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49th Ward Update
April 16, 2021
LEE EN ESPAÑOL

Good afternoon neighbors,

I hope you take a moment to read the newsletter this week, there are many things to celebrate and several events and opportunities coming up to engage with your neighbors. Also, Wednesday, April 21 at 10am will be our next City Council meeting. You can sign up to speak during public comment here and you view the meeting live on the City Clerk's site.

This is an especially difficult week, as our city is dealing with pain, grief, and anger after seeing the video footage of Adam Toledo’s death at the hands of a Chicago police officer. My thoughts and prayers are with Adam's family and community in La Villita. Adam's death is a tragedy. He should be with his family today.

The video of his killing has flooded social media and I suggest that you not feel obligated to view it or share it. Some of us will feel compelled to bear witness, but you don’t have to do so. There is so much trauma around us - you don’t have to relive it. Please take care of you and those around you the best way you can.

Today, many people around Chicago will be gathering in Logan Square at 5:30p to grieve together and rally for change in response to the killing of Adam Toledo. If you're going, please make sure to wear your mask, practice social distancing and be careful. COVID infection rates are high and it can be dangerous. You need to be cautious, even if you're vaccinated. Also, while many are calling for peace, what I'd like to ask of us all is to do no harm. Please try your best to not do harm to others or yourself as you process the emotions you may be feeling. The larger task upon us is really about dismantling harmful systems and breaking cycles of violence. We need all of our energy to accomplish this work; we need all of us to make it happen.

Some of that work is about passing meaningful community oversight of the police. It is past time to embrace civilian oversight for our police department by passing the Unity Ordinance. The Unity Ordinance, or Empowering Communities for Public Safety (ECPS), is the result of the combined work of the CPAC and GAPA coalitions, the Chicago Progressive Caucus and years of community engagement. Once passed, it will provide Chicagoans with the strongest civilian oversight structure in the country. We've been waiting for two months now to make the agenda in the Committee on Public Safety so that the ordinance can come up for a vote. Learn more about the ordinance and the community oversight board it would create here. Also, join ONE Northside and the ECPS coalition online tomorrow at 10 AM for a community briefing on what the Empowering Communities for Public Safety (ECPS) ordinance is, how these two coalitions (GAPA and CPAC) came together to make it, and how you can join in the fight to get it passed.

Register for the zoom: bit.ly/ECPSCommunityBriefing
or watch on FB live: https://fb.me/e/dFkwrVRsx

Our public safety system should above all prioritize the value of life, equity, and the well being of all our residents. We must expedite the vital creation of the ECPS board so we may commence the public examination of the CPD regulations, policies, and procedures that are fraught with inequities. We need transparency and accountability from top to bottom so our communities can heal and truly be safe.

Have a good weekend,

Maria Hadden
Alderwoman
Celebrations & Appreciations
Let's celebrate and appreciate what's wonderful about our ward, the people, the places and accomplishments. We need this more than ever, so please, send us the people, orgs and actions that you want the ward to know about next week! Email us at office@49thward.org
Family Matters Partners with Comp-U-Dopt
to Give Rogers Park Kids Computers
Family Matters partnered with Comp-U-Dopt to provide families in the Rogers Park neighborhood with refurbished computers. On March 27, they hosted their drive-thru event where 72 families were able to pick up a computer for their household. This will provide our families with the technology they need for school, work, and more. Thank you to Family Matters for all the hard work you do to give back to our community! 
CommUnity Makery Raises over $10,000
for Gale Students to Play Soccer this Spring
CommUnity Makery launched a GoFundMe last month to help 10 Gale students play soccer with the Northside Chicago AYSO this spring. Since launching the fundraiser, they have raised over $10,000 for efforts.

The outpouring of generosity will help the students cover the costs of the season, including insurance to play, cleats, transportation, and snacks. 

Thank you to our neighbors who are making this soccer season a reality for these students this season. Block Club Chicago wrote a nice article about the efforts that you can read by clicking here. 
Ward Updates
Update on 1415 W. Morse
On Monday, the 49th Ward office hosted its second community meeting on the proposal for 1415 W. Morse. During the meeting, the owner and developer, Mark Falanga, unveiled revised plans for the property. 

