33RD WARD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 29, 2025 |
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Dear 33rd Ward Community,
It’s hard to believe that we are already saying goodbye to August and celebrating Labor Day weekend. Our 33rd ward office has been so busy throughout the summer, and we have enjoyed being together with so many of you in community over the past several weeks. For those of you who are able to enjoy a long weekend, I hope this time is special for you, and that you are able to spend it in the ways that you need to find a little bit of rest and peace.
If you are spending your weekend in the neighborhood, please stop by some of our local businesses, who continue to struggle through threats against our immigrant neighbors. Earlier this week, I visited one of our new neighbors, Uri Cafe, located at 4642 N Kedzie, to check in on them. I was once again so inspired by all of the colorful teas, Lebanese coffee, baklava, and other delicious treats!
Another of our new neighbors in Irving Park, Shattaz Jerk Bar and Grille, located at 3109 W Irving Park Rd, is also celebrating a big milestone, as they’ve just received their final license to open their dining room to guests! Be sure to stop by and welcome Shayne and the Shattaz family to our ward.
This week our office was able to organize a business mixer to bring new and veteran small business owners in our ward together to meet, mingle, and trade information about how to support each other. Events like these are very special to me because they allow me to reflect on how beautifully diverse our business community is here in the 33rd ward, and how we can all work together to provide a thriving commercial and culinary district in the heart of our neighborhood. You can’t go very many places to eat food from around the world by walking around the block, or find thoughtful and unique stores, venues, service providers, and so much more!
Thank you to our partners for the event, especially Movement on Montrose for being our host. And a very special thank you to our 33rd ward Neighborhood and Business Services Coordinator, Abraham Espino, for his hard work and dedication to organizing this opportunity for our business community. Abraham is regularly canvassing the neighborhood to connect our businesses with important information, updates, and to help address any pressing concerns. This mixer is a result of all of those efforts. We look forward to more!
Lastly, as our communities prepare for the very real possibility of military occupation by the Trump administration, as reported by WBEZ and discussed at press conferences throughout the past few days by our Governor, Mayor, and many of my colleagues, I would like to remind everyone to take care of each other. These new efforts by the Trump administration are intended to intimidate us, and scare us, but they are illegal and violate our Constitution. Our community is very organized, and there are a lot of ways that you can help out.
You can email [email protected] to get connected to future training opportunities to join our local rapid response network. If you manage a community organization or small business and would like to receive training to join a community stakeholder rapid response team, you can click here to fill out an interest form.
If your heart leads you to protest, there will be an organized rally and march called “Workers Over Billionaires,” organized by local labor unions in recognition of Labor Day, starting at the Haymarket Memorial at 11am at 151 N Desplaines St, in Chicago.
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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. |
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In solidarity, Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez 33rd Ward Alderperson |
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Office Closed: The 33rd Ward Office will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025 for Labor Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, September 2 for regular business hours.
Subscribe to OEMC App for air quality, weather, and other emergency-related notifications in real time: Apple // Google Play (Android)
Immigrant Rights and Deportation Defense Resources:
You can view our 33rd Ward Resource Page at www.33rdward.org/immigration-resources You can get involved at bit.ly/nwsdefense and stay informed at bit.ly/nwsresources. |
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33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION |
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Event details are listed in the newsletter below. Next Week:
Upcoming: September 4 - Know Your Rights Workshop with HANA Center. Register here September 6 - “Our Stories, Our Power,” from 6-9pm at Christ Lutheran Church September 8 - Neighbor Night, 33rd Ward Open House, 4747 N Sawyer Ave from 4:30-6:30pm September 14 - Twilight Canoe and Kayak - Clark Park Annual Fundraiser September 22 - Neighbor Night from 4:30-6:30pm, details to be announced September 27 - Cleveland Elementary Back-to-School Fall Craft & Vendor Fair at 3121 W. Byron, 10:00am-4:00pm
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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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Neighbor NightNext: September 8 from 4:30pm - 5:30pm for appointments. The guest’s presentation will begin at 5:30pm and you do not need to have an appointment to join. Upcoming: September 22
Guest: Ward Office Open House Location: 33rd Ward Office, 4747 N Sawyer Ave
Guest presentations will begin at 5:30pm. Neighbor Nights will maintain an appointment-based schedule to meet with Alder Rodriguez Sanchez. Appointments with the alderwoman can be made by reaching out to [email protected].
