33RD WARD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 5, 2025 |
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Dear 33rd Ward Community,
While we all prepare to celebrate the holidays together this year, our hearts are filled with the weight of all the ways our communities have experienced extra suffering this year. Over the past year we have been in a near-constant battle to care for each other during attacks from the federal government in the form of deportation raids and cuts to funding and services many of our neighbors need to survive. Through it all, we have come closer together, organized deeply to provide resources to each other, and taught each other important survival skills.
Our ward office is working to bring this spirit of care into the holidays. Just yesterday we hosted the Sage Brigade, the 33rd Ward Office’s Seniors Program, to assemble holiday art displays for local seniors. This is a yearly tradition in our office, and we look forward to delivering student-made art to bring a little extra joy this year. Yesterday afternoon, I also joined the Koram Senior Community for their 39th anniversary celebration and the Moogoong Senior Community to celebrate their 42nd anniversary! Thank you so much to the organizers of these events for welcoming me as a guest, and for creating such special places for our seniors to spend time together and celebrate their community.
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We are also still operating our free store at the ward office for anyone that needs essential winter weather supplies like hats, gloves, and lotion. You can stop by any time during business hours to pick up the supplies you and your family needs. There are many charitable events throughout the ward in the coming weeks, so please review the announcements section of our newsletter below to take full advantage of local opportunities to spend time with community members.
This has already been a very cold and snowy winter, and this weekend we will see very cold temperatures and more snow. Neighbors are organizing to provided local overnight emergency shelter for unhoused neighbors during the deep freeze that is expected this weekend. Anyone in need can find shelter at the location below, or if you have resources to spare, organizers are seeking donations based on the list below: Mayfair Presbyterian Church, 4358 W Ainslie St: Donations needed: Cots, Sleeping Pads/Mats, Sleeping Bags, Air Mattresses, Blankets, Pillows and Pillowcases Donation drop-off: between 2-5pm on Friday 12/11 and Saturday 12/12
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Lastly, negotiations for the city budget are still under way. There are City Council meetings scheduled for each day next week, and for December 23, as we prepare to work intensely to resolve negotiations before the deadline at the end of the year. Many of my colleagues have proposed an incomplete and regressive budget plan, prioritizing taxes and fees, like doubling the garbage fee, that impact working families directly in order to protect corporate interests. I am committed to continuing to support a budget that asks the largest corporations to pay their fair share as our city navigates historic funding cuts from the federal government.
All of our city departments are experiencing the impacts of these cuts. We are hearing many concerns and questions from our community about impacts to essential community services and resources, such as the public libraries. We’ve developed a brief survey to gather your thoughts and opinions on the public library budget proposal. I look forward to hearing from you.
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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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The 33rd Ward Office will be closed December 22 - January 2 for Winter Break. We will reopen for regular business hours on Monday, January 5. |
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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. December 12 — Today — Slices with Santa - 6pm at Irving Park Pizza and Patio
December 13 — Front Porch Christmas, 1pm, 3800 N Sacramento, https://www.facebook.com/frontporchchristmas December 13 — Breakfast and Photos with Santa, 8am - 11am, Cleveland Elementary, 3121 W Byron St - Buy Tickets Here: https://friendsofcleveland.square.site/ December 14 — Free Community Meal, Queen of Angels Church, 6-7pm December 14 — Free Holiday Concert, 2:00pm, Irving Park Lutheran Church December 14 — Free - Park District “Do-It Yourself” Nutcracker, River Park, 3pm December 15 — Neighbor Night at the 33rd Ward Office; Appointments available by email at [email protected] from 4:30-5:30pm; Guest presentation from Department of Planning and Development about the Irving Park Rd Study at 5:30pm December 15 — PB All-Community Meeting - Ballot Development - 7pm at the 33rd Ward Office December 20 — Friendship Center Holiday Meal Kits, 2-5pm, 2709 W Lawrence Ave. - There will be enough food. You do not have to arrive at 2pm. Please do not line up before noon.
