33RD WARD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 31, 2025 |
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Dear 33rd Ward Community,
Happy Halloween to our neighbors of all ages celebrating today! We know that Halloween celebrations have felt different this year, as many of our neighborhood schools and organizations have had to cancel their events out of deep concern for the safety of our neighbors. Despite all of these impacts, we have found small ways to still come together and celebrate, and I am so grateful to everyone that has helped keep some of this special joy with us.
If you go trick-or-treating this evening, we wish you a fun and safe evening of spooky celebrations. Please remember there will be so many children and families walking or biking in the streets. Please drive carefully to prevent any accidents. Our ward office is out this afternoon passing candy at school dismissal, to help make sure everyone gets a little treat today. Thank you to everyone that donated to local collection efforts to support this work!
I would also like to congratulate the winners of our Halloween Decoration Contest this year! You can review our winners and all of the contest submissions on our website www.33rdward.org/vote-halloween. When you are out later tonight searching for candy, we hope you visit this incredible decorations for some cool pictures! |
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This weekend we also celebrate Day of the Dead. Beginning tomorrow and ending on Sunday, many in our community are commemorating Día de Los Muertos. This holiday celebrates the lives of our loved ones who have passed and creates an opportunity to connect with the souls that are no longer here. This celebration dates back more than 3000 years to the rituals to honor the dead in pre-colonization Mesoamerica by the Aztecs and Nahuas.
These civilizations had a cyclical view of the universe in which death was an integral part of life. The tradition of honoring departing souls lives on in the Mexican community everywhere and throughout Latin America. Wishing our community a beautiful celebration and time to commune with family and ancestors.
We invite everyone to visit two beautiful altars put together by Israel's Gifts of Hope with pictures submitted by neighbors. The altars can be found at the Horner Park Fieldhouse during open hours (2547 W Montrose) and at 2nd Story in the front window (3001 W. Lawrence Ave).
Israel’s Gifts of Hope is also hosting a Día de los Muertos celebration at 2547 W Montrose, tomorrow, November 1 from 11am - 2pm. You can join them for an arts & crafts gathering where we will create beautiful pieces for your ofrendas. Connect with community, enjoy light bites & drinks, and share in the joy & memories that keep our loved ones' spirits alive. |
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Thank you for doing this work with me. 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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Immigrant Rights and Deportation Defense Resources: If you see immigration enforcement or suspect immigration enforcement, first call the Family Support Network (FSN) at 855-435-7693. We encourage you to save this number in your phone. |
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The 33rd Ward Office is now a distribution site for Gun Safety Locks.
Locks are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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The 33rd Ward Office has a new stock of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. They are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION |
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Event details are listed in the newsletter below. November 1 — Free Flu and Covid Vaccines, 9am-1pm, Truman College, 1145 W Wilson Ave November 1 — Emergency Heating Home Repair Program Application Open - Apply November 2 — Green Corn Festival, 1-6pm, The American Indian Center and Global Gardens Chicago - More Information November 3 — Neighbor Night has been cancelled. Please see below for the next Neighbor Night. November 5 - ACA Health Insurance Application Workshop, 11:00am - 2:30pm, 33rd Ward Office 4747 N Sawyer Ave November 9 — Free Meal, 6-7pm, Queen of Angels Church), 2330 W. Sunnyside. November 10 — Community Bonfire, 5-7pm, Clark (Richard) Park November 19 — Free Adult Health Screenings, 10am - 1:30pm, St. Nicolai United Church, 3000 N Kedzie November 19 — Free Groceries, 12:30-1:30 pm, St. Nicolai United Church, 3000 N Kedzie
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Support Our Local Businesses
We know many neighbors are choosing to stay in during this difficult time, and we understand safety comes first. At the same time, our local businesses, corner stores, restaurants, and shops are feeling the impact of the recent attacks on our community. If you’re able, please consider supporting them in ways that feel safe for you, whether by ordering takeout or delivery, shopping online from them, or picking up from a trusted spot. Every gesture of support helps keep these community anchors strong while we look out for one another. |
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Ways You Can Get Involved to Support Immigrant NeighborsIMMR will host virtual Family Preparedness workshops at 6 p.m. every Thursday evening throughout September. Residents are invited to register for the webinars online and can view additional information on IMMR’s website.
UPGRADED IMRR WEBSITE The City has also launched a newly enhanced IMRR website at www.chicago.gov/IMRR. Step-by-step, easy-to-follow guidance for immigrant families and individuals; User-friendly content and clear visuals; Resources tailored to immigrant and refugee communities, highlighting services and protections.