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. We hope that these gatherings will be a place where you can get involved for the first time, or for those of you that are well-connected in the neighborhood to learn more about local organizations and stay up to date on work that is happening locally. |
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Participatory BudgetingIf you missed last year’s Participatory Budgeting process, you can learn more about PB by clicking here to visit our website, where you can view last year’s results, gather information about past projects, submit ideas for next year, or sign up to volunteer. |
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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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INFRASTRUCTURE ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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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 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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Introduction to City ServicesRead a document that describes many of the services available to Chicago residents produced by the mayor’s office by clicking here. |
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Block Party PermitsYou can reach out to our office through our application form by clicking here. |
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Veterans Emergency Financial Assistance ProgramThe Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC) is proud to announce that our Emergency Financial Assistance Program has officially expanded to better serve Veterans and their families. Here’s what’s new:
First, we’ve added two brand-new benefits to help keep Veterans connected. Qualified Veterans can now receive a $100 payment toward a past-due cell phone or land line bill (which can be used once every twelve months), as well as a separate $100 payment toward a past-due internet bill (again, which can be used once every twelve months). These additions help ensure uninterrupted communication and access to essential online resources.
Second, we’ve improved our Hygiene Assistance program. Veterans can now access this support once every six months instead of just once a year.
Next, our Food Assistance Program just got better. Veterans will now receive two $100 Aldi gift cards, along with an additional $100 gift card for each dependent and spouse. This doubles the food support available directly to Veterans.
In response to rising housing costs, we’ve also increased our Rent and Mortgage Assistance cap from $1,400 to $2,000. This allows Veterans to fully cover more substantial past-due bills and avoid potential housing crises.
Finally, we’ve raised our Funeral and Burial Benefit from $1,500 to $3,000, ensuring that no Veteran family has to struggle to provide a respectful and dignified farewell for their loved one. These updates reflect our continued commitment to meeting Veterans’ needs with compassion, dignity, and real-world support.
Please note: These services are not one-time use. Eligible veterans may reapply for assistance as need arises. |
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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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City Council UpdatesWe will use this space to share updates on legislation coming through the Committee on Health and Human Relations and City Council. You can attend meetings at City Hall, 2nd Floor Council Chambers or stream online by visiting the City Clerk’s website where a link will be posted on the homepage exactly at the posted meeting start time. City Council will meet next on September 25, 2025 at 10am. |
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City Council Committees UpdatesChicago City Council maintains a number of committees on topics related to the business of the city. You can attend meetings at City Hall, 2nd Floor Council Chambers (unless otherwise noted) or stream online by visiting the City Clerk’s website where a link will be posted on the homepage exactly at the posted meeting start time. Upcoming meeting schedule can be viewed 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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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 and fliers by clicking here. You can review the following helpful calendars for an overview of events: Veteran Event Calendar. |
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Avondale Garden and Agriculture FairSunday, August 31 from 12-5pm Concordia Place- 3300 N Whipple The Avondale Gardening Alliance is inviting you to a walkable tour of yards and locations in East Avondale showcasing urban gardening and agricultural skills. Visitors can start at Concordia to get a map or access it online and explore sites offering seed saving, pollinator-friendly gardening, homebrewing, beekeeping, nature-based crafts, children’s activities, river benefits, and more. Goodies include flower crowns, plants, homebrewed samples, swag, and raffle prizes. The day concludes at 5 PM with a community celebration at Chief O’Neill’s garden patio. Maps will be posted online and available at Concordia. All are welcome. |
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Know Your Rights Workshop (Virtual)Thursday, September 4 from 3-4pm Zoom Register here
In this webinar, organizers from HANA Center will lead a discussion of what your legal constitutional rights are, as well as how to interact with ICE agents and police officers. They will also provide the latest updates on federal immigration policy. This webinar is FREE, will be presented in both English and Spanish, and is open to business owners, leaders, and their employees.
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Our Stories, Our PowerSaturday, September 6 from 6-9pm Christ Lutheran Church, 3253 W Wilson |
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End Hunger GamesSaturday, September 6 from 2-5pm Begyle Brewing
The Friendship Center invites you to this year's End Hunger Games, a family-friendly fundraiser to support 70,000 neighbors facing hunger on Chicago's northwest side. Each $40 ticket will include entry, food, two beers, and carnival-theme gameplay on Saturday, September 6. Buy your tickets today at friendshipcenterchicago.org/ehg!