The revised plans incorporate changes based on the feedback we received during the first community meeting, the community survey, and conversations between the adjacent owner and the Department of Buildings. The main concerns were that the building would impact the adjacent building's light, create additional noise spillover, and create too narrow of a gangway between the two buildings. 

In conversations with the adjacent property owner, it was suggested that the developer at 1415 W. Morse flip the first-floor plan to create additional space in the gangway. By flipping the first-floor plan, it would also allow increased natural light for the adjacent building. The developer did adopt this suggestion, which will provide the additional egress and openness that the adjacent property owner sought. 

Additional concerns were raised during the community meeting and subsequent survey about the impact the extended building would have on traffic and garbage collection in the alley. The developer made revisions to the enclosed garage to improve traffic flow and mitigate any bottlenecking in the alley. 

Residents are asked to please share any feedback with the ward office on the revised plans through April 22 for consideration. A copy of the revised plans is available by clicking here. The community meeting is available to view on Facebook. 
Celebrate Earth Day with the Rogers Park Business Alliance
Earth Day is here! On Thursday, April 22nd, pick up packets of seeds (while supplies last) at participating businesses, and let's make Rogers Park more pollinator-friendly!
 
For Earth Day this year, the Rogers Park Business Alliance is inviting Rogers Park neighbors to put their hands together to help add more biodiversity to our neighborhood.
 
Thank you to students from Gale Academy and Kilmer Elementary for creating our paper seed envelopes and artist Natalia Virafuentes for decorating the windows of participating businesses.

The participating businesses are:

Bark Place - 1775 W. Greenleaf Ave.
Charmers Cafe - 1500 W. Jarvis Ave.
ChiTown Magpie - 6443 N. Sheridan Rd.
Handsome Bastard BarberShoppe - 7044 N. Clark St.
Honeybear Cafe - 7036 N. Clark St.
Rogers Park Florist - 1415 W. Morse Ave.
Rogers Park Social - 6920 N. Glenwood Ave.
Sol Cafe - 1615 W. Howard St.
Third Coast Comics - 6443 N. Sheridan Rd.
49 Expressions - A Virtual Art Gallery
I am so proud of our Youth Advisory Council and our staff lead for the YAC, Grayson Alexander, for their virtual art gallery, 49 Expressions. This virtual gallery features the work of local artists aged 6 - 68 years old and has been a labor of love for our emerging young leaders. The gallery is up for viewing through the month, take some time to check it out. It'll make you smile.

View the full gallery here. Featured in the photos, artwork by (clockwise from top left) Yvette Wesley, Lewis Lain, Erika Iris, and Melanie Johnson.
Howard Road Work Update
On Tuesday, April 6, the 49th Ward office joined representatives from the Chicago Department of Transportation and the Evanston Department of Transportation to discuss an upcoming project slated for Howard Street.

The project is the result of coordination between the two departments that began in 2016. Since then, they engaged stakeholders in Chicago and Evanston through a series of community meetings. In March 2020, they replaced the water main on Howard from Western to Ridge and from Sacramento to California. 

Beginning this month, they will begin the final phases of the project, which include:
  • Streetscape and roadway improvements
  • Improvements to pedestrian mobility, safety, and access
  • Improvements to traffic signals
  • New/Upgraded street lighting
  • Bike lane installation
  • Resurfacing 
During the meeting, representatives from the Evanston Department of Transportation stated work will begin on Howard from Ridge to Winchester in April and May. From there, they will transition from Ridge to Western through July. In August and September, they will focus on Western to Sacramento. Beginning in September through October, crews will install bump-outs (at Howard and Hoyne, Howard and Seeley, & Howard and Oakley) and finish street resurfacing. 

While the project is underway, there will be areas where parking is impacted along Howard. Additionally,  the traffic flow might be shifted to the other side of the street to accommodate crews and construction. 

