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| Use the table of contents to navigate through our newsletter! |
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| | December 19, 2025 Dear Neighbors, |
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Happy Holidays! I hope you’ve gotten a chance to shop local and prepare for quality time with the people you love. Our office has been in full celebration mode over the past few weeks and on Saturday, we joined neighbors from across the city for Christmas in the Wards. This year, we had the honor of sponsoring 12 families, all of whom were incredibly grateful. The joy of seeing our tiniest neighbors’ faces light up as they received their gifts filled me with immense gratitude and joy.
A special shoutout and thank you to Uptown Deli for providing sandwiches to keep us nourished, the volunteers who helped stage and wrap gifts, and much love to the Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus for providing transportation for our families from Uptown to McCormick Place. And of course, thank you to everyone at Christmas in the Wards for creating these meaningful opportunities for our neighbors and so many families across the city. |
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In the same spirit of giving, we also hosted our monthly houseless neighbor outreach picnic—with an addition: a winter coat giveaway! Thanks to neighbors over the past few weeks, we collected coats to help ensure our most vulnerable neighbors are prepared for Chicago’s winter.
This is our 27th outreach picnic since taking office and they have become a staple of our office. These picnics serve as a resource hub for houseless neighbors, connecting them to mental healthcare, social services, community resources and community care, all while serving delicious donated food by Northside Action for Justice. We could not do this work without our incredible community partners- Department of Family and Supportive Services, Montrose Behavioral Health, Red Line Service, The Night Ministry, Northside Action For Justice and the 19th Police District Councilors.
Everyone deserves warmth, food, and access to basic necessities. We are grateful to help meet this need, and we extend our sincere thanks to every neighbor who dropped off a coat and made this possible. |
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The Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS) hosted its Year Round Employment Program (YREP) showcase this week! It was so energizing to see young people show up with so much confidence, creativity, and care for their communities. The evening began with young people connecting with one another, followed by a shark tank style presentation that I was able to judge. It was a strong reminder of how important it is to create spaces where young people feel supported, heard, and encouraged to lead. Thank you to the DFSS team, judges, and everyone who helped make the showcase such a meaningful experience.
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I also had a wonderful time attending the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party and celebrating the season with local business owners, community partners, and neighbors.Thank you to the Lakeview East Chamber for hosting such a festive and welcoming gathering and thank you to all of the businesses that continue to invest and thrive in Lakeview!
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| Thank you to University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Alumni Association for hosting an elected officials’ appreciation at the UIC vs. DePaul (Go Blue Demons!) women’s basketball game. It was a fun, high-energy night centered on community and women’s athletics. As a DePaul alum, I’ll admit I was cheering a little for both sides but President Robert Manuel and Chancellor Marie Lynn Miranda said that was totally fine. |
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As we prepare to wrap up the year and spend time celebrating the holidays with our families, we want to remind neighbors that our office will be closed beginning Monday, December 22, and will reopen on Monday, January 5 at 9:00 a.m.
For any immediate emergencies, please call 911. For non-emergency city services or constituent concerns, neighbors are encouraged to submit requests through 311. You may also email our office or leave a voicemail, and our team will follow up with you as soon as we return.
I wish you and your loved ones a safe, joyful, and restful holiday season.
Yours In Service,
Alderwoman Angela Clay
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Welcoming Neighbors Back & Celebrating New Art at HUPA
We recently celebrated an exciting milestone in the Heart of Uptown Apartments (HUPA) project, as neighbors began moving back into their beautifully renovated homes. HUPA is a major affordable housing initiative that upgraded five Uptown buildings with modern systems, energy-efficient features, and improved accessibility—ensuring long-term stability for 103 leased homes in our community.
Part of the celebration included the unveiling of a stunning new mural, adding vibrant public art that honors the spirit of Uptown and welcomes residents back to their neighborhood.
We’re grateful to everyone who has supported HUPA’s progress and look forward to more ways this project will strengthen our community for years to come. |
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Q. How can I report locations that do not clear their sidewalks? You can report snow removal requests to 311 by using the CHI311 app, dialing 311 (outside Chicago limits, dial (312) 744-5000) or visiting 311.chicago.gov.
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| SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL FAQs
Q: Who is responsible for clearing the sidewalk along a building of snow and ice?
The city code states “every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant, or other person having charge of any building or lot of ground abutting upon any public way or public space shall remove the snow and ice from the sidewalk...”
If you do not own your residential or business property, check with your rental or lease agreement or management company to see what your sidewalk clearing responsibility is.
