November 12th, 2021
40th Forward Issue #117
Dear Neighbors,
Turkeys are back! We once again have gift turkeys for those in need this holiday season. On Monday, November 22nd, in lieu of our regular Virtual Ward Night, Ald. Vasquez will be handing out holiday turkeys at the 40th Ward Streets & Sanitation yard at 5333 N Western Ave. Turkeys are available first-come, first-served, one per family, starting at 5pm.
The Ward office will be closed Nov. 24-26 for Thanksgiving. We hope everyone will enjoy this time with their families! As always, you can call 311 for city services, and please call 911 directly for any emergencies.
Yours in Service and Solidarity,
Alder Andre Vasquez, 40th Ward
To make sure you catch everything in the newsletter, just click on the "view entire message" link at the bottom of this email. Don't forget to follow the 40th Ward on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for important updates.
The 40th Ward office welcomes our new Outreach & Constituent Services Manager Daniel Strom!
Daniel was the 40th Ward office's very first City of Chicago legislative intern, following Ald. Vasquez's election in 2019. We're thrilled to have Daniel back, with all his experience and expertise at constituent services! Please feel free to reach out to Daniel at daniel@40thward.org for assistance, and say hello when you see him around the Ward!
Ward Resources & Updates
One of the bright spots amidst the COVID pandemic has been the growth of the 40th Ward's volunteer program. The Neighbor Network has done amazing work for the ward - from making reusable masks, to delivering PPE and groceries, to making thousands of wellness calls, and helping callers with service requests - we are so grateful for their help. As our office re-opens 6/28/21, we need your help more than ever! If you would like to be part of the Neighbor Network, you can join us at http://bit.ly/JoinNN
2021-22 Emergency Heating Repair Program (EHRP) kick-off November 01, 2021
EHRP provides one-time grants for emergency furnace or boiler repairs to
income-eligible homeowners.
There are several ways that residents can apply for service:
• Call City’s 311 service line to complete a service request for which the Department of Housing
will follow up (or call 312-744-3653 directly and request a mailed application)
• Go online to www.chicago.gov/ehrp and download an application package
• Completed application packages can be returned by
A) Mail: Chicago Department of Housing, City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle, 10th flr. Rm 1006
B) Email to ehrp@cityofchicago.org. In Subject Line: EHRP application
C) Faxed to: DOH at (312) 742-0264, Attn: Emergency Heating Repair Program
With the federal eviction moratorium officially ending, the Department of Housing wants renters to make sure they know their rights and access City resources to help them stay housed:
- Don't self-evict. A notice of eviction from your landlord does not mean you need to leave your home right away. Only the Sheriff can legally remove you from your home.
- Get legal help. Free legal assistance is available to Chicago renters. Go to Rentervention.com, which is provided by the Lawyers Committee for Better Housing, a DOH delegate agency.
- Get financial help. DOH maintains a current list of places residents can apply for emergency rental assistance at Chicago.gov/RentHelp.
Chicago Housing Waitlist Update: CHA is conducting a waitlist update to ensure we have current contact information for all applicants on the Public Housing and Project Based Voucher program waitlists and to verify whether applicants are still interested in CHA housing. In January 2021, initial communications went out to all families on these waitlists. This fall, CHA is sending additional communications to families on our lists that have yet to complete the update. If applicants have not completed the update yet, they must log in to CHA's online web portal to complete the update by December 31, 2021.
In partnership with the 40th Ward and SSA #21, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is developing the Lincoln Avenue Streetscape and Plaza improvements project, between Lawrence Avenue and Catalpa Avenue as shown on the map below. The project is focused on areas located within the public rights of way, including the street spaces, sidewalk spaces and parkways along North Lincoln Avenue and Catalpa Avenue. Help shape the future of Lincoln Avenue by participating in the second public survey for the project!
Help make the holidays hope-filled and cheerful for youth and families at Lawrence Hall by ensuring they have a gift to open this holiday season!
Options for gift list donations, gift event hosting, and online gift list shopping are available at Lawrence Hall's website: https://www.lawrencehall.org/holidaydrive2021/
ONE Northside's street outreach team, Communities Partnering for Peace welcomes contributions to support our Turkey Giveaway this month. If you and your family have extra resources, please consider sharing with families in Rogers Park and Uptown who could use an extra blessing. Contribute here: bit.ly/CP4PRogersParkUptown We'll have a toy drive in December too - please stay tuned for more opportunities! For more info call / text Darrell at 773 999 1630.