Throughout construction, crews will work with businesses to ensure that they're still accessible and able to accommodate customers. Crews will replace sidewalks in stages to keep businesses open. Some businesses may receive construction ramps while new concrete is being poured. Our office will work closely with 49th Ward businesses and crews to disrupt business as little as possible while the project is underway. 

The full meeting is available to view on Facebook by clicking here. The project presentation is available to view on the 49th Ward website. Questions about the project can be sent to the 49th Ward office at office@49thward.org or by calling 773-338-5796. 
1952 W. Morse Survey Results and Update
Thank you for taking the time to engage with our office by attending the community meeting last month and providing feedback on the proposal for 1952 W. Morse.

Our office received 78 responses to the online survey, with 56.5% of respondents supporting the proposal in its current iteration. As reflected in the infographic, the lack of density, lack of affordable units, and the building's design were the biggest concerns 49th Ward residents have about the proposal. Others, however, expressed strong support for additional single-family homes in the neighborhood. 

Our office shared the feedback and input with the developer to see how it can be incorporated into the proposal. We will keep the community apprised of any proposed changes from the developer and continue to solicit feedback and host community meetings. The first meeting was only the first step in creating a long-term plan for the site. 

Stay tuned for further updates and the next steps. Please don't hesitate to contact us directly with questions at office@49thward.org or Torrence@49thward.org. 
Sullivan Capital Improvements Update
Crews are progressing on the capital improvements to Sullivan High School.

Beginning on April 19, crews will start the sheeting and excavation to install the elevator. As students return to in-person learning next week, this work will need to take place after the students leave the building for the day. This means that beginning after the school day, crews will begin their excavation efforts outside of the school. Neighbors will notice an uptick in noise as a result of the work. Crews will try to not work past 8 pm but may need to in order to complete the work necessary to install the elevator. The sheeting and excavation work is expected to last no more than 4 days. 

In May, crews will begin to take down the 75-feet of the existing stack at the boiler house. Demolition will occur internal to the stack. However, for safety purposes, foot traffic may be guided away from Greenview during this time. 

The ongoing work is part of $25 million in capital improvements at Sullivan High School. The project was a part of CPS's allocation of the 2020 Capital Improvement Program. The project includes replacing the leaky roof, exterior facade refinishing, new windows, and a new elevator installation. The expected completion date for all the improvements is November 2021. 

These important improvements will continue to build pride in our neighborhood schools while providing students with the shelter they need to succeed in school. 
Examining the Indian Boundary Line Marker
The 49th Ward Office is partnering with the Rogers Park West Ridge Historical Society to host a discussion on the Indian Boundary Line Marker located at Rogers and Clark in the 49th Ward. This discussion is a part of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events' Monuments Project. 

The Chicago Monuments Project focuses on the often unacknowledged – or forgotten – history associated with the City’s various municipal art collections to address the ways in which that history has been told. One of the 41 public monuments that are part of the assessment is the plaque marking the Indian Boundary Line in Rogers Park. Join us and three expert panelists to gain a better understanding of the historic significance of the Indian Boundary Line, the purpose of historical monuments, and perspectives on whether and how this particular marker serves its intended purpose, For details on the meeting and panel see www.rpwrhs.org.

Panelists:

  • Dr. James Akerman, Director of the Hermon Dunlap Smith Center for the History of Cartography and Curator of Maps at the Newberry Library.
  • Dr. Patricia Mooney-Melvin, Associate Professor of History at Loyola University.
  • Dr. Dorene P. Wiese, founder and Chief Executive Officer of the American Indian Association of Illinois.

Free and open to all. Pre-registration required. Spanish translation available.

Where: The comfort of your home via Zoom
When: Monday, April 19, 7 to 8:30 p.m. 
Register Now to get Your Zoom Link
Eugene Field Parent Support Circles
Eugene Field's Parent and Family Support Circles provide a space for parents & family members to exchange ideas, share information, and give and receive support from other parents in the community. This event is open to all parents in Rogers Park! Currently, sessions are held online. They host two sessions every month to accommodate different work schedules. 