ALBANY PARK MUTUAL AID APMA have been helping with grocery deliveries to folks who may not want to leave their homes right now. Their contact information can be found on their website: https://www.albanyparkmutualaid.com/
ADOPT A HIRING CORNER Latino Union is helping day laborers with their “Adopt a Hiring Corner” volunteer team. Sign up : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeV1HGjpuXg8TBZXRwk4iAKa2GyRSVlgOlTwwXXgfgRBg2Ykw/viewform.
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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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ACA Health Insurance Application Workshop
Wednesday, November 5th from 11am - 2:30pm 33rd Ward Office, 4747 N. Sawyer Avenue
Open Enrollment on the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace GetCoveredIllinois.gov Starts on November 1st. Please join us Wednesday, November 5th from 11am-2:30pm at the 33th Ward Office, located at 4747 N. Sawyer Avenue where a Healthcare Navigator from Get Covered Illinois will be awaiting your visit. The Navigator will be helping to check your eligibility for a healthcare plan, or help you compare plans if you are considering changing your current plan for 2026. The representative will also be here to assist you in creating an account and comparing plans if you're eligible. If you don't enroll during Open Enrollment, you will be unable to obtain health insurance on the ACA Marketplace unless you qualify for a special enrollment period so don't miss your opportunity to get coverage. Hope to see you there! |
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33rd Ward Halloween Decoration ContestCongratulations to our winners! You can see our winners and all submissions on our website: www.33rdward.org. |
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Neighbor Night
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. Meetings with the alderwoman are available by appointment only by emailing [email protected].
Cancelled — November 3
Upcoming — December 1, Details to be announced Appointments available: 4:30-5:30pm Guest presentation: 5:30-6:30pm |
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Participatory BudgetingIf you would like to volunteer for this year’s Participatory Budgeting committee to review project proposals and develop our ballot, of if you would like to submit ideas for consideration by our PB committee, you can do so at our website: www.33rdward.org
PB IDEA COLLECTION“Where do you want to see benches in our ward?” Fill out the form by clicking here. |
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Feedback Closed - Proposal to lift the Liquor Moratorium at 3455 N Elston Ave We will provide an update as soon as possible. |
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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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2025 Street SweepingWe are nearing the end of street-sweeping season, with the final scheduled sweeps ending by mid-November. Sweeping will continue on main streets as weather permits.
View a printable street sweeping schedule. You can find your zone by referencing the interactive map by clicking here. |
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Pumpkin Drop-OffLearn More
Don’t trash your pumpkins after Halloween, give them new life as compost instead! Pumpkins will be accepted for free at all City of Chicago food scrap drop-off locations, and all Chicago residents are encouraged to participate. The pumpkins will be turned into nutrient-rich compost at a local composting facility. |
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Fall Leaves Announcement from Department of Streets and SanitationIt's fall, and that's exactly what the leaves are doing - falling from Chicago's trees. Help us keep our streets, curbs, and gutters clean and safe! Remove leaves that fall into the street in front of your residence. Reuse them as mulch in your yard. Bag them and call 311 for a yard waste pickup.
DO NOT sweep or rake leaves into the street. Doing so is a violation of City Ordinance and can clog the sewer system, leading to flooding, ice over the upcoming winter months, and other issues. |
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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 — 3300 Block of W. Eastwood
Outside of Grid Area: 4800 Block of N. Albany
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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Celebrate Day of the DeadNovember 2 from 11am - 4pm Lincoln Antique Mall, 3115 W. Irving Park Road |
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CTA Requesting Vendors to Support Food GiveawaysDeadline November 5
The CTA 2025 Holiday Food Program is currently accepting requests from non-for-profit organizations that serve the unhoused and/or low-income individuals. All organizations interested in being considered to receive a donation of holiday food boxes must email a formal request by Wednesday, November 5th, 2025.
Requests should include the following information: Request should be submitted on the organization’s letterhead and sent via email to [email protected] with “cc” to[email protected] Request must state the organization’s mission statement, who they serve, how and why Indicate why the organization would benefit, if selected, to receive a donation of holiday food baskets Provide the name/title/office and cell phone number of the organization’s staff person to be CTA’s contact person State their agreement that a staff member will meet CTA staff at their assigned delivery/location time once determined
The CTA’s holiday food donation will include non-perishable ingredients for a meal to serve six servings (as indicated by the FDA). These items are purchased with the generosity of funds donated by CTA staff. The funds collected will determine the number of holiday food boxes the CTA Holiday Food Train Program will be able to donate this year.
