33RD WARD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 24, 2025 |
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Dear 33rd Ward Community,
Trump’s war on Chicago is having real impacts. Our neighbors are learning the smell of teargas. Our neighbors are returning home with bruises on their faces, necks, and bodies from rubber bullets. Our neighbors are looking over their shoulders as they walk to work, school, or to the store. Families are being separated. Nearly all of us have a story of somebody impacted by an abduction. ICE and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) are Trump’s personal terrorist organization, and they have been emboldened to rip through our communities with no regard for human dignity or the law. Just today, their local Chief Bovino was photographed personally throwing gas canisters into a crowd of civilians.
Chicago is not having it. This week has once again proven that our community’s response to this terror is to come together. These attacks have made our ties to each other stronger, and I see these bonds everywhere: storefronts, restaurants, apartments, porches, lawns, all displaying beautiful “Protecting Chicago” signage; brave parents shepherding our young neighbors to and from school so their education isn’t interrupted; hundreds of volunteers standing on street corners in shifts, documenting suspicious activity; charitable acts of kindness directing money, groceries, and shelter to families impacted by abductions.
Some days it might feel like we aren’t doing enough, but slowly but surely our community is transforming to offer more and more care for each other. We will continue to meet new challenges together, and I again thank you for how much you are all giving.
Over the past week my office has seen a swelling of interest in supporting local efforts. Currently, our volunteer-led rapid response network is operating at capacity while new trainings are organized. Training is an essential component to rapid response work. This is to ensure everyone’s safety, especially as ICE escalates their operations. If you would like to express interest in supporting local efforts, please always continue to email [email protected] so we can connect you to the most current opportunities. Please rest assured, we are expeditiously working to bring more of you together, and we appreciate your patience and understanding.
Our rapid response teams are not the only ways you can help. There are many local organizations to join that are supporting the work of the rapid response teams. I encourage you to follow Albany Park Mutual Aid to support their needs, to volunteer at a local food pantry, and of course watch this newsletter for ways you can support the community broadly.
In particular, our small business community is feeling the impact of our neighbors’ fear with steep declines in local shopping. When you can, please support our local businesses. This past week, I hosted Mayor Johnson at a new cafe in the neighborhood, Nubar Cafe at Kedzie and Lawrence. We sampled so much of their delicious food! Please stop by to say “hello,” grab a seat, and enjoy a treat with friends and family. This week I also went on a walk through the neighborhood with Congresswoman Delia Ramirez to distribute Protect Chicago signage and distribute Know Your Rights information. |
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While the Mayor was in the ward I convened representatives from local organizations to discuss his proposed budget and the impacts that it would have on our communities. We are all pleased to see a real intention to shift the burden of supporting this city’s financial commitments away from poor and working people, and asking the ultra-rich and large corporations to pay their fair share while they continue to enjoy record tax breaks and handouts from the federal government.
I heard advocacy for the Mayor to continue to expand protections for workers, especially migrant workers, to expand efforts to protect affordable housing in our community, and to invest in local organizations that support survivors of gun violence, like Israel’s Gifts of Hope. We were also joined by our State Senator Graciela Guzman, who is working hard in Springfield to develop progressive revenue at the state level. |
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Lastly, my office has had the distinct pleasure of joining so many of our local schools for your Halloween and Fall Festivals. While we are saddened to see the impacts of ICE activity resulting in the cancelation of a few events, in the spirit of our community, we are all working our hardest to make sure our young neighbors can continue to experience joy and play together. We look forward to being together through the next week, and encourage you to participate in the Israel’s Gifts of Hope ofrenda, and to submit your Halloween Decorations to our ward office contest before the deadline on Sunday night! |
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Thank you for doing this work with me. You can always contact my office if you have any questions. We are here to help. |
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In solidarity, Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez 33rd Ward Alderperson |
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Immigrant Rights and Deportation Defense Resources: If you see immigration enforcement or suspect immigration enforcement, first call the Family Support Network (FSN) at 855-435-7693. We encourage you to save this number in your phone. |
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33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION |
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Event details are listed in the newsletter below. CANCELLED - October 25 — Von Steuben Fall Festival October 27 — Participatory Budgeting All-Community Meeting, 7:00pm at the 33rd Ward Office, 4747 N Sawyer Ave October 29 — Police District Councils Joint Meeting - CPD Budget Analysis - 6:00pm, Swedish Hospital October 30 — Autumn Fest at Roosevelt High School, 5:30-7:00pm October 30 — Haugan Elementary Fall Festival and Local Small Business Vendor Market, 4:30 - 6:30 pm - All community is welcome! October 31 — Deadline - County Homeowner Relief Program - Apply Here November 3 — Neighbor Night; Appointments available by email at [email protected] from 4:30-5:30pm; Guest presentation at 5:30pm
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Support Our Local Businesses
We know many neighbors are choosing to stay in during this difficult time, and we understand safety comes first. At the same time, our local businesses, corner stores, restaurants, and shops are feeling the impact of the recent attacks on our community. If you’re able, please consider supporting them in ways that feel safe for you, whether by ordering takeout or delivery, shopping online from them, or picking up from a trusted spot. Every gesture of support helps keep these community anchors strong while we look out for one another. |
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Ways You Can Get Involved to Support Immigrant NeighborsIMMR will host virtual Family Preparedness workshops at 6 p.m. every Thursday evening throughout September. Residents are invited to register for the webinars online and can view additional information on IMMR’s website.
