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Dear Neighbors,
As we end the second week of the new year, I want to take a moment to welcome new faces, reflect on the values that guide our work, and share how we are continuing to show up for our community with care, accountability, and presence.
Welcoming New Staff I am excited to welcome three incredible staff members who bring deep care, skill, and commitment to the 26th Ward. Victoria Gomez Meza: Victoria serves as the Coordinator for Barrio Services at the 26th Ward Office. She is passionate about advocating for underrepresented communities, a passion that stems from growing up in a predominantly Hispanic community. She loves the energy and strong community the 26th Ward has and is always looking forward to speaking to constituents.
Carlos (Carlitos) Benitez Cruz serves as Director of Barrio Services, drawing on a history of community-based work in Chicago focused on access, equity, and local engagement. He has worked across nonprofit, business, and public-sector settings, connecting people to each other and to local resources and services. Carlos is dedicated to strengthening trust between public institutions and the communities they represent. His approach is grounded in long-term relationship-building and data-informed public service.
Erin King serves as our Director of Zoning and Business. She comes to us from the Mayor’s office’s Fellows Program and is a Current MUPP student at UIC with a background in zoning and community development. Her favorite color is green, and her commitment to community runs deep. |
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Dr. Martin Luther King
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, our office will be closed on Monday, January 19th. Often, a day of service and reflection. I invite our community to come together for a hosted by our friends and community partners at LoSAH Center of Hope. This is a space to pause, reflect, and process in community while envisioning a racially just world together. Rest in Power, Dr. King. |
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These Boots Were Made for Walking
This week, we kicked off Ward at Your Door by spending time talking with neighbors face to face, listening to your concerns, and sharing what is ahead for our ward. It was cold out, but we were warmed by your hospitality and by our winter jackets as we knocked on doors and connected with you. Ward at Your Door happens on Tuesdays and Sundays because being present and accessible matters to us. For neighbors we miss, we know you can always reach out to us when we’re on, and we will follow up with town hall events in your area. |
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Joint Committee
In response to what we witnessed on , along with the subsequent about CPD’s involvement with federal immigration authorities, I introduced an to give the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) authority to investigate violations of the Welcoming City Ordinance. On Tuesday, January 27 at 1pm, we will discuss and vote on this ordinance.
I welcome you to join me for public comment.
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Legislative Town Halls are Back
State Senator Graciela Guzman's monthly legislative town halls are back! Her team will host these meetings on the last Monday of each month through May. Join them from 6-7 pm via Zoom to hear what they are up to in Springfield, express your opinions, and work to shape the future of our state. |
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Shout Out to MLA Students
I am incredibly gratteful of the MLA students who came together to put together 100 care packages for our community. Each package includes hats, gloves, and an emergency blanket and will be distributed to our unhoused neighbors and anyone in need during this cold season.
What moves me most is that these young people saw a need and did not hesitate to rise to the occasion. They led with compassion, action, and a sense of responsibility for one another. This is what community care looks like, and this is why youth work matters. Our young people matter, and when we invest in them, they show us what is possible.
As we move into this year, I remain grateful for the people who make this ward what it is, neighbors, youth, partners, and staff alike. Together, we continue to show what it means to lead with care and courage. |
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In Solidarity,
Alderperson Jessie Fuentes |
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Development Feedback - 3251 W. Division |
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| Submit feedback on the proposed zoning change request to build 44 affordable housing unit.
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California Ave Construction Alert |
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Immigration Rights Resources |
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| Construction season has begun! Don't forget to check out for updates on upcoming work in your neighborhood. |
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Boulevard Landmark District Extension Project |
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The “” is a significant part of our community's history and character. An extension of this Landmark District is currently being considered. This process typically takes 6 to 9 months and includes communication and notices throughout the process.
This project builds on decades of historic preservation work and reflects the ongoing commitment of the 26th Ward to encouraging sustainable development and maintaining the unique identity of our neighborhoods.
