| 33RD WARD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - September 25, 2026 |
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| Translate // Traducir // 번역하다 |
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| Dear 33rd Ward Community, |
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This has been a busy week, primarily at City Hall. Fortunately, there are so many wonderful things to report back.
On Tuesday, Chairwoman Mitts welcomed members of Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT), Revolution Workshop, and myself for a subject matter hearing at her committee regarding the Chicago Construction Workforce Equity Ordinance (O2025-0018753). This is an ordinance that I have been proud to sponsor and was excited to have these trades members speak to the need for City Council to support it.
The ordinance takes a direct, targeted approach to opening Chicago's construction industry to women, Black workers, and workers of color. We cannot talk about an equitable Chicago while ignoring the economic disparities in front of us. The poverty rate for Black women in our city is nearly three times that of white men. More than 40% of Chicago's young Black men are out of school or unemployed. Women of every racial background still face wage gaps and barriers to entering high-paying trades. Meanwhile, the city is making historic investments in infrastructure, with unionized construction jobs that pay family-sustaining wages of $40 to $60 an hour, with pensions and health care. These jobs should be a gateway to the middle class. But too many of our neighbors are still being left out of them. That exclusion is no longer only passive. Across the country, a well-documented movement has pushed from the fringes into mainstream policy. It aims to roll back women's rights, weaken civil rights protections, and dismantle workplace equity programs. As diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts face coordinated attacks nationwide, Chicago cannot stand by. We must make sure our public dollars build more than strong bridges, roads, and buildings. They should also build strong, protected communities for every woman and person of color in this city. After more than a year of work on this ordinance, I'm hopeful we will bring it to a vote soon. |
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| | On Wednesday, I was honored to join my sister in struggle, the illustrious Congressperson Delia Catalina Ramirez for a press conference about the Reimagining Safety Act. Standing shoulder to shoulder with progressive politicians from around the city, we were proud to support her as she takes the spirit of Chicago politics to Washington, DC and against the Trump agenda. Her historic legislation would establish the Department of Community Safety, dismantle the Dept of Homeland Security, abolish ICE and the Customs Border Protection, reinvest funds in our communities, limit government surveillance, and begin the process of establishing a separate civil immigration system. While this fight has only begun, I could not help but feel both the pride in my colleague, but also the joy in seeing the same community-focused, data-driven, human-centered politics that inspired my very own Crisis Assistance Response & Engagement (CARE) program. Whether we are talking about creating a Dept of Community Safety at the federal level or the CARE program at the city level, we are talking about finding new and innovative ways to protect each other without criminalization. We are finding ways to make sure that the government does what it is supposed to do: help people. As we left the press conference, I and my fellow alders made our way to the City Council. As it so happened, the vote on the Protecting Renters Ordinance was “‘deferred and published”, as was the competing ordinance. While this was not the outcome we had hoped for, having something "deferred and published” simply means it will be dealt with at the next meeting of City Council. My commitment to protecting renters and small landlords remains firm and I look forward to the next Council meeting. Lastly, our City Council meeting did have the pleasure of welcoming Rapid Responders from across the city. The rapid response networks, the ICE-watch at schools, the walking school buses, and all the other ways that the people rose up to practice solidarity has been an inspiration. I have been proud to be a part of this organizing, but it has been the everyday volunteers who consistently showed up to protect our neighbors which helped me, and helped others, avoid falling into despair. Because at the end of the day, we have choices to make. We can choose despair. Or we can make the choice to stand up, and we can make the choice to look at what are the tools that we have, and we can make the choice to create new tools, organize ourselves, and channel solidarity. And that is what everyone that has defended our city against ICE has done. And that is life saving work. |
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| Thank you for doing this work with me. Please take a moment this week to help out a neighbor in need. You can always contact my office if you have any questions. We are here to help.