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Urban Flooding Community MeetingWednesday, September 10 from 6pm-7:30pm Movement on Montrose, 2951 W Montrose
NRC, the Center for Neighborhood Technology, HyFi, and Verizon to host a community meeting on urban flooding and emergency response. The meeting is open to business owners and residents in the Albany Park area. There will be light refreshments, and participants who register AND attend will receive a gift card. This meeting is a chance for community members to: * Share personal experiences and concerns about flooding * Learn about new technology supporting the City of Chicago’s flood response * Gain practical tips on how to prepare for flooding emergencies Participants can register here |
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Cleveland Elementary Back-to-School Fall Craft & Vendor Fair - Looking for vendors!Saturday, September 27 from 10-4pm Friends of Cleveland are looking for vendors to apply to participate and would like to invite the community to attend and support our school and neighborhood small businesses and artisans. Spread the word and/or apply! |
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Sign up for People’s Music School!The People’s Music School in Albany Park, located within Hibbard Elementary School. Over the past 13 years, we have been proud to offer orchestra and band programs, providing high-quality free music instruction to our community. The People’s Music School is a non-profit, tuition-free program that meets twice a week, offering four hours of music instruction for band and orchestra. |
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Horner Park Farmers Market9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturdays from June 7 to October 11 Northwest corner of Horner Park, in front of the Fieldhouse. Map here.
They have live, family-friendly music at every market and FREE Yoga is offered at 10 a.m. each week in the grassy area adjacent to the market, weather permitting. |
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Trilogy now offer psychiatry appointments for existing youth clientsTrilogy is excited to share that we will now offer Psychiatric Services for youth who are 6 years old and older (who are also receiving therapy services through a Trilogy clinician). Services Provided: Psychiatric Evaluations, Medication Monitoring
Locations & Payment: In-Person at select Trilogy offices, Online or Telehealth, In-network with Medicaid and Medicaid MCOs
Interested in learning more or scheduling an appointment? Please reach out to our Central Intake Team at 773.382.4060 or [email protected]. This service is available to current, active clients in any of Trilogy’s Child & Adolescent Services programs. Trilogy does not provide standalone psychiatry. |
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GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE |
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Chicago Emergency Supplemental Victims FundThe City of Chicago’s Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund (ESVF) pilot provides financial assistance in set amounts to survivors and their families to alleviate the immediate financial impacts of fatal and non-fatal shooting incidents. Launched in December 2022, the pilot's goal is to combat the immediate financial impacts and trauma inflicted on those who experience loss from gun violence. Learn more by clicking here.
Community Development GrantsThe City of Chicago helps support business and neighborhood vitality through Small, Medium and Large Community Development Grant (CDG) awards. CDGs use proceeds from the 2024 Housing and Development Bond and other funding sources to support a variety of eligible, business-related investments that create and maintain jobs and quality-of-life improvements for local residents. Applications are open to business owners, property owners, non-profit organizations, community developers and entrepreneurs. |
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ADULT AND YOUTH JOB POSTINGS |
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Below is a list of Mental Health resources that are available locally here in the City of Chicago. |
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CDPH Harm Reduction TrainingsCDPH conducts monthly harm reduction trainings on the 4th Friday of the month. These are open to the public, with no registration required. Simply join via this link: bit.ly/NHR_Training
MAR NowMAR is a prescription drug that helps people with opioid addiction disorder reduce the urge to use while also helping to reduce the likelihood of overdose. A prescription can be required over the phone by calling 833-234-6343 and in most cases people can receive the drug within the same day. |
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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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My office believes that the best approach to community safety requires us all to participate in conversation together, to learn about each others’ needs and find ways to support each person. We encourage everyone to participate in the work of the CCPSA and your local District Council and attend your regular beat meetings (CAPS). Click here to view our Community Safety Resource page. |
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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 Ariana Aguilar, Neighborhood Services Representative Eric Ramos, Ward Superintendent |
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DO YOU HAVE NEWS TO SHARE? |
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We are always trying to improve our communication! If you have information to share with the community, we would like to know! To submit an item for our weekly newsletter, please send an email with the event details including date, time, and location, and a brief written description. Any photos should be submitted in .JPEG format. Please submit by 5pm on Thursday. |
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