33RD WARD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - May 22, 2026 |
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Translate // Traducir // 번역하다 |
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Dear 33rd Ward Community, |
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This long weekend recognizes Memorial Day, a day to recognize the impacts of war on our communities. This day reminds us that war is horrible and leads to endless pain and suffering. I believe deeply in the end to all forms of war, including the occupation of territory, known as colonization. We honor the many who have lost their lives during war, and remember that there are many ongoing wars around the world we must work together to end. We acknowledge the grief of each family that has mourned a loved one who never came back. All our love to our military families on this Memorial Day and every day.
We also recognize that one day each year is not enough to heal. We must fight to provide the services that veterans, their families, and survivors need including mental health care, housing, education, good paying jobs, and peer support services. Harm reduction and healing are what all veterans, and indeed all Chicagoans, deserve.
That perspective is what informs the fight to expand and fully fund the Crisis Assistance Response & Engagement Program (CARE), which recently began to provide citywide coverage. According to the Dept of Veterans Affairs, 6% of civilians and 7% of veterans struggle with PTSD, which increases the likelihood of experiencing a mental health crisis. In those moments of extreme stress, people deserve to receive treatment without being criminalized. This is why we fought for a non-police emergency response system.
According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, veterans make up a little over 5% of the homeless population. No one, especially our veterans, should have to spend a single night unhoused. Which is why I have supported programs to tax the rich to fund affordable housing, and informs my approach to homeless encampments, such as the one at Ronan Park. I am proud to have coordinated with park residents, community organizers, and various government agencies to make sure the May 18th park cleaning was successful while upholding the rights and dignity of our unhoused neighbors.
Tragically, according to the American Addiction Centers, more than 1 in 10 veterans wrestle with a substance abuse disorder. Far too often, these issues are stigmatized and criminalized. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Which is why I’ve visited with colleagues in New York City, to learn more about their city-run Overdose Prevention Sites, so that Chicago can learn from their experience.
This is also why I support Bill HB2929 in the Illinois’ State House, which amends The Substance Use Disorder Act to authorize and fund OPS in the State of Illinois. This is also why I have worked with my colleague Ald. Jessie Fuentes and the Chicago Department of Public Health to provide Narcan Newsstands at three sites in the 33rd ward: The 33rd Ward Neighborhood Services Office, located at 4747 N Sawyer Ave State Senator Guzmán’s office at 3140 W Montrose The 33rd Ward Working Families Office at 3248 W Montrose
I hope that you all enjoy the long weekend, and take this opportunity to enjoy time with family and friends. I hope everyone of you is able to use this time to rest, relax, and recharge for all of the struggles and opportunities ahead.
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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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33rd Ward Spring 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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33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION |
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Address: 4747 N Sawyer Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 10am - 5pm; Friday 10am - 4pm Phone: 773-840-7880 www.33rdward.org / Connect with us and access resources by clicking here. |
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Event details are listed in the newsletter below. June 01 — Neighbor Night. Appointments with the alderwoman available by email at [email protected] from 4:30-5:30pm.
June 15 — Neighbor Night with special guest: Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD)! Appointments with the alderwoman available by email at [email protected] from 4:30-5:15pm.
At 5:30pm, the MWRD will be hosting a 30-minute presentation designed to educate participants on Chicago’s unique sewer challenges and actionable flood-mitigation strategies. Neighbor Night will be held at Roosevelt High School.
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Ronan Park Updates
In 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. Sign up for the ICE Alert System: bit.ly/ILEyesOnICE Follow our local rapid response social media: @northwestsiderrt on Instagram 33rd Ward Resource Page at www.33rdward.org/immigration-resources
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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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Local Mutual Aid, Donation Drives, and Food Distribution2025 Mutual Aid Map | NRC Albany Park Map | 33rd Ward Map |
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Irving Park Community Food PantryIrving Park Community Food Pantry provides food to neighbors in need in the 60641 and 60618 zip codes. In addition to providing clients a 3-5 day food supply of fresh produce, dairy, bread, meat, and canned goods. They provide toiletries, pet food and diapers, and offer special distributions such as a coat drive, school supplies, holiday gifts, and homebound deliveries.