You can learn more about the project, review FAQs, and submit your thoughts at |
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The 26th Ward's zoning process requires anyone requesting a zoning change to first complete a zoning intake form. After review, they present their request to the Zoning Advisory Committee and answer questions. In some cases, they may also present at a community input meeting. |
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We are currently reviewing zoning change requests for the following properties. |
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St. Helen Schools Expo & Open House |
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Collaboration For Change Events |
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Collaboraction is delighted to announce a new monthly performance by our youth ensemble, The Light, featuring their original theatre, dance, and music pieces that inspire social change on issues of their choosing, with special guests. The performance will be a monthly event at Collaboraction's House of Belonging on the |
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✨ Let your voice shine at RADIATE and yes, it’s FREE! ✨ for a creative night of expression, connection, and community. 📝 6 PM Creative Workshop + Sign Up
🎤 7 PM Open Mic
💜 FREE and open to all 📍 Kimball Arts Center 1757 N Kimball |
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Rush Youth Apprenticeships |
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Body Safety for kids 1/24 |
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Be a Student Election Judge |
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| High school students, your voice matters, even before you can vote! 🗳️
Serve as a Student Election Judge in the 2026 Election and help run your local precinct. Gain leadership experience, earn community service credit, and make an impact in your community. You can also pre-register to vote at 16 so you are ready on Election Day.
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DFSS Support for Family Caregivers |
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Free Business Digital Skills Program |
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Paid Study for Community Workers |
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Chicago Environmentalists Holiday Guides |
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Option 1: Career Speed Networking
📍 North Grand High School
📅 Thursday, December 11 | 5:30–7 PM
🔗 Option 2: Community Fast Track (In Person)
📍 Humboldt Park Library, 1605 N Troy
📅 Saturday, December 13 | 9 AM–1 PM
🎟️ Option 3: Virtual Info Sessions (45 min)
🖥 Tuesdays | 6–6:45 PM
🖥 Wednesdays | 7–7:45 PM
🖥 Fridays | 12–12:45 PM
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| Calling all emerging real estate developers in Chicago! Ready to grow your business? The Chicago EDI Program will give you the skills, mentorship, and network to take the next step. ✨ Hands-on training and advising ✨ One-on-one mentorship ✨ Connections to peers and partners ✨ Pathways to financing Brought to you by Chicago Community Loan Fund and Community Investment Corporation, with Capital Impact Partners, and funded by MacArthur Foundation and U.S. Bank. Spots are limited 👉 |
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| Every child deserves a safe and loving home. 💙 Association House’s Foster Care Program ensures that children in our community are cared for, supported, and connected to families who will walk with them toward healing and stability. Learn more about becoming a foster parent or supporting the program at
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| Seniors 60+ — Need help at home?
The City of Chicago offers free chore services to help you stay safe and independent: Light help like cleaning, laundry, errands, or personal care after an illness One‑time heavy‑duty fixes like deep cleaning, clutter removal, moving furniture, or major tidying Find eligibility info and how to apply on the City’s Help In Your Home page. Or call 312-744-4016 or email [email protected] for more help |
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Domestic Violence Resources |
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CEDA Utility Relief Programs |
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Seniors Community Care Program |
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NEW Illinois Immigration Info Hub |
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Cannabis Expungement Project |
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| New Leaf Cannabis Expungement Project is a network of 17 nonprofits that helps anyone ever charged with a cannabis offense anywhere in Illinois clear eligible cannabis and non-cannabis cases from their record.