Swedish Hospital is excited to welcome children ages 5 and up to receive their Covid-19 vaccine! To celebrate Vaccine Awareness Day, Swedish will be hosting a Pop-up Pantry and Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic on Friday November 12 th. All food items that are donated will help stock our food pantry located in the lobby of Galter Medical Pavilion.
GRO's HOLIDAY TOY and CLOTHING DRIVE - Sunday, November 7th thru Sunday December 12th!!!
The Greater Rockwell Organization is collecting NEW and UNWRAPPED items to brighten the holidays for those served by our local foster care agency Lawrence Hall and Toys for Tots.
Drop-off Locations:
Monti’s Cheesesteaks, 4757 N Talman (11AM - 10:30PM)
Himalayan Sherpa Kitchen, 2701 W Lawrence Ave (12 PM - 9 PM)
Rockwell’s Neighborhood Grill, 4632 N Rockwell (11AM - 11 PM)
Items in need:
- Toys (all ages, no toy weapons please)
- Baby items
- Warm clothing in infant, child, young adult - especially husky and plus-sizes
(Coats, snow suits, snow boots, long underwear, wool socks, sweaters, etc.)
- Household items for youth aging out of foster care
(Towels, sheets, and small appliances like slow cookers, coffee pots, air fryers, etc.)
- Hygiene items (Fragrances, shave sets, toiletries, etc.)
- Gift Cards (please email vp@greaterrockwell.org to arrange a drop-off if you prefer)
*For
more gift ideas, visit: https://www.lawrencehall.org/holidaydrive2021/
Last year was an amazing donation and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Let's do it again Rockwell!!!
Sincerely,
Your Friends at GRO
vp@greaterrockwell.org
Care for Real is experiencing a surge in need for food assistance. We've had more than 42,000 pantry visits so far this year compared to 24,000 during the same period last year. Care for Real distributes food 6 days a week to approximately 150-200 families each day. With the eviction moratorium ending and food costs rising, we expect the need to continue to grow. Help Care for Real provide fresh and nutritious foods to our neighbors who need it most by signing up to volunteer, hosting a collection drive for high-need items, or make a financial contribution. Learn more at careforreal.org or email info@careforreal.org to get involved today. Thanks for joining us in caring for real!
Please join the Culper Ring Agent 355 Chapter of the DAR in honoring veterans laid to rest at Rosehill Cemetery with a holiday wreath. Go to the link below to sponsor a wreath by November 30th, or learn more about volunteering to join us to lay the wreaths on December 18th at the cemetery.
https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/170178
40th Ward Events
On Mondays Alderman Vasquez hosts Virtual 40th Ward Night. Residents are welcome to join the open forum for city and ward updates; it is also an opportunity to bring up topics that matter to you and ask Ald. Vasquez questions. Register at bit.ly/40-VWN.
Saturday November 13, 8pm: Dance shows are back! GUS Pre-Professional Dancers perform at DANCE CHICAGO “Transformations” Saturday 11/13 at the beautiful and historic Athenaeum Theatre. DANCE CHICAGO presents multiple shows each year and brings together dance schools from all over the Chicagoland area. Click here and use code “DCHEARTSG” for $9 OFF tickets!
Friday, November 19, 2pm, 24th District Police Station, 6464 N. Clark Street
Seniors Film Series: Return to Me. Written and directed by Chicago native actress, comedian, TV producer and host, Bonnie Hunt, Return to Me was filmed in Chicago at some very familiar locations. The romantic comedy from 2000 stars Minnie Driver as a heart-transplant recipient who meets by chance the donor's lonely widower, played by David Duchovny.
Please join us after the film and meet our guest speaker Professor Lisa Skemp, PhD, of Loyola University Chicago's Marcella Niefhoff School of Nursing. Professor Skemp specializes in nursing science, gerontology and culturally informed healthy aging.
Pre-registration is required to attend this film showing due to 30 person limit.
Please e-mail PO Hank Kline in the 24th District Community Policing Office to RSVP at: Hank.Kline@chicagopolice.org
Free Street Parking is available on Schreiber Avenue south of the station. Parking restrictions will be temporarily lifted during the event.
Saturday, December 11, 11am-1pm: St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago is proud to present Brunch with Santa Claus 2021! Enjoy our delicious Lenten Brunch while your little ones get their pictures taken with Good ‘Ole St. Nick. They will also have the opportunity to meet one of Santa’s Elves.
COVID-19 Update and Health Information
At-home vaccinations are now available for all Chicago residents age 12 and up! Get vaccinated for your health, and for a $100 gift card: call (312) 746-4835 or register online for an at-home vaccination timeslot.
