33RD WARD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 3, 2025 |
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Dear 33rd Ward Community,
Together we have faced another challenging week of ICE raids on our neighborhoods and attacks against our neighbors. This past Sunday, our hearts were heavy with the news that a family from our Cleveland Elementary school community was abducted by federal agents while they were enjoying their day in Millenium Park. This instance was part of ICE and Border Patrol’s newest efforts to make media stunts out of patrolling downtown Chicago and terrorizing our city.
Thanks to the quick action of volunteers and community members, we are grateful that our neighbors were provided immediate support and have been released from detention and returned home. Still, they are struggling with lost wages from time away from work and other costs associated with their detention. If you are able, please consider helping them get back on their feet by contributing to their fundraiser: gofund.me/466f9dcbf. Every bit of support helps.
Additionally, every single day this week our local rapid response volunteers have monitored increased ICE and Border Patrol activity across the northwest side of Chicago and the 33rd Ward. The raids begin early in the morning, taking our neighbors as they were commuting to work or taking their children to school, and from prominent locations where day laborers seek work. I have been working alongside these volunteers each day to respond to ICE sightings, to connect with impacted families and neighbors, and to organize resources in this time of great need.
On Wednesday of this week, when Albany Park in particular was under increased attack, Senator Guzman and I released this Facebook Live video to help communicate resources available to our neighbors, how to get involved, and how we’ve been responding. As a result of the raids on Wednesday, which focused on neighborhood schools, we now have an organized volunteer network that has been working alongside school staff to protect families during school drop-off and release.
Moments like this remind us of the importance of coming together to support each other. We have been working to ensure that our families know they are not alone. These networks of care are what make us strong. When we come together compassionately and with purpose, we push back against fear. We know our strength comes from each other.
There are many ways to get involved in this work. Visit our 33rd Ward Immigration Resource Page to be connected to resources and guidance. You can join the Northwest Side Rapid Response Network at bit.ly/nwsdefense and volunteer to help by emailing [email protected]. I encourage everyone to sign up for the ICE Alert System at bit.ly/ILEyesOnICE and follow @northwestsiderrt on Instagram to stay informed of verified ICE sightings around the community. |
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Despite these attacks on our community, the 33rd Ward Office has been active creating opportunities for our neighbors to come together. This week we hosted the first community meeting for this year’s Participatory Budgeting process, as well as the Sage Brigade, the 33rd Ward Office’s Seniors Program, to learn about energy bill relief opportunities, like LIHEAP which is now open for applications.
The Cook County Homeowner Relief Program applications are also open! The one-time $1,000 lottery-based payment is intended to help eligible households meet basic needs, reduce housing cost burdens, and provide financial relief. 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 10th.
Lastly, we joined the Bateman Elementary School community this morning to celebrate their beautiful new playground. This playground was funded in part through the 33rd Ward Office Participatory Budgeting process. We wish you all many beautiful memories and lots of fun!! |
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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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33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION |
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Event details are listed in the newsletter below. October 5 — Pet Blessing and Service at 9:30 with service at 10:30 (Pets welcome!) at Christ Lutheran Church, 3253 W Wilson Ave October 6 — Neighbor Night at Horner Park Fieldhouse; Appointments available by email at [email protected] from 4:30-5:30pm; Guest presentation at 5:30pm October 7 — Liquor Moratorium Info Meeting at 4747 N Sawyer Ave, 4pm, More Info October 8 — 17th Police District Council Meeting at Field (Eugene) Park, 6:30 pm October 8 — Town Hall on Homelessness & Mental Health, Ravenswood Elementary School Auditorium, 6pm, RSVP October 10 — Application Deadline for Homeowner Relief Program, Apply Here October 11 — NIJC Halloween Costume Contest at Horner Park, 10:30-12pm, RSVP October 18 — Save the Date - Bateman’s BOOOsterfest October 20 — Neighbor Night; Appointments available by email at [email protected] from 4:30-5:30pm; Guest presentation at 5:30pm October 23 — Discuss Arts and Culture in Albany Park from 6pm - 8:30pm at Movement on Montrose
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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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City of Chicago Launches Family Preparedness Campaign IMMR 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.
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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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Community Meeting Announcement -
Proposal to lift the Liquor Moratorium at 3455 N Elston Ave Tuesday, October 7 at 4pm 33rd Ward Office, 4747 N Sawyer Ave. Registration is encouraged: www.bit.ly/ElstonMoratorium A link for feedback will be available for two weeks following meeting. |
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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].