Open: Wednesdays, 9am - 12pm and the second Tuesday of each month from 6pm - 7pm. |
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Neighbor NightNext Neighbor Night: Monday, June 01 at 4747 N Sawyer Ave
Join the 33rd Ward Office for our upcoming Neighbor Night hosted at our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. Neighbor Nights offer appointments with the Alderperson between 4:30-5:45pm by appointment only. Call or email our office for an appointment at 773-840-7880 or [email protected].
Periodically, we will invite guest organizations to teach neighbors about their work and help people get involved. In those instances, we will close appointments at 5:15pm for a 5:30-6:30pm presentation. |
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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
3007-11 W Irving Park Rd– Project Website Status: Community Meeting will be held Date: TBA Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: B3-1 to B3-3
3446 W Irving Park Rd– Project Website Status: Community Meeting will be held Date: TBA Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: B3-1 to B3-3
4634-36 N Avers Ave– Project Website Status: Feedback is in Review Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: RS-3 to RT-4
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INFRASTRUCTURE ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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You can report any major debris or trash collection issues to 3-1-1 or give our ward office a call for assistance.
We also appreciate all of the outreach we are receiving about neighbors wanting supplies to start helping to clean up. If you are in need of large trash bags or trash grabbers, please reach out.
Street 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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Grid-Based Tree TrimmingCurrent Grid Area: N044, W032
4400-4700 N St Louis (Block)
4400 N Bernard (Block)
4500 N Drake (Block)
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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Neighbors in NeedPlease consider consider supporting Maria Velasquez’s GoFundMe after she was assaulted at work during a robbery. You can contribute here.
In November, a single mother and her two daughters (ages 8 and 11) lost their home in a devastating fire. Overnight, they were displaced and forced to leave behind everything they owned, including the cash they had carefully saved. Worse, Nuria was recently hospitalized from an injury, leaving her unable to work. They are asking for assistance through this GoFundMe.
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Job Opening with Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago |
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Bickerdike Apartments
Waitlists open for 3-bedroom apartments at 4 buildings
Applications for waitlist open at 9:00 am on May 18, 2026
https://www.bickerdike.org/before-applying-for-housing/ |
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CHICAGO COMMUNITY REPARATIONS SURVEY
Your voice is essential in shaping the future of reparations in our city. How? The City of Chicago is gathering input to help inform the Chicago’s Reparations Study. We encourage you to complete the survey and share your lived experiences, priorities, and perspectives.
Once you complete the full survey, you will be entered into a sweepstakes with the chance to win a $100 gift card. Surveys will be accepted through May 31, 2026. Please share this survey with ward residents, block clubs, community stakeholders, and other Black Chicagoans in your network.
Survey link: 2026 Chicago Community Reparations Survey bit.ly/ccrs2026 |
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PRIDE AND JOY North River Commission and the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce are proud to present Pride and Joy, a celebration aimed at uplifting the LGBTQ+ community in Albany Park, Irving Park, and North Park. Watch an incredible drag performance, sing your heart out in karaoke, and create your own keepsake craft with Hey, I Thought of You!
Not only will you support the arts, but your attendance will directly benefit the community! Half of all ticket proceeds will go to local mutual aid to support neighbors with rental assistance, food, and emergency aid! RSVP: events.humanitix.com/pride-and-joy .
Thursday, June 4 6pm - 9pm Color Club 4146 N Elston |
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CHICAGO LATINO CAUCUS FOUNDATION CAREER FAIR
Your future starts here! Join the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation for our inaugural Career Fair! Focused on empowering job seekers with tools, guidance, and career connections. Space is limited, register today through Eventbrite!
Wednesday, June 3rd 10:30AM – 12:30PM Located at mHUB at 1623 W. Fulton St. |
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2027 CITY BUDGET ENGAGEMENT
We invite you to join Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City at one of three Budget Engagement Roundtables to share your insights and priorities about the 2027 Budget. The Youth Budget Roundtable will be held on June 25th and invites will go out at a later date targeted to youth, ages 14-24.