UPGRADED IMRR WEBSITE The City has also launched a newly enhanced IMRR website at www.chicago.gov/IMRR. Step-by-step, easy-to-follow guidance for immigrant families and individuals; User-friendly content and clear visuals; Resources tailored to immigrant and refugee communities, highlighting services and protections.
ALBANY PARK MUTUAL AID APMA have been helping with grocery deliveries to folks who may not want to leave their homes right now. Their contact information can be found on their website: https://www.albanyparkmutualaid.com/
ADOPT A HIRING CORNER Latino Union is helping day laborers with their “Adopt a Hiring Corner” volunteer team. Sign up : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeV1HGjpuXg8TBZXRwk4iAKa2GyRSVlgOlTwwXXgfgRBg2Ykw/viewform.
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VOLUNTEER WITH THE WARD OFFICE |
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Volunteer with the 33rd Ward OfficeJoin us in strengthening our community! We are excited to offer a range of community engagement opportunities with our office. Whether you’re passionate about connecting neighbors or eager to make a positive impact, we’d love for you to volunteer with us. Help us build bridges and foster a stronger, more connected community. Your involvement can make a real difference.
Our office maintains several programs for neighbors to come together to care for each other and to learn about resources available to our communities. You can sign up to volunteer with our office by filling out our volunteer form by clicking here. |
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Feedback Closed - Proposal to lift the Liquor Moratorium at 3455 N Elston Ave We will provide an update as soon as possible. |
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33rd Ward Halloween Decoration ContestDeadline to enter the contest is Sunday, October 26 at 11pm (ENTER) Voting begins Monday, October 27 Winners will be announced on October 31 |
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Neighbor Night
The Neighbor Nights are an effort by the 33rd Ward Office to create opportunities for organizations in our ward to teach neighbors about their work and help people get involved. Meetings with the alderwoman are available by appointment only by emailing [email protected].
Next — November 3, Details to be announced Appointments available: 4:30-5:30pm Guest presentation: 5:30-6:30pm
Upcoming — November 17, Details to be announced Appointments available: 4:30-5:30pm Guest presentation: 5:30-6:30pm |
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Participatory BudgetingIf you would like to volunteer for this year’s Participatory Budgeting committee to review project proposals and develop our ballot, of if you would like to submit ideas for consideration by our PB committee, you can do so at our website: www.33rdward.org
PB IDEA COLLECTION“Where do you want to see benches in our ward?” Fill out the form by clicking here.
PB All-Community MeetingJoin us on October 27 at 7pm for our next Community Meeting related to Participatory Budgeting. We will be meeting at the 33rd ward office. You can join us to learn more about participatory budgeting, to share ideas for the ballot, or to learn about volunteering for PB. See you there! |
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Community Driven Zoning and Development
Please follow our Facebook and other social media accounts for the most up to date notices on public meetings and input surveys regarding zoning changes in the ward. You can also regularly check our Zoning page on our website by clicking here. |
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Current Proposals in Review
3240 W Lawrence Ave – Project Website Status: In Community Review Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: B1-2 to B2-5 |
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INFRASTRUCTURE ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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2025 Street SweepingWe are nearing the end of street-sweeping season, with the final scheduled sweeps ending by mid-November. Sweeping will continue on main streets as weather permits.
View a printable street sweeping schedule. You can find your zone by referencing the interactive map by clicking here. |
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Fall Leaves Announcement from Department of Streets and SanitationIt's fall, and that's exactly what the leaves are doing - falling from Chicago's trees. Help us keep our streets, curbs, and gutters clean and safe! Remove leaves that fall into the street in front of your residence. Reuse them as mulch in your yard. Bag them and call 311 for a yard waste pickup.