New Leaf is state-funded and was formed after the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act was passed in 2019. |
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Avoid Bird Alert: Protect Yourself & Your Pets |
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| 🐦 H5N1 Bird Flu: What You Need to Know 🦠 Protect yourself and your pets from H5N1 bird flu by avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and their droppings. If handling is necessary, wear protective gear like gloves, goggles, and an N95 mask. 🐾 Keep pets safe! Don’t let dogs or cats interact with wild birds or contaminated areas. If they come into contact, wash them immediately and monitor for symptoms. 🍗 Always cook poultry and eggs thoroughly to kill any potential virus. For more info, visit: |
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City of Chicago - Know Your Rights Guide |
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The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) provides this Rights Card to protect you during interactions with law enforcement or immigration officials. 📞 Family Support Hotline:
Call 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693) for assistance in English, Spanish, Korean, or Polish. ✅The right to remain silent. ✅The right to refuse answering questions without legal representation. ✅The right to contact an attorney or organization for help. Print and carry this card to assert your rights and ensure your safety in uncertain situations. For more information, visit www.icirr.org/family-support |
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Intake for People Experiencing Homelessness |
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| 🏠 24/7 Intake Location for People Experiencing Homelessness
For single adults in need of shelter, the Shelter Placement and Resource Center (SPARC) offers:
✅ Open 24/7 with a 200-person capacity
✅ Meals, showers, laundry, and shelter placement services
✅ On-site assistance and 3-1-1 shelter requests available around the clock
📍 Location: 2241 S. Halsted St. (S Halsted St. & W 23rd) |
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Court-Based Rental Assistance Program |
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Chicago Senior Risk Assessment Program |
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| The Chicago Seniors At Risk Assessment Program provides free fire/fall safety assessments for individuals ages 65 or over and those with a disability.
Chicago Fire Department members will assess the home for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as other fire and fall hazards.
Call to schedule an appointment. Phone: (312) 747-6691 |
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connects landlords with tenants through various housing subsidy programs, offering guaranteed rent, vacancy filling, and personalized support. Created in response to COVID-19, it centralizes property partner relationships and helps Chicagoans in need of housing. If you are a landlord interested in joining the Chicago Rents program, |
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12 District Police Oversight |
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The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) has introduced a new and improved interactive calendar, . One of the key features of this calendar is the inclusion of the yearly meeting calendar for both the Commission for Public Safety and your . By simply visiting this website, you can find the dates, times, and locations of all scheduled meetings. 14th Police District Council Join elected District Councilors at 1pm to work for better police accountability, restorative justice, and evidence based approaches to public safety. |
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| Aligned candidates will be excited about supporting a community of founders, manufacturers, and industry leaders committed to commercializing hardtech solutions. They'll be inspired by creating economic opportunity locally while deploying solutions to impact the world. They'll come with energy and enthusiasm to during a moment of growth and bold new ideas. Is that you or someone you know? |
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| Casa Central has in both our teaching and nursing that are critical in our programs and they may be of interest to our residents. Teaching Positions: Nursing Positions: |
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What if your everyday work directly protected public health, improved our waterways, and helped millions of people across Cook County? At the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), that’s exactly what you do. What if you could build a stable, rewarding career and make a meaningful impact on your community at the same time? At the MWRD, you can—and that’s what makes it such an |
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| Greater West Town Project is offering a Shipping and Receiving Training Program with full-time classes that run for 12 weeks. Illinois residents who are 18 years old or over and low-income eligible can train at no cost. For 33 years, Greater West Town programs have successfully equipped community residents with in-demand job skills and placed them in jobs in industry with recent wages averaging $18-20 per hour. . |
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| Chicago Board of Elections is HIRING!
Various full-time positions avilable.
Apply by sending your resume to [email protected]
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| Are you a skilled and passionate healthcare professional looking to make a meaningful impact in the community? Humboldt Park Health (HPH) is seeking dedicated Physicians and Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) to join our team.
View open position |
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| 📣 The City of Chicago’s Department of Law is hiring!
Join a team committed to justice, equity, and service to our communities. ⚖️🔗 |
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| The City of Chicago is committed to assisting residents in their pursuit of finding a job. This page contains information on where residents can find job opportunities in the public, private,and nonprofit sector. . |
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| Chicago Transit Authority employees keep Chicago and 35 suburbs moving every day. This would not be possible without our skilled and dedicated workforce. |
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| to view and apply for Chicago Department of Public Health jobs |
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If you know someone looking for reproductive justice resources in Chicago, they can go to this to use the City’s digital community resource directory. There is also a free talkline (1-888-493-0092) where operators are available to share information on various reproductive justice options. |
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| If you need assistance with a city service, let us know! You can submit your request through , by giving us a call, or submitting a request directly to . Our team is here to provide the support you need and ensure our community thrives. |
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Requirements:
HS diploma or equivalent
