Chicago's 50th Ward Newsletter

August 28, 2020

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Dear Neighbor,
 

COVID-19 Update

Sections of the 50th Ward have seen an increase in COVID-19 cases over the past few weeks, so I want to emphasize again how vitally important it is to take this seriously and get our numbers back down.

Public health officials are in agreement that the best ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 are to practice proper social distancing, wash your hands frequently, and always wear a face covering in public spaces. I have been in contact with community and faith leaders representing the many diverse religions and ethnicities that make up our Ward to help get this message out to everyone.

The latest COVID-19 data for our neighborhood is as follows:

Zip code 60659, which covers the area of the 50th Ward that is south of Devon, has a positivity rate of 12.2% percent for last week. This is higher than the citywide total of 7.5%, and the highest the zip code has been since May. The case rate for 60659 is also higher than the citywide number.
 

 
Zip code 60645, which covers most of the 50th Ward (the area that is north of Devon), is doing better than the city average but still saw an uptick last week. The positivity rate for 60645 last week was 6.4% (compared to 7.5% citywide) and the case rate remains lower than the citywide number.
 

I cannot stress enough how important it is to get these numbers down. The 50th Ward was disproportionately affected by COVID-19 early on in the pandemic, but we have all pulled together to reduce those numbers, and we have—for the most part—been performing better than the city at large since June. We cannot afford to waste the gains we have all made. Please spread the word that the 50th Ward will act to keep our community safe.
 

Free Community COVID-19 Testing

I am working with Heartland Health Centers to bring COVID testing to our community. We will be holding a FREE testing event on Wednesday, September 9 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Croatian Cultural Center parking lot, 2845 W. Devon. Both drive-through and walk-up testing options are available.

This event is free and open to everyone, regardless of health insurance or immigration status; however, an appointment is required. Call or text (773) 234-1605 to schedule your appointment.

Thank you to Heartland for staffing this event. Thank you as well to Alderman Vasquez (40th Ward), Alderman Hadden (49th Ward), and Centro Romero for co-hosting.
 

CPS Survey

With students learning remotely in the fall, CPS recognizes that many families are struggling to find a safe space for their children during traditional school hours. CPS and the City of Chicago are surveying families and staff to better understand who needs assistance with child supervision during this difficult time. Please take the survey now at bit.ly/CPSChildSupQ1.

CPS is evaluating potential opportunities to establish sites across the city where families can register their children to attend during remote learning days. More details about the sites are available on the survey page.

If you are interested in potential assistance, please complete the survey by TODAY (August 28) at 5 p.m. Families who live in high-need communities or transitional housing will be prioritized.
 

Internet Resources for Students

One thing COVID has taught us is the importance of equitable access to high-speed Internet. During the outbreak, broadband connection has been a lifeline for children trying to learn from home. Now, as students begin to go back to school—both in-person and remotely—the importance of having a reliable Internet connection has never been greater.

The City of Chicago and partner agencies have been working to ensure all students have access to reliable, high speed Internet—whether they are in public or private school.

Public school families may be eligible for free high-speed Internet through the Chicago Connected program. To check your eligibility, visit cps.edu/chicagoconnected or contact your local school.

All families can apply for free limited time Internet packages through private providers. Comcast, AT&T, and RCN are all offering two free months of Internet service to eligible families. Learn more about the Comcast package at www.internetessentials.com, the AT&T program at www.att.com/access, and the RCN program at www.internetfirst.com.

Everyone can also access more than 1.5 million Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country for free. Find a free hotspot location near you at wifi.xfinity.com. Low-cost mobile options are available as well through T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon.

For more information about all of your options, visit www.cps.edu/school-reopening-2020/getting-connected-to-the-internet.
 

State Housing Assistance

The State of Illinois has launched two grant programs to help residents remain in their homes despite the economic hardships caused by coronavirus. Emergency rental and mortgage assistance are available to income-eligible applicants who had a loss of income due to COVID-19. Details about the two programs are as follows:

Emergency Rental Assistance
This program offers up to $5,000 to residents who have fallen behind on their rent. The application deadline is TODAY (August 28). Apply online at ERA.IHDA.org.