Please be mindful that submitting a request does not guarantee selection. A determination response will be sent via email by December 1st, 2025. |
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Green Corn Festival
Sunday, November 2nd from 1-6pm
4815 N Sacramento as well as the AIC at 3401 W Ainslie St
The American Indian Center and Global Gardens Chicago are excited to invite you to our Green Corn Festival on Sunday, November 2nd from 1-6pm. Events will take place at the farm at 4815 N Sacramento as well as the AIC at 3401 W Ainslie St,. The Green Corn Festival is a historic indigenous festival to celebrate the corn harvest, so come and enjoy the bounty with us! The days activities will include: Native seed saving guided walk Corn husk doll making Indigenous cooking classes Fall pollinator scavenger hunt Canning your crops workshop Bring your decomposing pumpkin to our pumpkin smash composting station Community meal + Indigenous performances by the fire
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/share/1FkpVaUc7c/ |
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CTA Workforce Outreach EventNovember 5 from 10am - 2pm Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson Avenue Register |
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Homeowner Relief Fund - Deadline Extended
The Cook County Homeowner Relief Program is a one-time $1,000 lottery-based payment is intended to help eligible households meet basic needs, reduce housing cost burdens, and provide financial relief.
To be eligible, Cook County homeowners must: Have experienced a property tax bill increase of at least 30% in tax year 2021, 2022, or 2023 Have a household income at or below 100% of the Area Median Income for the applicant's household size (AMI Guidelines: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/doh/provdrs/renters/svcs/ami_chart.html ) Have a Cook County homeowner exemption on the property, which shows that is your primary residence Be at least 18 years old
You can fill out a short, 10 minute application at: https://hrf.cookcountyil.gov/apply. The application closes at 11:59 pm on Friday, October 31st.
If you are an 8th District resident and you need assistance with the application or have questions about eligibility, call Commissioner Jessica Vásquez’s office at 312-603-6386. |
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Community Bonfire (Free event)November 10, 5:00-7:00pm Clark (Richard) Park |
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Trivia Night Fundraiser for Carlson Community ServicesNovember 15, 6:30pm Irving Park Lutheran Church Gym, 4057 N Harding Ave
As Carlson's largest fundraiser of the year, Trivia Night has become a beloved community tradition supporting Carlson's three programs: The Magic After-School Place, Three Brothers Garden and the Irving Park Fine Arts Concert Series. Join us for a great night out in the neighborhood in support of a local non-profit! Register your team here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1762367922899?aff=oddtdtcreator |
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November Hot-Meals To-Go ScheduleEvery Thursday from 12:00 - 1:30pm St. Nicolai United Church, 3000 N Kedzie
All food will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. No ID or registration necessary.
Free Adult Health Screenings and Groceries
St. Nicolai United Church, 3000 N Kedzie Wednesday, November 19 Free adult health screenings: 10 am - 1:30 pm Free Groceries: 12:30-1:30 pm |
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Free Community Meals - Second SundaySunday, November 9; Sunday, December 14 2nd Sunday of each month, 6-7pm Holy Family Hall (basement of Queen of Angels Church), 2330 W. Sunnyside.
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul invites you and the members of your household to a new free Community Meal. Come, relax, and share a hot meal with other members of the community! Pick up a to-go bag with a packed lunch to eat the next day.
If you have questions, please call the Queen of Apostles Parish Office at 773-539-7510. Leave a message and the team will call you back. |
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CPS offers high school students virtual mental health servicesPress Release
Through Chicago Public Schools' partnership with Hazel Health, all enrolled High School students now have access to a licensed Hazel therapist at no cost to families. https://getstarted.hazel.co/district/cps |
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Bikerdike Apartments Waiting Lists Open |
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Emergency Heating Repair ProgramOpens November 1, 2025.
EHRP offers income-eligible Chicagoland owner-occupied properties with direct assistance to repair or replace their furnace or boiler heating system. Qualified contractors perform the work at no cost to the homeowner with funding provided through the Department of Housing (DOH).
The assistance is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Interested homeowners can apply online. They will complete the online pre-qualification questions. Afterwards, their information is transferred through the City's portal. They will receive an email on the same day with a link to proceed with completing the application. Homeowners with an email address can apply online.
Constituents can also receive a paper application via one of the following methods: The City's 311 service line CHI311 APP www.chicago.gov/ehrp. where applicants can complete a service request to apply, and an electronic status letter will be generated for their records. Paper application can be downloaded at www.chicago.gov/hrp and printed out.
A homeowner who does not have an email address or access to a computer will need to call 311 to be sent a paper application package by mail. Completed applications can be returned to: Department of Housing, Attu: Emergency Heating Repair Program, 121 N Lasalle, Room 1000, 10 flr, Chicago, Illinois 60602. |
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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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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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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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Connect with our local Chamber of CommerceSign up for the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce newsletter by clicking here. |
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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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Meet our 33rd Ward Office Staff 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 Camila Garcia, Neighborhood Services Intake Coordinator Ariana Aguilar, Neighborhood Services Representative Eric Ramos, Ward Superintendent
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