Q. When do I have to clear the snow and ice from the sidewalk? Sidewalks need to be cleared 7 days a week.
You must shovel snow as soon as possible after it falls. Snow that falls between the hours of 7 am and 7 pm must be removed no later than 10 pm. Snow that falls between the hours of 7 pm and 7 am must be removed by 10 am. |
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Name That Snowplow! ❄️
Chicago’s annual Name That Snowplow contest is back! Each winter, the City invites residents to submit creative, clever, and Chicago-themed names for our snowplows—and a few lucky submissions will be selected and displayed on plows across the city. It’s a fun way to show off your creativity while celebrating the crews who keep our streets moving during winter weather. Keep an eye out for submission details and get ready to name a plow that could be cruising through your neighborhood this season! |
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| BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Q’bo Latin Café was born from the desire to have a welcoming place where people of all backgrounds can experience what it’s like being in a café in Colombia or Venezuela, right here in the 46th Ward. Owners Liliana Rojas, who immigrated from Venezuela, and Nadia Roberts, who hails from Colombia, decided to combine their talents and turn their love of cooking for family and friends into a business that authentically represents their Latin American roots. They opened the doors to Q’bo, located at 3953 N. Ashland, on May 8th 2025. Lili and Nadia chose the Lakeview neighborhood in the 46th Ward because they both have lived in the community for several years and wanted to open their business where they felt at home. The name Q’bo is derived from the Spanish phrase, “Que hubo?” which loosely translates to, “What’s up?” and reflects the cafe’s warm hospitality and comfortable, friendly vibe.
Q’bo’s drink menu is a celebration of Latin coffee culture complemented by both the savory and sweet flavors of popular Colombian and Venezuelan finger foods. Customers may have a hard time choosing from the extensive selection of creative espresso drinks, tropical smoothies, bubble teas and other refreshing beverages, as well as mouthwatering empanadas, arepas, tostones, tequeños (fried dough-wrapped cheese sticks), crepes and a variety of delicious sweet treats. Lili and Nadia are happy to answer questions and make recommendations. They produce everything in house – from the horchata to the delicious salsas that complement each savory bite. Some popular items are the homemade horchata drinks, coquito latte, passionfruit smoothie, taro milk bubble tea, banana bread, bread pudding, and alfajores (creamy dulce de leche caramel sandwiched between two shortbread-like cookies). All the empanadas and arepas are gluten free and there are vegetarian options.
Q’bo Latin Café is open Monday - Friday from 7:30 am to 4 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 3 pm. Delivery and pick up options are available through the business’ website. Call (872) 315-2118 for catering or private events. Check the Q’bo website, social media, and Google listing for special holiday hours.  
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On a sad note, we share the news that one of our favorite neighborhood restaurants, DIB Thai and Sushi, located at 1025 W. Lawrence (at Kemore), will have its last day of service this Sunday, December 21st. DIB opened in 2007, offering classic Thai rice, noodles, curries, and salads, as well as signature makis and sushi. They quickly gained a reputation for their consistently fresh flavors, clean presentation, and the Best Lunch Specials in Uptown. For 18 years, DIB has been a reliable go-to spot for locals and a great pre-concert dinner option for visitors to the neighborhood. Our heartfelt thanks go out to owner Ladawan Thongthomya and the DIB staff for their commitment to the Uptown community. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors. We will miss you! |
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The 2025 Chicago CTA Holiday Train Schedule is HERE! 🎄🚇✨ Save this to plan when you’ll check it out!
🔴 Red Line: Dec 20
🟣 Purple Line: Dec 19 & 20
🟡 Yellow Line: Dec 22 |
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| | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Rule Change |
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| SNAP Eligibility Rules Are Changing — What You Need to Know
Important SNAP Benefits Update
Earlier this year, Congress passed H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes major changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Beginning February 1, 2026, expanded work-reporting requirements will take effect, marking the most significant tightening of SNAP eligibility in decades.
These changes expand work requirements beyond adults ages 18–54 to now include adults 55–64 and parents or caregivers whose youngest child is 14 or older. Most SNAP recipients ages 18–64, unless exempt, will be required to document 80 hours per month of work, volunteering, or job training to maintain benefits after three months. Failure to report could result in the loss of benefits as early as May 1, 2026.
These changes could impact food access for hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents. To help neighbors understand whether they qualify for an exemption, we encourage residents to use the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) SNAP screener tool and application forms, which our office will continue to share and promote.
For more information and ongoing updates, visit wegotyouillinois.org/updates or call the Illinois ABE hotline at 800-843-6154.