Doors will open one hour before each Roundtable for a City Resource Fair, where representatives from City departments will be available to answer questions and provide information about City services and programs.
BUDGET ENGAGEMENT ROUNDTABLE I Weds, June 3
Resource Fair: 5:00PM
Roundtables: 6:00PM – 8:30PM
Malcolm X College
1900 W. Jackson
BUDGET ENGAGEMENT ROUNDTABLE II Saturday, June 6
Resource Fair: 9:00AM
Roundtable: 10:00AM – 12:30PM
Harry S. Truman
1145 W. Wilson Ave
BUDGET ENGAGEMENT
ROUNDTABLE III Tuesday, June 16 Resource Fair: 5:00PM Roundtable: 6:00PM – 8:30PM
Kennedy-King College 6301 S Halsted St |
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AAPI Heritage month
Built to Last: Future Proofing Small Businesses for the Next Generation
An AAPI Business Celebration
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
2951 W Montrose Ave.
This event will bring together local entrepreneurs, small business owners, community leaders, and residents for an evening of networking, resources, cultural celebration, and conversation focused on supporting and strengthening AAPI-owned small businesses. |
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Blood DriveChrist Lutheran Church is hosting a blood drive on Saturday, May 30, at the Lower Level Assembly at 3253 W Wilson. To make an appointment, please call (800) 7TO-GIVE or click this link.
As a thank you, all donors will receive a $25 E-Gift card!
Remember: 1 pint of blood can save up to 3 lives. |
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Israel’s Gift of Hope — Hoops for Hope TournamentSaturday, May 30 11am - 3:00pm
Roosevelt High School
Registration deadline: Monday, May 25
Registration link
Who Can Play: Youth Teams (Ages 14–17): $20 Adult Teams (Ages 18+): $35 Team registration fees help us provide complimentary food and beverages to all attendees. Additionally, your team's registration fee includes one free raffle ticket for each player for a chance to win exclusive prizes!
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Making Great Strides 5kIt’s almost time for the 2nd annual Making Great Strides Run/Walk! Register at link in bio. We will have community orgs sharing info on how to get involved in their work, and 100% of proceeds go towards National Immigrant Justice Center.
Saturday, May 31 9:00AM Horner Park
Get your tickets here. |
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Feedback for Liquor Moratorium Lift - 3734 W LawrenceOn May 7th, our office held a public meeting to discuss the packaged goods Liquor moratorium in place on a portion of Lawrence avenue, from Lawndale Ave to Hamlin Ave.
By filling this form out you are helping the Alderwoman make an informed choice based off of community input whether or not to lift the current moratorium set in place.
Feedback closes June 3.
Form link here |
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Where should 6 new benches go?
In our last PB cycle, one of the winning ideas was to install six new benches by bus stops that currently have no seating options. This survey is your chance to help decide where exactly these benches should go! Please consider taking the time to fill out this survey. Thank you!
Fill out the survey here: https://bit.ly/BenchSuggestion33 |
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NORTHWEST SIDE SOLIDARITY NETWORK
The Northwest Side Solidarity Network June 2026 Calendar of Food.
Thursday, June 4 Free hot meals to-go: 12:00 - 1:30pm Free Groceries: 12:30-1:30 pm
Thursday, June 11 Free hot meals to-go: 12:00 - 1:30pm Car Seat Inspection: 10:00am - 12:00pm (Bring your child, car, and car seat to the car inspection.)
Wednesday, June 17 Free Groceries: 12:30-1:30pm Free adult health screenings: 10am - 1:30pm
Thursday, June 18 Free hot meals to-go: 12:00 - 1:30pm
Thursday, June 25 Free hot meals to-go 12:00 - 1:30pm
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Thresholds: Crisis Response North
Thresholds provides services and resources for persons with serious mental illnesses and substance use conditions in Illinois. They have just unveiled two new, 24/7 programs for the Northwest Side: a “living room” as an entirely peer-led mental health respite center, and a mobile crisis team to provide emergency mental health intervention.