Vaccine doses for kids ages 5-11 have already begun to arrive in Chicago, and will be available at several locations across the city.
All COVID-19 vaccinations are free, no insurance or government ID required.
Make your plan to get your family vaccinated. Visit http://chi.gov/YouthVax to find more information.
Free Public Vaccine Clinics for children ages 5-11:
1st Dose: Chicago Friends School: 1246 W. Thorndale, Saturday 11/13/21 10am-2pm
2nd Does: Rogers Park Montessori, 1800 W. Balmoral, Saturday 12/4/21 10am-2pm
Free COVID-19 testing - 20th District police station, 5400 N Lincoln Ave, Tuesdays and Fridays 5pm-7pm.
Public Safety Information
Community Conversations: Participate in a two-part series of conversations to help create your local police district's 2022 strategic plan.
The 19th District's second meeting will be held via Zoom Tuesday, Nov. 23rd, 6-8pm.
Register online at: eventbrite.com/e/183118671877
24th District CAPS reminds residents not to leave their car running to warm up in cold weather. Historically, throughout the City and suburbs, car thieves go in search of vehicles that are left running and "warming up." They are very easy to locate by the exhaust coming from the vehicles and empty drivers' seats. Don't be an invitation to theft -- keep the car locked and off until you're ready to go, and then let it warm up as you drive. (The car warms faster when it's in motion, as well!)
Small Business and Employment Resources
CPS is hiring local crossing guards. To apply:
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Please visit the CPS Careers Website at cps.edu/careers
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Click on "CPS Job Board" at the bottom of the page.
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On the top of the next page, click on "Basic Search"
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Type "Crossing Guard" into the "Keywords" field.
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Click on the Crossing Guard job posting for the location you want to apply, and follow the instructions to fill out the application.
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If you have any questions, please contact Crossingguard@cps.edu
Local health center Hamdard Health Alliance is hiring! For more information, visit https://www.hamdardhealth.org/careers
CPS is hiring at local schools for the following positions:
Associate Manager: Responsibilities include supervising lunchroom staff, monitoring the lunchroom sanitation, training new employees, monitoring and approving menus, receiving shipments, etc. This position requires a high school diploma or GED, one year of proven supervisory/food service experience, and a Chicago Department of Public Health Certified Food Service Manager Certificate. The Associate Manager position pays $16 per hour.
Cook: Responsibilities include preparing food for potentially 1 to 499 people, washing, chopping, and slicing food items, maintaining records, minimizing waste, maximizing ingredients, sanitation of work space, etc. This position requires a high school diploma or GED, and a Chicago Department of Public Health Certified Food Service Manager Certificate. The Cook position pays $16 per hour.
Porter: The duties primarily consist of heavy lifting from 50-100 lbs, dishwashing, emptying trash, stock rotation, sweeping, mopping, and food prep and more. A high school diploma and Food Handler's License is required for this position.This position pays $15.64 per hour.
Lunchroom Attendant: This position consists of lifting 20-40 lbs, cleaning and sanitizing food equipment, food preparation, restocking shelves, cleaning tables, sweeping and mopping floors, and serving food, etc. A Food Handler's License is required for this position. position pays $15 per hour.
Please apply here:
https://www.cps.edu/careers/
Please search for the positions listed below:
Lunchroom Attendant 200001WT
Porter 200001WU
Cook 200001WS
Associate Lunchroom Manager 200001WO
WORK LOCAL! Visit the websites of our neighboring Chambers of Commerce site for their listings of current job offerings:
For Students and Families
Child Tax Credit/Crédito tributario por hijos: Most Illinois residents are eligible for a tax credit of $3000 or $3600! For more information, visit https://getmypaymentil.org/
Winter classes begin at the Chicago Industrial Arts and Design Center the week of January 3, FREE for CPS students in grades 6-12. Register today!
The Chicago Industrial Arts and Design Center (CIADC) is a Rogers Park non-profit organization providing creative industrial arts education to Chicagoland Youth and Adults. CIADC offers FREE afterschool classes to Chicago Public School students in grades 6-12, giving more accessibility to hands-on applications relating to STEM, Trade, and Art/Design career pathways.
More information on our Youth Pathways Program can be found at https://www.ciadc.org/youth-classes-grades-6-12
Senn High School Principal Search Survey: The Senn High School Local School Council invites all residents of the Senn attendance boundaries to participate in an informational survey as part of their search for a new principal.