To find free food programs near you, visit wegotyouillinois.org/find-food. |
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| Many property owners across Chicago saw significant increases in their 2024 second installment property tax bills from the Cook County Treasurer’s Office. Homeowners should ensure they are not missing property tax-saving exemptions including:
Carefully review the bottom left corner of your tax bill to confirm exemption eligibility. |
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| | If you believe you are eligible for an exemption, you are encouraged to complete a Certificate of Error Application, which provides homeowners with an opportunity to redeem missing exemptions for the 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021 tax years. Accepted photo IDs and documents required to apply are listed on the Cook County Assessor’s website. If you have already paid the original amount due, you will receive a refund check from the Cook County Treasurer’s Office in the mail once the application is processed by the Assessor’s Office. |
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| Submit a Lime Scooter Removal Request |
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| Please click here to submit a scooter removal request and here for Divvy bike removal. We appreciate your assistance in helping keep our neighborhood clean. By contract, shared bike and scooter companies must remove their property within two hours of a 311 removal request.
Please contact our office directly if you see illegal/dangerous activities on green Lime scooters (riding on the sidewalk, two people sharing one scooter, etc). We are able to work with Lime to potentially administer fines, suspensions, or bans if you can include a photo/video of the behavior, and a time and location. You can also call 1-888-546-3345.
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| Reminder: Don’t Feed the Pigeons (Seriously!) As much as we all love our feathered friends, feeding pigeons does more harm than good — attracting rats, damaging property, and creating a mess for neighbors and local businesses. A friendly reminder that feeding pigeons is actually against City ordinance. Let’s do our part to keep the ward safe and sanitary for everyone. |
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46th Ward Upcoming Events |
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| | | Shop Local for the Holidays
There’s still plenty of time to do your holiday gift shopping and support local small businesses too. Our Chambers of Commerce have put together Holiday Gift Guides to inspire you to Shop Local in Lakeview, Ravenswood, and Uptown. Tap on the graphics below to read more. |
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Support Haymarket’s Books Not Bars Program
This holiday season, our neighbors at Haymarket Books are raising funds for Books Not Bars, a program dedicated to sending free books to people who are incarcerated. With strong community support, they’ve expanded their goal and now hope to donate at least 2,000 books in the coming year. Any additional funds raised will help them continue fulfilling book requests into the new year.
If you’d like to request a book for yourself, a loved one or an organization that works with incarcerated readers, you can fill out the request form linked here. Thank you for supporting a program that helps bring knowledge, connection and dignity to readers on the inside. |
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Promoting and preserving Haitian art, culture, history, and community in Chicago and beyond
Haitian American Museum of Chicago is TEMPORARILY CLOSED as they transition into their new permanent home
Please visit HAMOC at 4654 N. Racine during regular operational hours: Wednesday - Saturday: 12 pm - 6 pm Sunday: 12 pm - 4 pm Monday - Tuesday: CLOSED |
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| | | LuRocha Counseling, a local mental health organization that focuses on working with Latine people and marginalized people in Chicago is offering a free therapy group for people impacted by the ICE raids in our community. This group will be offered in Spanish. Please share widely with neighbors who may benefit from this amazing resource. We are so grateful to LuRocha Counseling in our community! |
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| | Houseless Neighbors Updates |
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After months of coordinating with the Department of Family and Supportive Services (DFSS), one of our houseless neighbors was successfully housed in Edgewater! Nearby neighbors at The Waterford worked with our office to gather essential supplies to furnish the new apartment to make sure he can settle in well to his new home. DFSS collected the items this week from our office and we are endlessly grateful for the amazing generosity of these neighbors and to DFSS for tirelessly working on getting him housed. |
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| | We're looking for donations to help restock our Free Community Cornerstore! Items like baby wipes, dental floss, shampoo, conditioner, and new children’s socks go a long way in supporting our neighbors who need them most. If you're able to contribute, please consider dropping off supplies at our ward office. Together, we can keep this vital community resource going strong! |
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| | | Our office is in close communication with Edgewater/Uptown Migra Watch, a network of neighbors that does rapid response to confirm potential ICE sightings. Confirming ICE sightings is a critical part of keeping our neighbors safe. If you see activities that you suspect may be ICE, please report it to the so that a team can go out and confirm their presence. This is an important part of how we keep our neighbors safe! |
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| | | | Clark Street Safety Improvements - Construction Complete!
We’re excited to share that pedestrian and cyclist safety improvements on Clark Street are now substantially complete!