Living Room: 773-537-3601
Mobile Team: 773-572-5464
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Albany Park Community Garage SaleA community garage sale is coming to Albany Park! Organized by your neighbors & we’re excited to be part of it—come out, say hi, and shop some great finds!
Saturday, June 6, 2026 10AM to 4PM
If you’d like to register to sell your stuff, please follow this link. Deadline to register is May 30. |
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Healing Circles for Helpers at The Kedzie CenterTuesday, June 2, 11AM
Food and drink provided
Inviting all therapists, healthcare providers, educators, organizers, social service providers, caregivers, and healers serving our communities to: - build community - share in joy and struggles of our work - and to offer mutual support and strengthen coping skills
For more information or to bring a circle to your site, please call us at 773-754-0577 or email us at [email protected]. |
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Children’s Garage SaleSaint Andrew’s Parish will be hosting a Children’s Garage Sale on Saturday, May 16, from 8:00am - 2:00pm at the Saint Andrew Gym on the corner of Addison and Paulina. |
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Embodied Healing SeriesEngage in wellness & self-care in a safe, trusting environment. For folks in the social impact space, this is protected time for you to REST, PLAY, MOVE, REFLECT, & CONNECT.
Sign up for one or more sessions between April 26 and June 7!
Thanks to #Healingillinois, sessions are FREE, but registration & confirmation required. More information: [email protected] |
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5th Annual River Run 5KSaturday, June 13, 10am Start 3400 N Rockwell Street - Clark Park Get your tickets here |
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Volunteer Flavors of Albany ParkSupport our biggest event of the year and get half off your Flavors ticket!
Volunteer options include: Participant check-in, restaurant support, parking lot activities, breakdown.
Volunteer here.
https://bit.ly/flavorsvolunteer26 |
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Flavors of Albany ParkFor one unforgettable evening, Albany Park transforms into a global tasting experience. Known as one of Chicago’s most diverse neighborhoods, Albany Park offers flavors from across the world—without ever leaving the city.
At Flavors of Albany Park, you’ll sample dishes from 60+ local restaurants, each offering a taste of their culture, craft, and community. Whether you're craving bold street food, comforting classics, or something entirely new, every stop is a discovery. This isn’t just a food crawl—it’s a celebration of community, culture, and connection.
Wednesday, June 24 5:00PM - 8:00PM
Get your tickets here |
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Bands Apply for Lot Jams 2026
North River Commission is excited to announce Lot Jams 2026, our free community concert series in Albany Park, Irving Park, and North Park! We’re looking for talented musicians and performers to bring energy, joy, and rhythm to our neighborhoods.
If you’re interested in performing, please fill out this form so we can learn more about you and your act. We welcome performers of all styles, genres, and experience levels.
Apply Here |
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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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Apply for Youth Jobs - [formerly One Summer Chicago]We are excited to announce that the Chicago Youth Works (CYW) application portal is now open. Chicago Youth Works — formerly One Summer Chicago — reflects the City’s continued investment in expanding youth employment opportunities and strengthening pathways to long-term career success for Chicago’s young people.
Interested youth can apply online at ChicagoYouthWorks.org. Applicants will receive bi-weekly updates with reminders, resources, and interview notifications throughout the application period.
Youth ages 14-15 will have access to stipend paid opportunities while youth and young adults ages 16-24 will be paid an hourly wage. Apply by May 29. |
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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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Senator Graciela Guzman’s Legislative Townhall Series (Virtual)The last Monday of every month, from 6-7pm Upcoming Dates: May 25 Register for Zoom Link
State Senator Graciela Guzman's monthly legislative town halls are back! Her team will be hosting these meetings every last Monday of the month from now until May. Join them from 6-7 via Zoom to hear what they are up to in Springfield, express your opinions, and work to shape the future of our state. *Spanish Translation Available* |
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Gather Together Free Meal Neighbors cooking and eating together each 2nd Friday 5:30pm - 7:00pm Located in Christ Lutheran Church basement, 4541 N Spaulding |
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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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Connect with our local schoolsConnect with our local schools by accessing a list of schools on our website 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 John Cruz-Barcenas, Deputy Chief of Staff Rebecca Rios, Director of 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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