Survey: https://forms.gle/EFjjFqDLdUa4psQz8
Boundary Map: https://bit.ly/3CpilgN
Chicago Public Library offers homework help with teachers at the Budlong Woods Library Sunday-Wednesday. For more information, call 312-742-9590.
Free, online children's programming via Zoom available from the Budlong Woods Library! For more information, call 312-742-9590.
For CHA Residents: CHA Scattered Site Housing has a social and support group for young girls to have open discussion without judgement. We meet every third Thursday of the month until January.
For Seniors
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) Senior Services Division offers a variety of citywide programs designed to address the diverse needs and interests of older Chicagoans and their caregivers. In general, all Chicagoans aged 60 and older are eligible for services. Some programs have lower ages of eligibility, call us!
Call Information and Assistance at 312-744-4016, or call 311 Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, or email aging@cityofchicago.org
Small Accessibility Repairs for Seniors (SARFS) - The SARFS program provides safety, security, and accessibility improvements and repairs that may include grab bars, lever faucets, door repairs, floor repairs, bathroom repairs, kitchen repairs, and carbon monoxide detectors. Contact Violet Espinoza (773-338-7722 ext. 21 or violet@northsidecr.com) Northside Community Resources, for more information.
More Community Events and Resources
 
Helping Cats Near You is a “Trapping 101” workshop, a great introduction for people who are new to trapping cats or are interested in learning more about helping outdoor cats. Workshops are held via Zoom meeting:
Meeting ID: 829 4988 9124
Password: feralcats
Zoom Link
Chicago Therapy Collective TDOR 2021 #BlackTransLivesMatter
Stand with Chicago Therapy Collective in solidarity this Transgender Day of Resilience (TDOR) as we confront the violence rampant in Chicago and across the country. Political, religious, and institutional contempt for Trans people threatens the physical and emotional safety of Trans lives everywhere. Rates of Trans suicide and homicide are at record highs. In response to this violence, we will raise up the talent, beauty, and power of our Trans communities and invite our allies to engage in concrete action steps to love, support, and protect Trans lives.
Attend our Facebook Live Premiere and witness our passionate performance of Wildfires (Sault, 2020) featuring all Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender-Expansive BIPOC Artists. The performance reflects the epidemic of transphobia and its intersections with racism and criminal injustice that takes so many Trans Lives every year.
On January 1st, Legal Aid Chicago officially began operating its federally funded Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC). The LITC represents low-income clients in disputes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and educates individuals about their rights and responsibilities as taxpayers through community outreach programs. We also strive to assist low-income taxpayers whose primary language is not English.
We provide free tax advice and representation to individuals and families in Cook County whose income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level (currently $32,200 for a household of 1, $43,550 for a household of 2, etc.) with active disputes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding their federal income taxes, including:
- IRS audits, including audits based on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) & Child or Dependent Credit
- IRS debt collection attempts, including federal tax liens
- Employee/Independent Contractor Misclassifications and 1099 income reporting issues
- Tax return preparer fraud
- Innocent and injured spouse relief
- Tax-related identity theft
- Representation before the U.S Tax Court
Our LITC creates presentations, workshops, and seminars on a variety of different income tax topics that impact low income taxpayers. Additionally, We work with our community partners to tailor the informational workshops so that they meet the greatest needs of their taxpayer audience, including taxpayers who speak English as a second language.
Taxpayers needing assistance can call us at (312)341-1070 or apply on-line at legalaidchicago.org.
Utility Billing Relief (UBR) provides low-income City of Chicago residents with a reduced rate on their water, sewer, and water-sewer tax as well as debt relief for those who demonstrate they can manage the reduced rate bills for one year. Benefits for UBR participants include:
- A reduced rate on water, sewer, and water-sewer tax
- No late payment penalties or debt collection activity including water shut-off
- Debt forgiveness after successfully completing one year with no past due balance
Operating in partnership with the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA), who operates the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the UBR program will utilize their expertise and extensive network of partner organizations to conduct outreach and enroll homeowners.
 
40th Ward Office Staff
Jessica Peters, Chief of Staff: Jessica@40thward.org
Geoffrey Cubbage, Director of Development & Legislation: Geoffrey@40thward.org
Pooja Ravindran, Director of Constituent Services & Community Building: Pooja@40thward.org
Jose Manuel Almanza, Constituent Services Manager: Jose@40thward.org
Bill Hohenadel, Ward Superintendent: William.Hohenadel@cityofchicago.org
Communications & Press Inquiries: comms@40thward.org
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