These upgrades make the corridor safer and more comfortable for everyone — whether you walk, drive, bike, or take transit — while improving access to local businesses. The project includes safer pedestrian crossings, a 20 mph speed limit, and new separated bike lanes.
Crews have finished work - installing precast concrete curbs and MMA (green paint) - on most of the corridor, with final construction scheduled for Monday and Tuesday of next week. Our office has also been pushing LAZ (the parking meter concessionaire) and the Department of Finance to expedite the installation of parking meters on the 4700 N Block of Clark street as soon as possible.
Our office will continue to actively monitor the pedestrian, cyclist, bus rider, and driver experience on Clark street and we will keep a close eye on the availability of parking spaces given the new layout. We are committed to a thriving Clark Street Corridor for residents and businesses alike and we believe that these changes will make this area a even better place to live, work, and visit!
Questions or concerns? Contact us at (773) 878-4646 or [email protected]!
Please see the flyer below for more details.
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| | Arterial Street Light Project Montrose between Marine & Clifton |
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The Arterial Streetlight project on Montrose between Marine and Clifton has faced some weather-related delays and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) now expects that the project be substantially completed in about two weeks.
Installation of new street light poles (see photo above!) began about two months ago - you can see one of the new street lights below; the new poles include “piggy-back” lights to help illuminate both the street and the sidewalk. All of the new poles have been installed and the contracting team expects remove the old poles over the next week or two (before the end of 2025) and complete most restoration by the first few weeks of 2026, pending favorable weather conditions. Final asphalt restoration will take place next spring due to winter paving contraints. |
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| | | | | Let’s Fix the Sidewalks – Together!
This year, the 46th Ward is prioritizing safer, more accessible sidewalks across through Participatory Budgeting.
With $1.5 million in infrastructure funds available, $1 million will go directly toward fixing broken sidewalks, improving intersections, and upgrading ADA ramps. We need your help identifying the worst spots. If you see a broken sidewalk, tell us! Call: 773-868-4646 Email: [email protected] Submit a form: Let’s Fix the Sidwalks! |
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| | Community/Citywide Events & Resources |
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Spread holiday Joy with Christopher House Our Family-to-Family Holiday Giving Program is here, and 135 Christopher House families are waiting on YOU! With the holidays quickly approaching, we are calling on you to help us spread joy and hope throughout our community this season. Whether you sign up as an individual or with a group, you’ll be matched with a family, shop from their wish list, and drop off wrapped gifts that make the season feel truly special. Your generosity lifts spirits, restores dignity, and reminds families that they are not alone. Sign up today and help bring warmth and light to a Christopher House family this holiday season! P.S. We are also looking for volunteers to help sort gifts on drop off days. If you are interested, sign up today! |
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| The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) ensures a fair and vibrant marketplace for businesses, workers and consumers in the City of Chicago. BACP licenses businesses and public vehicles, regulates business activity, protects consumers from fraud, enforces Chicago’s labor laws, partners with business service organizations and provides education and resources for businesses.
BACP is here to support your business today: FREE BUSINESS EDUCATION WEBINARS The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) offers free business education webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Topics include business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more. Programs are free, hosted online and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies.
Upcoming Business Education Webinar Schedule: December 19 - Long-Term Marketing Strategies: Building to Last January 7 - City Inspections - Ask Questions, Get Answers January 14 - Getting Started with Generative AI - A Primer for Non-Technical Business |
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Chicago Loves Local is a new citywide campaign celebrating the people, places, and pride that make Chicago’s 77 community areas truly one of a kind. It promotes local commerce and supports the small, independent businesses that shape our city’s vibrant neighborhoods. From neighborhood coffee shops to corner boutiques, these small businesses are the heart and soul of our city.
Businesses can use FREE Chicago Loves Local digital graphics to promote their shops on social media. Customers can support local businesses by liking and sharing posts about their favorite shops and great retail experiences. Check out the Chicago Loves Local website and Instagram page @chicagoloveslocal for more details.
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| | BACP recently launched the year-round Shop Local Chicago campaign to reinforce the importance of small businesses to our workforce and economy, and to inspire consumers to shop locally, especially around the holidays. When we shop locally, a significant portion of purchasing dollars stays in our communities and bolsters the local economy. From Uptown to Buena Park to East Lakeview, with so many wonderful and diverse independent shops and restaurants in the 46th Ward, it’s easy to make the conscious choice to #SHOPLOCAL. |
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Attention business owners, commercial property owners, and developers: applications are now open for the next round of Small and Medium Community Development Grants. Grants can support projects ranging from $250,000 up to $5 million for new construction, rehabilitation, or expansion.