January 9 — Free Meals - Each 2nd Friday at Christ Lutheran Church, 5:30pm - 7:00pm January 15 — Low-income Housing Workshop, in Korean, 1pm on Zoom - Register January 22 — Low-income Housing Workshop, in Korean, 6pm on Zoom - Register February 13 — Free Meals - Each 2nd Friday at Christ Lutheran Church, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
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Board of Review Appeal Events at the 8th District Office |
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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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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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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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The Community Choice Awards Are Back!Deadline: December 15
Save the Date for the Award Ceremony Thursday, February 26, 2026 | 6–9 PM |
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Neighbor NightUpcoming Neighbor Night: December 15
Join the 33rd Ward Office for our upcoming Neighbor Night hosted at our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. Neighbor Nights offer appointments with the Alderperson between 4:30-5:40pm by appointment only. Call or email our office for an appointment at 773-840-7880 or [email protected]. Beginning at 5:30 we will have a guest presentation from the Department of Planning and Development regarding the Irving Park Road Study. All are welcome to join.
Come hear from DPD about the Irving Park Road Study, which is a planning effort to asses the existing conditions along Irving Park Road and develop a framework plan. Learn more at the website: https://www.chicago.gov/.../irving-park-road-study/home.html
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]. |
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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 All-Community Meeting - Ballot Development Phase
December 15 at 7:00pm 33rd Ward Office, 4747 N Sawyer Ave |
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33rd Ward Snow Shoveling ProgramYou can sign up to help a neighbor with their snow shoveling or sign up to ask for help by filling out the form by clicking here, calling our office at 773-840-7880, or emailing our office at [email protected]. We will help to pair you with a neighbor for the duration of the winter season. |
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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 Review3039 W Irving Park Rd – Project Website Status: In Community Review - Deadline to submit comments is Dec. 19. Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: B3-1 to B2-3 |
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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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ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES |
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Holiday Markets In Avondale - 12/13, The Art Colony - 12/13, Five Point Holistic Health - 12/13, DMen Tap - 12/13 & 12/14, Podlasie Club - 12/14, Sleeping Village - 12/20, Revolution Brewing - 12/20, Sleeping Village - 12/20, Into the Feral |
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Friendship Center Holiday Meal KitsDecember 20, 2-5pm, 2709 W Lawrence Ave.
There will be enough food for neighbors. You do not need to arrive at 2pm, but can come later. Please do not line up before noon. |
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HANA Center Low-income Housing WorkshopsEnglish: December 12, 1pm on Zoom - Register Korean: January 15, 1pm on Zoom - Register
Korean: January 22, 6pm on Zoom - Register
Join us for our new series of housing workshops and learn about different types of subsidized housing, eligibility requirements, and how to apply! All workshops will be held on Zoom. |
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Thank you to Mather High School students Benart Babatinca and Destiny Ugalde for creating this graphic to share legal aid resources! |
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Support RHS to Bring Dance Programming
Support us in bringing the gift of dance and music to Roosevelt students! Make a tax-free donation by using this link and note BSU (Black Student Union) where it says "How would you like to direct your donation?" |
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Provide Input on the Irving Park Road StudyDecember 13–14, from 11 AM–4 PM At the Merry Market, 4842 W Irving Park Rd.
Department of Planning and Development will be gathering community input for the Irving Park Road Study, which is currently assessing existing conditions across several focus areas between California Avenue (east) and Overhill Avenue (west). Phase One of the study is exploring opportunities to: Increase residential choices Promote land uses that support access to bus and rail transit Ensure new development fits well with nearby lower-scaled residential areas Strengthen pedestrian connections to open space and transit stops
Attendees are encouraged to stop by the DPD table to learn more and share their ideas for the future of the corridor. Sign up to receive email alerts at: https://cloud.citynews.chicago.gov/IrvingPark More information about the Merry Market: www.portageparkchamber.org/merry-market |
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Free Meal - “Gather Together”
Each 2nd Friday until June 2026 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Christ Lutheran Church, 4541 N Spaulding |
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Free Holiday Concert
Sunday, December 14 at 2:00pm
Irving Park Lutheran Church, 4100 N. Harding Avenue.