DO NOT sweep or rake leaves into the street. Doing so is a violation of City Ordinance and can clog the sewer system, leading to flooding, ice over the upcoming winter months, and other issues. |
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ChiStreetWorksWondering what construction is taking place near you? Try the ChiStreetWork tool which allows you to view all the construction work happening anywhere in Chicago. The ChiStreetWork tool allows you to view all the active and permitted construction work taking place near you. You are also able to opt into updates to receive real-time notifications related to construction work. |
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Grid-Based Tree TrimmingCurrent Grid Area: N044 - W032
The Bureau of Forestry is no longer receiving individual tree trimming requests and has shifted to a grid-based maintenance schedule similar to the street sweeping schedule. You can view the map here. If you’re worried about the immediate safety of the area around a given tree due to its conditions, you can reach out to 311 or our office so the appropriate service request can be made. |
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ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES |
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November Hot-Meals To-Go ScheduleEvery Thursday from 12:00 - 1:30pm St. Nicolai United Church, 3000 N Kedzie
All food will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. No ID or registration necessary.
Free Adult Health Screenings and Groceries
St. Nicolai United Church, 3000 N Kedzie Wednesday, November 19 Free adult health screenings: 10 am - 1:30 pm Free Groceries: 12:30-1:30 pm |
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Free Community Meals - Second SundaySunday, October 12; Sunday, November 9; Sunday, December 14 2nd Sunday of each month, 6-7pm Holy Family Hall (basement of Queen of Angels Church), 2330 W. Sunnyside.
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul invites you and the members of your household to a new free Community Meal. Come, relax, and share a hot meal with other members of the community! Pick up a to-go bag with a packed lunch to eat the next day.
If you have questions, please call the Queen of Apostles Parish Office at 773-539-7510. Leave a message and the team will call you back. |
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NorthBrank Works Fall Fest
Oct. 30th from 6-8 p.m. Green Exchange (2545 W Diversey Avenue)
Come be part of the fun at Fall Fest! Join North Branch Works for our biggest party of the year on Oct. 30th from 6-8 p.m. in the Green Exchange (2545 W Diversey Avenue). We’re excited to recognize former 27th Ward Ald. Walter Burnett with a leadership award and local businesses including Metropolis Coffee Company and Brothers Restaurant. For more information & to sign up, please go here. |
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Bikerdike Apartments Waiting Lists Open |
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Von Steuben Fall FestivalSaturday, October 25th from 11:00-2:00pm Von Steuben, 5031 N Kimball Ave, Door D
The day of the event, there will be food, games, prizes, and more! Again, I've attached the flyer we've made for the Fall Festival. |
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Emergency Heating Repair ProgramOpens November 1, 2025.
EHRP offers income-eligible Chicagoland owner-occupied properties with direct assistance to repair or replace their furnace or boiler heating system. Qualified contractors perform the work at no cost to the homeowner with funding provided through the Department of Housing (DOH).
The assistance is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Interested homeowners can apply online. They will complete the online pre-qualification questions. Afterwards, their information is transferred through the City's portal. They will receive an email on the same day with a link to proceed with completing the application. Homeowners with an email address can apply online.
Constituents can also receive a paper application via one of the following methods: The City's 311 service line CHI311 APP www.chicago.gov/ehrp. where applicants can complete a service request to apply, and an electronic status letter will be generated for their records. Paper application can be downloaded at www.chicago.gov/hrp and printed out.
A homeowner who does not have an email address or access to a computer will need to call 311 to be sent a paper application package by mail. Completed applications can be returned to: Department of Housing, Attu: Emergency Heating Repair Program, 121 N Lasalle, Room 1000, 10 flr, Chicago, Illinois 60602. |
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Police District Councils Joint Meeting regarding CPD BudgetOctober 29, 6:00pm Swedish Hospital |
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Homeowner Relief Fund - Deadline Extended
The Cook County Homeowner Relief Program is a one-time $1,000 lottery-based payment is intended to help eligible households meet basic needs, reduce housing cost burdens, and provide financial relief.
To be eligible, Cook County homeowners must: Have experienced a property tax bill increase of at least 30% in tax year 2021, 2022, or 2023 Have a household income at or below 100% of the Area Median Income for the applicant's household size (AMI Guidelines: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/doh/provdrs/renters/svcs/ami_chart.html ) Have a Cook County homeowner exemption on the property, which shows that is your primary residence Be at least 18 years old
You can fill out a short, 10 minute application at: https://hrf.cookcountyil.gov/apply. The application closes at 11:59 pm on Friday, October 31st.