The deadline to apply is February 13, 2026. Recent 46th Ward awardees include the Black Ensemble Theatre (2025) and Access Contemporary Music (2024) for The Checkout. |
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| | | Sign up HERE to get the BACP Newsletter for details on upcoming expos and resources, plus get the latest updates about the City’s business initiatives and ordinances that might affect your operation. |
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| The Uptown Business Center (UBC) is managed by Uptown United, and supports new and existing business owners and entrepreneurs within the East-West boundaries of Lake Shore Drive to the Chicago River, and North-South boundaries of Lincoln Park to Rogers Park. Whether you’re in the idea stage of your business or a long-standing business owner, the UBC provides a suite of FREE business services.
ChiBizHub, powered by Allies for Community Business (A4CB) helps Chicago entrepreneurs grow and succeed. Their mission is to provide small businesses with FREE business assistance. ChiBizHub connects a large network of nonprofit service providers offering a wide variety of business-building services for small businesses. We match these organizations to early, emerging, and established small businesses throughout the region who visit the site looking for help. |
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The Cook County Small Business Source helps entrepreneurs in Cook County navigate the challenges of business growth by connecting them to the right experts, resources and funding opportunities. If you're looking for guidance, sign up for free at cookcountysmallbiz.org and get connected to an expert for one-on-one business advising, events, and more. |
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| Visit the American Job Center at Truman College, located at 1145 W. Wilson - Room 1917, to access employment resources, information about job training, and more. The center has knowledgeable staff that provides career assistance and job skills training for youth (ages 18+) and adults. All services are FREE.. Please call (773) 831-5221 in advance to get information about hours, orientation, and workshop details. |
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| | | | Our partners at the Uptown Chamber of Commerce are helping keep our community safe. Following Mayor Johnson’s new “ICE-Free Zone” Executive Order, the Chamber has free official signage and whistles are available in their office, 4619 N Broadway, for local businesses and property owners. 15 large signs and 10 small stickers (shown below), first come, first served during business hours (Mon–Fri, 9 AM–5 PM). Below you will also find a quick guide small businesses can use if ICE arrives.
Let’s continue standing together for an Uptown where everyone feels safe and supported. |
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Community Grant ApplicationAbout the Grant Program East Lakeview Neighbors (ELVN), a 501(c)(3) community nonprofit organization, is pleased to accept applications for community grants that strengthen and support nonprofit work within the East Lakeview neighborhood. Eligible applicants may include organizations working in the areas of education, social services, public safety, arts and culture, environmental initiatives, technology, green space, and community enhancement. Grant awards range up to $2,500 per organization.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
To submit an application, click HERE.
Note: Grant funds may not be used for political fundraising.
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Housing/Utility Resources |
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| | | | | The Department of Family and Support Services’ Senior Services Division provides programs and supports to older adults aged 60 and better to keep them healthy, active and engaged. They have a number of programs to highlight that are available online including:
Creating Dementia-Friendly Buildings - An Online, Self-Directed, Learning Module brought to you by the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services Senior Services.
You can register at https://dementiafriendlybuildings.com
Benefits are a Click Away! at cityofchicago.benefitscheckup.org - We want to ensure seniors have access to the benefits to which they are entitled! Senior Services is partnering with the National Council on Aging to implement this Chicago-specific guide to senior resources. BenefitsCheckUp: City of Chicago
The Fall edition of the “Chicago Seniors Connected” program brochure is here! Clicking here will provide you access to the brochure.
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| | | 2025 Senior Guide Now Available
Looking for helpful tips, resources, and services tailored for our senior community? The Office of the City Clerk has released the 2025 Senior Guide, filled with valuable information to support older adults across Chicago. From transportation programs and health services to emergency contacts and community activities—this guide has it all. View or download the full guide here: Let’s make sure our elders are informed, connected, and cared for. |
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You can check out all other Uptown Branch Library events here!
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| | Now Hiring: 911 Police Communications Operator II
The City of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is currently hiring for Police Communications Operator II (911 Police Dispatcher) positions, with 27 vacancies available. This critical role supports public safety by answering emergency calls and dispatching police services across the city.
The job posting is open through December 30. We encourage interested neighbors to apply and share this opportunity with others who may be a good fit.
Learn more and apply at www.Chi.gov/oemcjob. |
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The Cook County Assessor’s Office is currently hiring. Click here to view available positions.
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