33RD WARD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 22, 2025 |
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Dear 33rd Ward Community, In a time when decisions at every level of government impact our neighborhoods, coming together has never been more important. Our community thrives when neighbors connect, share ideas, and build relationships that make our streets safer, our public spaces richer, and our voices heard. This week, we invite you to join us at Neighbor Night, the Business Mixer, and Lot Jams. These are opportunities not just to celebrate and enjoy our local culture, but to engage with the people who make our community strong. Every conversation, every connection, and every shared story contributes to a collective understanding of what our neighborhood needs and deserves. By participating in these events and staying involved, you’re helping ensure that our community’s priorities are visible, our concerns are addressed, and our local voice carries weight in shaping policies, programs, and investments that directly affect us all. Together, we’re proving that connection is power, and that a vibrant, resilient community depends on neighbors showing up for one another today and every day. This week, we’re also inviting neighbors to share their experiences and help shape solutions for some of our community’s most pressing challenges. Your input will help build a neighborhood that is safer, healthier, and better prepared for the issues we face together. Make your voice count by taking the surveys linked below. |
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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)
Report flooding damage: The storms that occurred in late July and mid-August came with flooding that caused damage across Chicago and Cook County. Cook County 12th District Commissioner Bridget Degnen is now working with Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) to determine if and how Cook County can pursue options for assistance.
If your property was damaged or there are areas within your neighborhood that experienced significant flooding that you believe would qualify for federal assistance, please submit a summary of the damage via this form. EMRS is collaborating with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to collect, submit, and track reports of significant damage as well as track the cost expended by individuals in response to the storms. The information does not need to be exact but further documentation will be needed to verify costs if a federal declaration is obtained. |
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Extreme heat survey: Extreme heat is a growing public health threat in our city, especially for vulnerable communities. The Defusing Disasters Project—a collaborative between community members, academics, health care professionals, and government agencies—is developing a citywide Heat Vulnerability Index (HVI) to identify areas most at risk and shape life-saving heat resilience strategies. As we approach the anniversary of the 1995 Heat wave, we need your input! Your vote could save lives. Our team has drafted 30 community-informed policy and program recommendations to address heat-related health risks. We are asking you to help choose the top 7 ideas to advance to the City Council for action. Deadline: September 1, 2025, at 5pm English here Español aquí |
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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. Tonight August 22- ALSO Game Night at Sacramento Park 4-8pm August 25 - Neighbor Night with Global Gardens (2954 W Lawrence), at the garden weather permitting, 4:30 - 6:30pm with presentation beginning at 5:30pm August 25- Avondale Coffee Crawl 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 August 27- CCPSA Joint Meeting 17th and 9th District Counselors August 31- Avondale Garden and Agriculture Fair 12-5pm. Meet at Concordia Place, 3300 N Whipple
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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Game Night with ALSOFriday, August 22 from 4pm-8pm Sacramento Park, 3520 N Sacramento Food, drinks Game Truck Face painter and more!
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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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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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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.
Chicago Department of Public Health Confirms First Three Human Cases of West Nile Virus in 2025 The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) confirmed the city’s first three West Nile virus (WNV) cases of 2025, involving residents aged 40–80 from the Northwest and South sides. With mosquito activity testing higher than usual, the risk level is currently rated high. WNV spreads through mosquito bites; most people have no symptoms, but some develop fever and flu-like illness, and severe cases are more likely in adults over 60. There is no specific treatment, so prevention is key. CDPH is combating the spread through larvicide treatment of catch basins, mosquito testing, and targeted insecticide spraying. Residents are urged to protect themselves by using EPA-approved repellents, eliminating standing water, keeping yards maintained, wearing protective clothing at dusk/dawn, and ensuring windows/screens are intact. Those who are immunocompromised should avoid peak mosquito hours.More information in CDPH website |
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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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Joint CCPSA Meeting- The Chicago Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) will have a joint District Council meeting addressing how to protect immigrant communities amid increased federal enforcement. The meeting, part of the 19th District Council’s regular monthly session, will include representatives from the Chicago City Council Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights and council members from the 14th, 17th, 20th, and 24th Police Districts. Community members are invited to attend. // CCPSA participará en una reunión conjunta del Consejo de Distrito para tratar la protección de las comunidades inmigrantes frente al aumento de la aplicación de la ley federal. La reunión, parte de la sesión mensual regular del distrito 19 contará con representantes del Comité del Consejo de la Ciudad de Chicago sobre los Derechos de los Inmigrantes y Refugiados y concejales de los distritos 14, 17, 20 y 2 de la policía. Se invita a la comunidad a asistir. |
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Avondale Garden and Agriculture FairSunday, August 31 from 12-5pm Concordia Place- 3300 N Whipple The Avondale Gardening Alliance is inviting you to a walkable tour of yards and locations in East Avondale showcasing urban gardening and agricultural skills. Visitors can start at Concordia to get a map or access it online and explore sites offering seed saving, pollinator-friendly gardening, homebrewing, beekeeping, nature-based crafts, children’s activities, river benefits, and more. Goodies include flower crowns, plants, homebrewed samples, swag, and raffle prizes. The day concludes at 5 PM with a community celebration at Chief O’Neill’s garden patio. Maps will be posted online and available at Concordia. All are welcome. |
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Know Your Rights Workshop (Virtual)Thursday, September 4 from 3-4pm Zoom Register here
In this webinar, organizers from HANA Center will lead a discussion of what your legal constitutional rights are, as well as how to interact with ICE agents and police officers. They will also provide the latest updates on federal immigration policy. This webinar is FREE, will be presented in both English and Spanish, and is open to business owners, leaders, and their employees.
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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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Urban Flooding Community MeetingWednesday, September 10 from 6pm-7:30pm Movement on Montrose, 2951 W Montrose
NRC, the Center for Neighborhood Technology, HyFi, and Verizon to host a community meeting on urban flooding and emergency response. The meeting is open to business owners and residents in the Albany Park area. There will be light refreshments, and participants who register AND attend will receive a gift card. This meeting is a chance for community members to: * Share personal experiences and concerns about flooding * Learn about new technology supporting the City of Chicago’s flood response * Gain practical tips on how to prepare for flooding emergencies Participants can register here |
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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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