If you are an 8th District resident and you need assistance with the application or have questions about eligibility, call Commissioner Jessica Vásquez’s office at 312-603-6386. |
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Autumn Fest with NRC and Roosevelt High SchoolOctober 30 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm Roosevelt High School |
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Horner Park Neighborhood Association Halloween FestivalOctober 24, 5:00pm Crust Brewing |
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Fall Pre-Apprenticeship Fair with CTAOctober 22 from 10am - 12pm JLM Abundant Life Center, 2622 W. Jackson Blvd
This special outreach event is to provide more awareness and education to both youth and adults alike who are interested in careers in construction. Current apprentice and journeypersons are encouraged to attend this event. The event will include a presentation of noteworthy information on construction industry pathways, training resources, wage outlooks and current opportunities with CTA construction contractors -- for both construction and administrative work. After the 30-minute presentation there will be networking and raffles for all attendees. There will also be a free food truck.
Scores of attendees are expected so please encourage those interested in careers in the construction trades to register now using the link below: CTA Workforce Initiatives Fall Pre-Apprenticeship Fair Registration |
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Survey - Arts & Culture in Albany ParkOctober 23rd 6pm - 8:30pm
Movement on Montrose, 2951 W. Montrose Ave
Survey
Tell us your vision for Arts & Culture in Albany Park! Let’s celebrate our community’s deep diversity, join together in joy and support, and create collective visions for the future. Take our SURVEY on your experience of neighborhood arts and culture now. Fun activities, free food, and collective design. All ages welcome. |
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Irving Park Food Pantry Hat, Scarf, Glove DriveThe Pantry is collecting new hats, scarves and gloves to provide our registered clients in the 60641 and 60618 ZIP codes. This program replaces our annual coat drive, which we are unable to run.
We will give out the items during our October distributions (October 1st, 8th, 14th, 15th, 22nd and 29th). You can drop off your donation of hats, scarves, mittens and gloves for men, women and children any time through Sunday, October 26th. But early is better!
NOTE: Please limit your donation to ONLY hats, scarves and gloves. We have no space to offer other items. Thank you for your support of this worthy cause! |
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Kedzie Center Community Needs AssessmentAfter 10 years of providing accessible mental health care to Chicago’s North River area, we’re conducting a comprehensive assessment to ensure we’re meeting our community’s needs.
If you live in Albany Park, Irving Park, North Park, or Sauganash, please consider taking our survey or joining a focus group to let us know what YOU need. All participants will have the chance to win $50 gift card to a local business. Share with your neighbors and help us provide quality care to our North River community. |
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Chicago Public Schools Opens GoCPS Applications for the 2026-27 School YearChicago Public Schools (CPS) opened the GoCPS application window this week, allowing students and families to explore schools for the 2026-27 school year. From now through 5 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, families of students entering grades K-9 in the 2026-27 school year can submit applications to a wide variety of schools - with myriad special programs - offered throughout the city.
To support families through the application process, CPS is hosting a series of online GoCPS information sessions, available in both English and Spanish. Families can register for a virtual session and also view step-by-step informational videos by visiting cps.edu/gocps. |
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Our 33rd Ward Office maintains resources pages on our website as a helpful starting point for anyone that needs support. We are also available by phone call or email to help you explore any options that work best for you.
If for any reason our office is unavailable, please call 2-1-1 or visit www.211metrochicago.org. 2-1-1 is a hotline that is staffed 24/7 by trained resources navigators to help you find information and programs related to a wide variety of needs including utility billing relief and housing assistance. |
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Narcan and Fentanyl Test Strips Available at Our Ward OfficeOur office has been certified to distribute Narcan and Fentanyl testing resources to our community. You can stop by during our open hours or reach out to [email protected] for more information. |
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Monthly Newsletter for “Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and Supporters”We are happy to feature the following community-managed resources guides for service members, veterans, their families, and supporters including events and services for veterans in Chicago and surrounding municipalities. Please email: [email protected] to be added to their monthly emails. You can view this month’s updates, a calendar, and fliers by clicking here. |
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Connect with our local Chamber of CommerceSign up for the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce newsletter by clicking here. |
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Albany Park Mutual Aid - Free StoreLocated at 3000 W. Lawrence
Hours: Mondays 5-9pm, Wednesdays 5-9pm, Saturdays 12-4pm
You can learn more about Albany Park Mutual Aid, support their work, or find help at www.albanyparkmutualaid.com. |
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Meet our 33rd Ward Office Staff Veronica Tirado-Mercado, Chief of Staff John Cruz Barcenas, Deputy Chief of Staff Jonathan Nagy, Director of Communications and Policy Rebecca Rios, Director of Infrastructure and Zoning Abraham Espino, Neighborhood and Business Services Coordinator Camila Garcia, Neighborhood Services Intake Coordinator Ariana Aguilar, Neighborhood Services Representative Eric Ramos, Ward Superintendent
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