Emergency Mortgage Assistance
This program offers up to $15,000 in mortgage assistance. Limited funds are available, so apply as soon as possible at EMA.IHDA.org.

For assistance with either program, reach out to your state representatives. You can reach State Senator Ram Villivalam at (872) 208-5188 or www.senatorram.com/contact-us or State Representative Yehiel Kalish at (847) 673-1131 or repymkalish@gmail.com.
 

New Face Mask Requirements

In an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, Illinois has instituted new rules for restaurants and bars across the state. Effective immediately, customers are now required to wear a mask whenever interacting with staff. This means wearing a mask while ordering, when food and beverages are brought to the table, and when picking up carry-out orders.

This new rule has been added to Chicago's existing reopening guidelines, which can be found at chicago.gov/reopening.

Under State law, everyone over the age of two who can medically tolerate a mask must wear a face covering in public spaces. I have reusable face masks available for anyone who needs them. If you need a mask, please contact me to arrange for pickup. Another option is to make your own masks. It is easy to do, and no sewing is required. For an instructional video, visit https://youtu.be/qqQ1gXL35II or click below:
Alderman Debra Silverstein demonstrates how to make your own face mask
Have a wonderful weekend. Stay safe and healthy!

Sincerely,

Debra L. Silverstein
Alderman, 50th Ward

50th Ward Donation Drive

 

We are collecting donations of food, clothing, and household essentials at the 50th Ward Office. Many of our neighbors are still grappling with the economic ramifications of COVID-19, and any goods you can spare will make a tremendous difference to those in need.

Drop off donations at 2949 W. Devon during regular business hours. Call before coming to make sure a staff member is available to pick up the donation outside the office. Staff will wear masks and gloves and follow social distancing procedures.

Please consider donating non-perishable food, clothing, and any other goods you can spare—every item helps!

 

Together Now Fund


The City of Chicago has launched a second round of funding to provide financial relief to small businesses and nonprofits affected by COVID-19. Apply now at www.chicago.gov/togethernow. The application deadline is Monday, August 31 at 11:59 p.m.

Chicago’s small businesses are struggling due to the economic impacts of the coronavirus outbreak. The Together Now fund offers grants of up to $4,000 to help support operational costs and provide businesses with the resources they need to reopen and continue to operate.

For more information, view the FAQ section on the Together Now website. The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) also held an informational webinar about the fund. A recording can be viewed on the BACP YouTube page at https://youtu.be/y4W_EEhPRQk.

 

Election Judges Needed

 

The Chicago Board of Elections is working hard to ensure a safe and fair election this November, despite the pandemic. You can do your part by signing up to be an Election Judge and earn $170 for the day (more if you complete an online training course).

If you are interested in serving, you can apply online at chipollworker.com. Paper applications are also available in the 50th Ward Office. Call (773) 262-1050 or email info@50thwardchicago.com to request one.
 
Election judges manage precinct polling places on Election Day and make sure everyone is able to exercise their democratic rights. You can learn more about the opportunity at chicagoelections.gov/en/serving-as-a-judge-of-election.html.

 

Apply to Be a Contact Tracer


As part of the efforts to combat COVID-19, the City of Chicago is seeking contact tracers to help prevent the spread of the virus. The COVID Contact Tracing Corps will interview people who tested positive for the disease and create a list of others who may have been exposed. This is a widely used public health technique that is integral to stopping coronavirus.

This initiative will create 600 jobs in the City of Chicago. Residents interested in contract tracing employment opportunities can fill out an interest form now at www.chitracing.com.

 

Free Community COVID-19 Testing

 

 

Northwestern COVID-19 Study

 

 

Census Takers Going Door to Door

 
Address: 2949 W. Devon Avenue
Phone: 773-262-1050
Fax: 773-381-2970
Hours: M-T 9am-4:30pm; F 9am-3:30pm
Ward Night: Monday 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Copyright © 2020 Alderman Debra Silverstein, All rights reserved.


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