33RD WARD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 15, 2025 |
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Dear Community, Week after week, our neighborhood pulses with energy and care, from Taste of Chicago in Albany Park, to IGOH’s Back-to-School celebration, Lot Jams, and our 211 and infrastructure canvassing, to connecting with neighbors through Know Your Rights outreach. And we’re keeping the momentum going! This week brings Concordia’s Back-to-School celebration, Patrick Henry’s block party with a car show just for the kids, and the grand opening of a brand-new playground made possible by our community’s voices through the participatory budgeting process and the collaboration with other elected officials who helped get us to the finish line. These moments are part of our ongoing commitment to creating neighborhoods where families feel deeply supported, and where children have abundant spaces to grow, play, and dream freely. This week we were also able to make a lot of progress with cleanups and support for River Park. I brought together a multi agency team to address problems with garbage accumulation. We worked with DFSS to support an unhoused person who set up a tent at the park and were able to get him to shelter. We continue monitoring the situation and working collaboratively with all relevant agencies to ensure our parks are a place for everyone to enjoy. We also had multiple canvasses from our office. We went out with around 20 neighbors on Monday to inform businesses on how to protect themselves and their workers from ICE. We also had a canvass to inform our neighbors about how to use our 211 system to access social services and we will continue those efforts in the weeks to come. We look forward to seeing you! |
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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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Subscribe to OEMC App for air quality, weather, and other emergency-related notifications in real time: Apple // Google Play (Android)
Flooding Damage Assessment Survey: Recent heavy rain events between Friday, July 25 and Monday, July 28 led to flash flooding and other water-related damage in Chicagoland. If you feel your property has been impacted by these rain events, please first notify 3-1-1, and as supplemental support, the Office of Emergency Management and Communication is conducting a survey to request aid from the State of Illinois. You can fill out the form by clicking here. Please note, completion of this survey does NOT guarantee or imply eligibility for financial assistance, aid, or funding of any kind. The information collected will be used strictly for assessment and planning purposes.
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Please fill out the following survey: “Your Community, Your Care: Public Mental Health Needs in Your Ward” Please answer the questions below. Please note that all of your answers in this survey will be anonymous, meaning that they will not be connected to your name or other identifying information. English // Spanish |
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33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION |
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*Event details are listed in the newsletter below. August 16 –- 5k at Horner Park with Chicago Student Refugee Coalition at noon - Register August 16- Concordia Place Back to School August 16- Patrick Henry Block Party August 16- State Transit Town Hall August 25 — Neighbor Night with Global Gardens, at the garden weather permitting, 4:30 - 6:30pm with presentation beginning at 5:30pm - Email [email protected] to meet with the alderwoman August 26 — 33rd Ward Business Mixer 8:00-10:00am at 2951 W. Montrose August 27 –- Lot Jams, 4929 N Sawyer, 7:00-9:00pm
Upcoming: WMS Boathouse, 3400 N Rockwell (5:30 - 9:00pm) Reserve by September 7: www.clarkparkadvisory.org
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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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33rd Ward Business MixerTuesday, August 26 from 8am-10am Movement on Montrose, 2951 W Montrose Ave Register here: https://forms.gle/FLx3LVhAzNmi2uiK8
The 33rd Ward Office is hosting a business mixer with representatives from key city departments for our business community to: Meet other local business owners and build valuable relationships Ask questions directly to the alderwoman, her staff, and city agencies
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Neighbor NightsUpcoming: August 25 from 4:30pm - 5:30pm for appointments, 5:30pm for guest’s presentation Guest: Global Garden Location: 2954 W. Lawrence Ave. Right next to Ronan Park
I am excited to invite you to join us for our next neighbor night, which will take place at The Global Gardens, our Refugee Farm in Albany Park. If you have been curious about the work they do and wish to learn more and/or volunteer, please come by!
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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Resources and Aid Working GroupJoin the Northwest Side Progressives Resources and Aid Working Group. Our primary goal is to create a comprehensive resource guide that will help everyone, particularly our most vulnerable neighbors in the years ahead. This guide can be used by all organizations, offices, networks, and individuals in the community trying to support neighbors in need. This working group also wants to help build and strengthen structures of care in our communities by connecting us all to the different initiatives taking place. To join these efforts, please email John Cruz-Barcenas at [email protected] |
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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: |
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3845 N Whipple St:Project webpage: link Application Type: Type 1 Map Amendment Change Request: RS-3 to RT-4 Status: Supported |
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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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Free Tree Planting from Open LandsDo you live between Lawrence and the river from Kedzie to Kimball? Would you like a FREE tree planted on the parkway in front of your home? Complete this form for more information and to complete a request. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] or [email protected] |
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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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Lot Jams 2025August 27 from 7-9pm 3244 W Ainslie St (APMA-Hibbard Courtyard)
Our final Lot Jams of the season is here! Experience the vibrant performances of Filipino School of Chicago, empowering Filipino/a/x youth through dance, history, and leadership, and Ballet Folklorico de Chicago, preserving the beauty of Mexican folkloric dance on Chicago’s North Side. Let’s close out the season together with music, movement, and memories you won’t forget! |
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Public Health Updates from CDPHAccess weekly press releases and briefings on other important public health topics through the Chicago Department of Public Health’s dashboard. |
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Parks District Summer UpdatePools opened for the season on Saturday, June 21. Schedule |
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Senator Guzmán Community Legislative RoundtablesRSVP for any roundtable by clicking here.
The 20th District Constituent Roundtable Program is officially kicking off with their summer roundtables. Community members are encouraged to get involved in creating legislation, no matter what level of expertise you have on the subject matter. |
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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 in September |
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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. |
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Mental Health Survey by the Kedzie CenterTake the 10-minute survey and sign up to participate in a focus group today. English Survey Encuesta en espanol
The Kedzie Center, a community-funded mental health clinic that has served the North River area since 2014, is conducting a comprehensive needs assessment to better understand how their programs, outreach, and services can best serve local residents.
In addition to a brief survey, The Kedzie Center is also recruiting participants for upcoming focus group discussions. These conversations will help ensure that community voices are centered in future planning.
If you live in Albany Park, Irving Park, North Park, or Sauganash, are 17 or older, and have lived in the neighborhood for at least six months, you are eligible to participate! Focus groups will be held on weekday evenings or Saturday afternoons.
The Kedzie Center Focus Group Interest Form |
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Horner Park 5k with Chicago Student Refugee CoalitionSaturday, August 16th at noon Horner Park
Entry Fee: $15 for students | $20 for adults
All proceeds will directly support CSRC’s programs providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities for newcomer families. The 5K is a great way for participants to stay active, meet others, and learn about how they can support or get involved in their local community. We’ll also have concessions, shirts for sale, and information on our upcoming programs and volunteer opportunities. |
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State Transit Town HallSaturday, August 16th from 11am-2pm 3390 N. Avondale (NEIU El Centro Campus)
Join State Senator Graciela Guzman and other state electeds for a “State of Transit Town Hall” tomorrow morning. |
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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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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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