In solidarity, Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez 33rd Ward Alderperson |
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| Ongoing Donation Collection for Unhoused Neighbors During these hot summer days, our unhoused neighbors are in extreme need of a few essential items. We are currently accepting donations of any non-perishable food items, including bottled water, hand fans (battery powered), and bus cards.
Donations can be dropped off at the 33rd Ward Office during business hours. If you would like to coordinate a special drop-off time, please reach out to 773-840-7880. We are not requesting donations outside of the above list. Donations can also be made to: Albany Park Mutual Aid | PRP Shower Connect Wish List |
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| | 33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION |
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| | | | Event details are listed in the newsletter below. September 26 — Vital Records Fair, 6 S. Hoyne, 10am - 2pm September 29 — 3403 W Lawrence, 6pm, RSVP September 30 — O’Hare Business Networking, Veriport Chicago, 1339 S Wood, 5:30pm - 8pm October 5 — Neighbor Night, 4747 N Sawyer, 4:30 - 6:00pm, 773-840-7880 or [email protected] for appointment October 6 — Get Covered IL at our office, 4747 N Sawyer - 11am - 3pm, RSVP TBD October 10 — Expungement and Sealing Fair, 740 W 63rd St, 8:30am - 4pm October 10 — Holiday Craft Fair at St Mary of Providence, 4200 N Austin, 9am - 2pm October 14 — Property Tax Appeal, 4747 N Sawyer, Call 773-840-7880 for appointment October 16 — Senior Resource Fair, Our Lady of Mercy, 4432 N Troy, 11am - 1pm October 17 — Fresa Fest, Movement on Montrose, 2951 W Montrose, 2pm - 7pm November 14 — Diabetes Awareness at Swedish Hospital, 2751 W Winona, 11am - 3pm
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| | | Ronan Park UpdatesIn March, we have received many residents from the former Legion Park encampment into our ward as they wait for their assigned housing. I understand that this encampment has caused great concern for many neighbors. When this community moved into our local park, my office began working in close, daily collaboration with many local organizations, mutual aid groups, nonprofit agencies, and government partners to ensure that our neighbors most in need receive the care, attention, and resources they deserve.
For updates, please check in on our website. |
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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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| 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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| 33rd Ward Spring and Summer resources:Clean and Greens: Please email [email protected] to request resources to help clean up your block, like garbage bags, grippers, and gloves. Street Sweeping began April 1. You can view our interactive sweeping schedule and map by clicking here. To apply for a block party permit, please fill out this form. You can also get small whistle kits for your neighbors if you wish to include them in your block party festivities to encourage safety and support in your community during these difficult times. To apply for a yard sale, please stop by our office or fill out this form.
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| | Neighbor NightNext Neighbor Night: Monday, October 5 at 4747 N Sawyer Ave
Neighbor Nights offer appointments with the Alderperson between 4:30-6:00pm by appointment only. Call or email our office for an appointment at 773-840-7880 or [email protected]. Appointments will be offered in 15 minute segments, with the final time slot at 5:45pm.