Join us for Eclectic Holidays, a vocal performance featuring Tamara Bodnar, Stephanie Stockstill and Christopher Richard, accompanied by Roger Bingaman on piano. Our Eclectic Holidays concert will feature a joyous collection of holiday favorites and some not-so-well-known numbers including a set of songs from the American Music Theater. Festive reception to follow.
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 to celebrate the holidays!
For more information on this concert, and the Irving Park Fine Arts Concert Series, please visit our website at: https://carlsoncommunityservices.org/programs/fine-arts/this-season/ |
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ESL Classes at Cleveland! We are partnering with Truman College to offer another semester of ESL Classes! Classes will begin on Tuesday, January 13th at 9:30am-12:30pm for 16 weeks. We ask that all folks that are interested come to the Parent University on Wednesday, December 10th for on-site registration. More information can be found in the flyer attached |
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Coffee and Canvas Series!Join us for another session of Cafecito and Canvas on Tuesday December 16th! Enjoy a warm cup of cafecito, good company, and let your inner artist shine as we paint, sip, and connect. Registration is required and the QR code can be found in the flyer below |
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Family Literacy Program to Improve English LiteracyCommunity Integration at RICS-Refugee and Immigrant Community Services is excited to share about our Family Literacy Program that supports parents and pre-school aged children who are learning English. |
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Throwing a Sustainable Partyhttps://www.chicagoenvironmentalists.org/sustainable-parties Want your group gatherings to be more eco-friendly? From the invitations to the food to the decor, this Sustainable Party guide has some hot tips for minimizing environmental impact and waste, and can also save you money and storage space in the process. Even if you’re not throwing the party, there is also a section on being a sustainable guest. Be sure to check it out!
Sustainable Giftinghttps://www.chicagoenvironmentalists.org/sustainable-gift-guide There are plenty of ways to show love for family and friends while minimizing your waste and overall environmental footprint! This sustainable gifting guide will give you some great Chicago-specific ideas that can save you money and support local sustainable businesses over big box stores. Check it out! Graphic: Attached |
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Holiday Sing AlongDecember 13, 3:00-4:00pm Renewed Hope Methodist Church, 3100 W Wilson Ave |
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Rickover Naval Academy Winter Arts and Crafts Fair |
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Irving Park Food Pantry Toy DriveAccepting Donations until December 13 |
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APMA Game NightJanuary 31, from 5:30 - 9:00pm
3600 W Irving Park Road |
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Albany Park Mutual Aid - Winter Gear Drive
3000 W Lawrence Ave Drop off times: Mondays & Wednesdays 4pm - 8pm; Saturdays 12pm - 4pm |
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Roosevelt High School - Holiday Help Drive |
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Trilogy - Winter Clothing Drive
We are accepting donations through Feburary 2026
Drop-off locations: Rogers Park- 1400 West Greenleaf Ave. Albany Park - 3737 West Lawrence Ave. Chatham - 8541 S. State St. (Wednesday only 8:30am to 5:00pm)
As temperatures fall, many struggle to access warm clothing. Trilogy aids adults and children with a mental illness and seeks donations of gently used winter clothing (coats, hats, gloves and winter boots), particularly larger sizes.
Your generosity can enhance their dignity and well-being. Let's collectively spread warmth and kindness in our community! |
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Breakfast with Santa Fundraiser (With Photos!)December 13, 8am - 11am Grover Cleveland Elementary, 3121 W Byron St
Buy Tickets Here: https://friendsofcleveland.square.site/
Bring your families for a delightful morning filled with joy and wonder. Join us for Breakfast with Santa Claus, where children can share their holiday wishes, enjoy a delicious breakfast, and revel in the magic of the season
Adult Meal: $15.00 (any person over the age of 11) - All you can eat Kids Meal: $10.00 (any person under the age of 10) - All you can eat |
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December 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. |
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Free Community Meals - Second SundaySunday, December 14, from 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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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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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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Free Narcan and Drug Test Strips Available at Our Ward Office
They are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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Free Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Available at Our Ward OfficeThey are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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Free Gun Safety Locks Available at Our Ward OfficeLocks are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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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, a calendar, and fliers by clicking here. |
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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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