Next — October 6 at Horner Park Fieldhouse, with guest Horner Park Advisory Council Appointments available: 4:30-5:30pm Guest presentation: 5:30-6:30pm
Upcoming — October 20 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 |
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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
3240 W Lawrence Ave – Project Website Status: In Community Review Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: B1-2 to B2-5 |
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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 TrimmingCurrent Grid Area: N044 - W032
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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Pet Blessing & RemembranceSunday, October 5 - 9:30am (Outside for a Brief Blessing) Sunday, October 5 - 10:30am (Inside for Worship & Blessing)
Christ Lutheran Church, 3253 W. Wilson Ave
All pets are welcome for the celebration. For everyone who has lost a beloved pet, bring a photo & we will include a prayer of thanks to honor their memory. |
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Cook County Homeowner Relief ProgramThe Cook County Homeowner Relief Program application will open at 10:00 am on Monday, September 29th. The 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 50% 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 10th.
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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Irving Park Food Pantry Hat, Scarf, Glove DriveThe Pantry is collecting new hats, scarves and gloves to provide our registered clients in the 60641 and 60618 ZIP codes. This program replaces our annual coat drive, which we are unable to run.
We will give out the items during our October distributions (October 1st, 8th, 14th, 15th, 22nd and 29th). You can drop off your donation of hats, scarves, mittens and gloves for men, women and children any time through Sunday, October 26th. But early is better!
NOTE: Please limit your donation to ONLY hats, scarves and gloves. We have no space to offer other items. Thank you for your support of this worthy cause! |
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Town Hall on Homelessness & Mental Health
Wednesday 10/8 at 6pm
Ravenswood Elementary School Auditorium (4332 N. Paulina) RSVP
Join Alderman Martin and homelessness agencies and providers to discuss the recent rise in street homelessness and how we can address it together. We will cover the City’s ongoing efforts to connect homeless neighbors with housing, as well as different resources available to residents who want to assist. |
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Kedzie Center Community Needs AssessmentAfter 10 years of providing accessible mental health care to Chicago’s North River area, we’re conducting a comprehensive assessment to ensure we’re meeting our community’s needs.
If you live in Albany Park, Irving Park, North Park, or Sauganash, please consider taking our survey or joining a focus group to let us know what YOU need. All participants will have the chance to win $50 gift card to a local business. Share with your neighbors and help us provide quality care to our North River community. |
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Chicago Public Schools Opens GoCPS Applications for the 2026-27 School YearChicago Public Schools (CPS) opened the GoCPS application window this week, allowing students and families to explore schools for the 2026-27 school year. From now through 5 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, families of students entering grades K-9 in the 2026-27 school year can submit applications to a wide variety of schools - with myriad special programs - offered throughout the city.
To support families through the application process, CPS is hosting a series of online GoCPS information sessions, available in both English and Spanish. Families can register for a virtual session and also view step-by-step informational videos by visiting cps.edu/gocps. |
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Film Screening - “Selective Mutism” |
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Free Concert with Carlson Community Services and the Irving Park Fine Arts Committee
Sunday, October 5 - 2:00pm Irving Park Lutheran Church, 4100 N. Harding Avenue
We welcome Mike Brozick, trumpet, accompanied by John Goodwin on piano, featuring selections from Debussy, Vladimir Peskin, Paul Hindemith, Leonard Bernstein and more. The FREE concert is open to all ages and parking is available in the lot at Pulaski & Belle Plaine. We hope you will join us for the first concert of our 32nd season!
For more information on this concert and the Irving Park Fine Arts Concert Series, please visit our website: https://carlsoncommunityservices.org/programs/fine-arts/this-season/ |
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Lakeshore Brass - OktoberfestSaturday, October 4, 2025, from 4–7 PM at Concordia Place on Whipple, 3300 N. Whipple St.
The afternoon will feature live brass music, bratwursts, beer, and a festive community atmosphere. Additional information can also be found on the event page: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/lakeshorebrass/1787925 |
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Luella’s Southern Kitchen Ribbon CuttingOctober 9 from 3-5pm 4114 N Kedzie |
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Free Community Meals - Second SundaySunday, October 12; Sunday, 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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National Immigration Justice Center Halloween Costume Contest October 11 from 10:30-12pm Horner Park
Please join us by registering here. The costume contest categories include: Best Individual Adult Costume, Best Individual Child Costume, Best Group Costume. Participants will be ranked on the following criteria: Creativity, Execution, Pizzazz!
Our judges will include Chicago community members who are doing the hard work to support our immigrant/migrant neighbors. Light refreshments/snacks will be served. |
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Cook County Assessor is Hiring |
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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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