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. If you would like to coordinate an event related to your organizing work with an upcoming Neighbor Night, please reach out to our office. |
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| Sage BrigadeThe Sage Brigade needs volunteers to help pack groceries for seniors. This is a commitment of 2 hours a month, once a month, in person, at the Irving Park Food Pantry. If you are interested in volunteering, please email [email protected] with the subject line: SAGE BRIGADE VOLUNTEER FOR FOOD PANTRY. Someone from our office will follow up with you! |
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| Join the Whistle Alert Response Network (WARN)Looking for a lower-risk way to help protect your neighbors from ICE? The Northwest Side Rapid Response Network is launching a new neighborhood-based, people powered alert system. To join the Whistle Alert Response Network (WARN), download the Telegram app on your phone. Then, join the channel using this link. WARN is open to everyone, so please don't hesitate to share. |
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| All Chicago Seeking Rental UnitsAll Chicago wants to “make homelessness history” and they are looking for available rental units on Chicago's North and West Sides, and property owners and managers who lease eligible units through the program may qualify for a one-month leasing incentive. Partners are connected with qualified households ready for housing, which helps reduce vacancy time, and they receive dedicated support throughout the leasing process. If you have an available apartment or expect an upcoming vacancy in these areas, contact your All Chicago Landlord Engagement Coordinator or email [email protected] to learn about eligibility and help more Chicago residents find safe, stable housing. |
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| Avondale on Chicago.comAvondale is one of five pilot communities launching on Chicago.com, Chicago Public Media's new digital community platform, this fall. Free and stewarded by Avondaliens, this platform is local-first, offering space to share resources, events, and recommendations, as well as opportunity to connect with neighbors outside of corporate, ad-clogged social media platforms. Join the Avondale.chicago.com waitlist to get in early! |
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| Legal SupportFor over 20 years, Administer Justice has helped 80,000+ clients find freedom from their legal problems. Schedule an appointment to get your questions answered. For a one-time copay of $30 you will get clear legal guidance and support on next steps. We serve several types of cases.
Call toll-free (855) 818-4554 or visit https://www.administerjustice.org/gethelp/ |
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| | | Current Proposals In Review3256 N Elston Ave:
Project webpage: link
Application Type: Type 1 Map Amendment
Change Request: RS-3 to B2-2 |
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| | INFRASTRUCTURE ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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| 2026 Street SweepingStreet Sweeping season will officially begin on April 1st. Here is the interactive map our Ward Superintendent made to keep track of scheduled street sweepings! |
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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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| Street Resurfacing Project with Pedestrian Improvements Anticipated Start Date: August 10, 2026 Anticipated Completion Date: September 30, 2026 Location: North California Ave. from W. Byron St. to W. Montrose Avenue.
The work will include ADA sidewalk improvements, curb and gutter removal and replacement as needed for ADA and drainage compliance, pavement patching, milling and paving the existing asphalt pavement, and striping. During construction, temporary “No Parking” signs will be periodically installed as required for each activity listed above. These temporary signs will restrict parking during working hours, while adhering to rush hour restrictions, for the completion of the work.
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| Intersection Construction - Curb Bump-OutsThe four corners of Hibbard Elementary, bounded by Spaulding Ave, Argyle St, Sawyer Ave, and Ainslie St, are anticipated to begin work next week (the week of 09/14). There are no anticipated street closures. Pick-up and drop-off times should be unaffected as construction will not occur at those times.
If there are any questions or concerns, please reach out to our office during regular business hours. 
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| Alley Reconstruction - 1The Mayor’s Office, Alderperson Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, and the Chicago Department of Transportation are pleased to announce the reconstruction of an alley in the 33rd ward. Please know that alley construction is scheduled to begin July 29, 2026. No alley access will be granted after July 29, 2026, please make accommodations to relocate your cars out of the garages. There will be saw cutting and minor asphalt demolition taking place July 27 & 28, 2026 but garage access is still permitted and allowed during those 2 days.
The alley is bounded by Wilson Ave and Montrose Ave, and by Sacramento Ave and Richmond St. Once started, construction is expected to take approximately six (6) weeks, weather permitting.
Due to construction, the following changes will occur: During construction, residential garbage will be curbside and we ask that the homeowner relocate cans to the front of the property. There will be no access to the alley for approximately six (6) weeks depending on the weather conditions. Barricades will block all entrance to the alley. Homeowners are advised to seek alternative parking.
This project will be managed by the Public Building Commission of Chicago. If you require any additional information regarding this project, please contact Capitol Cement Company, Inc. at 773-478-2200.
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| Alley Reconstruction - 2The Mayor’s Office, Alderperson Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, and the Chicago Department of Transportation are pleased to announce the reconstruction of an alley serving the 33rd Ward. Alley construction is scheduled to begin September 8, 2026. No alley access will be granted after September 8, 2026, please make accommodations to relocate your cars out of the garages. There will be saw cutting and minor asphalt demolition taking place September 3, 2026 but garage access is still permitted and allowed during those days only.
