like a tree planted in front or on the side of your home, please fill out the form at bit.ly/HermosaTrees. |
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Recycling and Composting Programs Keeping our neighborhood clean and sustainable takes all of us, and the City offers programs that make it easier to get involved. Recently, representatives from the Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) visited our office and reminded us about two great ways residents can support a cleaner, more sustainable city: the Recycling Block Captain program and the City’s Food Scrap Drop-Off program. Residents who live in a Blue Cart recycling area can volunteer to become Recycling Block Captains, joining a grassroots network that helps share information with neighbors, answer recycling questions, and provide feedback to the City on how the program is working locally. Volunteers receive monthly updates on recycling rates and initiatives, outreach materials such as lawn signs and introduction cards, and direct access to City staff for support.
The City also offers a free Food Scrap Drop-Off program, where Chicago residents can bring household food scraps to one of 33 drop-off locations across the city. Composting keeps organic waste out of landfills, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and returns nutrients to the soil. Become a Recycling Captain and Find a Food Scraps Drop-Off center HERE. These programs are simple ways to reduce waste, support Chicago’s climate goals, and help build a healthier city together. |
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As always, if you need support or have questions, our office is here for you. |
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In Solidarity,
Alderperson Jessie Fuentes |
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Property Tax Exemption Applications Are Open |
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Chicago Park District Participatory Budgeting |
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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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Teen Urban Design Career Fair - 3/21 |
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Student Intern Opportunity |
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Provident Scholarship Fund - Due 4/19 |
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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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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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48th Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade - Save The Date |
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Public Safety Department Event - 3/31 |
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Clerk’s Office Upcoming Events |
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Chicago Public Library Presents: 3/25 - 4/22 |
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Criminalized For My Survival 3/27 |
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Art Classes Enrollment Open |
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Jumping Jack Program opens 4/15 |
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The Jumping Jack Program is limited to residential block parties within the Chicago city limits. Events on private property, in parks, in forest preserves, at schools, libraries or churches, private parties, birthday parties, community events and festivals are not eligible to apply. Applicant must reside on the block where the Block Party is taking place. When completing the application, if all information is input correctly, the applicant will receive an immediate auto-reply confirmation message containing the request. If applicant does not receive the auto-reply message, the request WAS NOT received. To avoid errors, applicants should: Complete the application on a computer using Google Chrome. Be sure to manually fill in each of the boxes on the application; errors can occur when the fields auto-populate. Try putting a “.” (period) after the letter used to denote the street direction (i.e., N., S., E. or W.) of the block party address. Press “SUBMIT” at the end of the application. Applicants will receive APPROVAL or DENIAL emails once their application is processed. Jumping Jacks are only available on Saturdays and Sundays. Requests are typically highest on Saturdays – applicants should consider Sundays. The Jumping Jack Program will NOT operate on Saturday, July 4th. Only one request per block, per season will be honored. Multiple requests from the same block will be denied. Approved block parties will receive one (1) Jumping Jack for four (4) hours on the approved day. The Jumping Jack will be delivered between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will be picked up between the hours of 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. The Jumping Jack provider cannot accommodate specific time requests or deliver/pick-up outside of the times listed above. If the incorrect date is selected in error, applicant MUST email [email protected] for further instruction. Last minute date changes will not be honored. Requests must be made through the Registration Portal – emails will not be accepted. Applicants MUST receive a permit from their Aldermanic Ward office in order to hold a Block Party. Requests are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
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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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| 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 [email protected] 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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25th District Council - Public meeting 3/26 |
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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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| Explore careers at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. |
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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 [email protected]
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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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| 📣 The City of Chicago’s Department of Law is hiring!
Join a team committed to justice, equity, and service to our communities. Explore open positions and apply today. ⚖️🔗 |
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| The City of Chicago is committed to assisting residents in their pursuit of finding a job. This page contains information on where residents can find job opportunities in the public, private,and nonprofit sector. Click HERE to view job opportunities in various sectors. |
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| Chicago Transit Authority employees keep Chicago and 35 suburbs moving every day. This would not be possible without our skilled and dedicated workforce. Learn what qualities make a great CTA employee and find a career opportunity that matches your professional skill set and interests. |
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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