Alley bounded by: W. Leland Avenue (W. Leland Avenue / W. Wilson Avenue / N. Central Park Avenue / N. Drake Avenue)
Once started, construction is expected to take approximately six (6) weeks, weather permitting. Due to construction, the following changes will occur: During construction, residential garbage will be curbside and we ask that the homeowner relocate cans to the front of the property. There will be no access to the alley for approximately six (6) weeks depending on the weather conditions. Barricades will block all entrance to the alley. Homeowners are advised to seek alternative parking.
This project will be managed by the Public Building Commission of Chicago. If you require any additional information regarding this project, please contact Capitol Cement Company, Inc. at 773-478-2200. 
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| Grid-Based Tree TrimmingThe 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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| Neighborhood Market Grant ProgramMayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) launched a new grant program designed to support small business owners and farmers market operators, providing funding to strengthen local food systems and expand access to fresh, healthy food across the city. Through the Neighborhood Market Grant Program, one-time grants will be provided to small food businesses operating in priority geographies across Chicago.
The program will focus on businesses that are both economic anchors and food access points in neighborhoods historically impacted by disinvestment. Applications in English are available as of Friday, August 28 and applications in Spanish will be available beginning Wednesday, September 2. Applications will be accepted through Friday, September 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CST. Small business owners and market operators interested in applying can find eligibility requirements, funding amounts, and application materials by visiting Chicago.gov/BACPRecoveryPlan. |
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| | Vital Records FairThe City of Chicago and Cook County are partnering to help residents get free certified birth certificates and register to vote—all in one place. Having these documents in hand can help Chicagoans be prepared for new barriers the federal government may try to put between them and the ballot box. Please share in your newsletter and in your networks.Register for free today, get your documents, and make sure you’re ready to exercise your right to vote. Register here.
Saturday, September 26 10:00AM - 2:00PM Manning Library 6 S Hoyne |
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| Community Meals at Queen of AngelsShare a hot meal and community with us every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month! And pick up a bag of sandwiches and other food to eat the next day. Next meal is:
Sunday, September 27 6:00PM - 7:00PM Queen of Angels 2330 W Sunnyside |
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| | Rat Birth Control ProgramNorth River Commission will be hosting a community info session to provide more information about the Rat Birth Control Program, answer questions, and recruit volunteers. Please keep an eye out for upcoming meeting details! You can register here.
If you are interested in joining as a volunteer and be part of the Deployment Team, please reach out to [email protected]. If you are unable to join in person, you can register for the zoom link here.
Tuesday, September 29 6:00PM NRC Office 3403 W Lawrence, Suite 301 |
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| | O’Hare Business NetworkingOutreach event will serve as a platform for small business owners to build meaningful relationships with prime contractors and agency representatives, while gaining valuable insight into upcoming opportunities at the Chicago O’Hare Airport ATS (Airport Transit System) and across the Chicagoland Area.
Wednesday, September 30 5:30PM - 8:00PM 1339 S Wood St Register here |
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| Get Covered IL - Health MarketplaceA representative from Get Covered Illinois will be at the 33rd Ward Office to help assist our neighbors with finding health insurance that meets their needs and is affordable. Save the date!
Tuesday, October 6 11:00AM - 3:00PM 4747 N Sawyer |
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| | Center for Changing Lives - October WorkshopsThere will be a various workshops available throughout the month of October! Please see the graphics below and visit their Linktree at https://linktr.ee/cclchicago |
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| | Expungement and Sealing FairThere will be a Second Chance Summit at Kennedy-King College for expungements and sealing of records. RAP sheet(s) and/or IL State Police Criminal History Record must be uploaded by September 25 to participate.
Get your RAP sheet by calling CPD headquarters at (312) 745-5508 or call the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification at (815) 740-5160. Space is limited, so pre-registration will be strictly required.
Saturday, October 10 8:30am - 4:00pm
Kennedy-King College 740 W 63rd St, Building U RSVP here |
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| | Holiday Craft FairThere will be handmade crafts at St Mary of Providence. Stock up now for gifts and decorations to celebrate Halloween, Thanksgiving, and even get a head start on Christmas shopping!
Saturday, October 10 9:00am - 2:00pm
St Mary of Providence, 4200 N Austin |
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| Property Tax Appeal SupportIn collaboration with the office of Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vásquez, our office will be hosting a property tax appeal event. Anyone interested in property tax appeal support is encouraged to book an appointment by calling our office and bringing a valid State ID or Drivers License.
Wednesday, October 14 By Appointment Only - call (773) 840-7880 4747 N Sawyer |
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| Senior Resource FairThis event will bring together seniors, families, community organizations, and local service providers to connect with valuable resources and learn about programs and services available to older adults in our community.
Friday, October 16 11:00am - 1:00pm
Our Lady of Mercy, Basement Hall 4432 N Troy |
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| Fresa Fest - Ghoul’s Night Out!Presented by @fresafestsbyjojo (Instagram), stop by Fresa Fest at Movement on Montrose to shop from 35+ local vendors!
Saturday, October 17 2:00pm - 7:00pm
Movement on Montrose 2951 W Montrose |
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| | Diabetes Awareness DayJoin Endeavor Health for a community event featuring expert presentations, health screenings, nutrition education, wellness resources and opportunities to connect with healthcare professionals. Learn practical ways to prevent and manage diabetes while accessing resources to support your health and well-being.
Saturday, November 14 11:00am - 3:00pm
Swedish Hospital, Anderson Pavilion 2751 W Winona RSVP: 630-527-6363 |
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Disaster Loan Outreach The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will establish Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) for residents and businesses impacted by the severe storm that occurred on June 10, June 11, and June 17, 2026, to apply for low-interest loans.
Online Applications To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is September 8, 2026. The deadline to return economic injury applications is April 12, 2027.
Note: All impacted residents, regardless of where they live can go to any Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) site, even if it is not their Ward, county or municipality. Each location will have a Spanish translator available. |
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| Impact for Equity — Property Tax AppealsThe property tax appeal system in Cook County is complex and difficult to navigate, so few homeowners appeal and even fewer succeed. Impact for Equity has developed a set of checklists and resources to simplify the process and empower homeowners to challenge inequitable property tax practices. (Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Tagalog at this website.) |
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| Get Medicaid FactsThe Cook County Medicaid Impact Workgroup, a coalition convened by Cook County Health, has launched “Get Medicaid Facts," a new website and communications toolkit designed to help people understand upcoming changes to Medicaid eligibility and what steps they can take now to keep their coverage. These resources come at a critical time. Federal policy changes are expected to significantly impact Medicaid, and an estimated 400,000 Illinois residents could lose coverage in the coming years if they are not prepared or informed.
https://getmedicaidfacts.com/ |
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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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| 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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| The 33rd Ward Office Has a Notary on Staff
If you are in need of notary services, our team is happy to help. Please reach out to [email protected] or give us a call at 773-840-7880 to set up an appointment. |
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| Free Narcan and Drug Test Strips Available at Our Ward Office
They are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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| Free Gun Safety Locks Available at Our Ward OfficeLocks are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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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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| | 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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| | | Meet our 33rd Ward Office Staff Jonathan Nagy, Chief of Staff Rebecca Rios, Deputy Chief of Staff, Director of Zoning and Housing Kenneth Barrios, Director of Policy and Communications Abraham Espino, Director of Business Services Camila Garcia, Neighborhood Services Intake Coordinator Ariana Aguilar, Neighborhood Services Representative Eric Ramos, Ward Superintendent
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