On April 21, Dr. Renfro from Loyola University will join to discuss parenting during COVID-19 and answer any questions you may have.
The Spanish meeting will take place at 10:30 am on Google Meet at this link. The English meeting will take place at 5 pm on Google Meet at this link.

If you have any questions, email Evette Escobar at evetteescobar.luc@gmail.com.
Collective Healing:
The Saving Power of Community (Round Table Offerings)
A Just Harvest is known for being a resource for feeding much more than hunger. In 2021 and beyond, they recognize that we will never manifest true community wellness until we set our intentions toward collective healing. And they want to do that with you.

On May 5, 2021, at 12 pm, A Just Harvest invites you to pull up a virtual chair and join their Roundtable Offerings on Collective Healing: the Saving Power of Community.

A Just Harvest invites the community to join this annual meeting as a call to awareness. Moving past the injustice and trauma of 2020 and instead toward abundance, healing, and change will require all of us. The healing work we must all do together will be discussed by panelists, including Keynote Speaker Reverend Traci Blackmon.

Rev. Traci Blackmon is the Associate General Minister of Justice & Local Church Ministries for the United Church of Christ. As a featured voice on many local, national, and international platforms, Rev. Blackmon's life’s work focuses on communal resistance to systemic injustice through the redemptive power of love.

To register to attend, click here. 
Did you Lose a Tree to the Rogers Park Tornado?
Contact Us to Request a New One! 
Photo credit: ABC7 Chicago
2020 threw us a lot of curveballs. Among those was a tornado in our neighborhood that, unfortunately, uprooted some of our long-standing trees in its path. Our office is working closely with the Bureau of Forestry to identify locations where trees should be replaced. 

We are looking for tenants or owners in affected areas who will be able to care for a new tree once it's planted. Caring for a new tree means an individual can commit to caring for its first three years. That care includes watering the tree, not laying down fertilizer, not pruning the tree, and making sure that you don't hit the tree with a lawnmower when caring for the parkway grass. 

If you would like to request a tree, please contact the 49th Ward office by emailing office@49thward.org or calling 773-338-5796. Please make sure to provide the address when requesting a new tree. 
Glenwood Sunday Market Partnering with
Loyola Farmers Market for a June Return 
Photo Credit: Glenwood Sunday Market
Two of the regular Rogers Park farmers market will join forces this summer to provide an expanded market for neighbors this summer.

The Glenwood Sunday Market is partnering with the Loyola Farmers Market to host the weekly Sunday market at the lot located at 1233 W. Pratt. Last summer, the Glenwood Sunday Market transitioned to this site to allow for more social distancing amid the COVID-19 crisis. They plan on using this site again to allow for increased social distancing. The site continues to remain vacant while the developer finalizes a permanent plan for the location. Our office has been in regular communication with the owner and hopes to have an update in the coming weeks for residents. 

The Loyola's Farmers Market took a hiatus last summer due to the pandemic and is planning on continuing that hiatus this summer. However, some of the regular vendors from Loyola's Farmers Market, including Loyola's Urban Farm, will set up at the Glenwood Sunday Market this summer instead. 

The Sunday Market will once again implement mitigation protocols, including a prescribed walking route, a face mask requirement, and managed capacity. They will continue to offer microgrants for shoppers in the SNAP program as well. 

The season will kick off on Sunday, June 6. The Glenwood Sunday Market will run from 9 am to 2 pm on Sundays through October 24, except for July 4.  For more information on the upcoming season, vendors, and more, visit the Glenwood Sunday Market's website. 
COVID-19 Updates
As we continue to combat COVID-19 across the city, state, and country, we are bringing back our section with the most up-to-date information on the ongoing public health crisis and any changes that are being implemented to address it. Information on aid and relief programs will continue to be housed in the "Need to Know Info" section of this newsletter. 
CDPH Partners with Zocdoc to
Launch Vaccine Appointment Scheduler
The Chicago Department of Public Health has partnered with Zocdoc to create a more centralized platform where people can schedule vaccination appointments when they’re available. To view available appointments through Zocdoc at zocdoc.com/vaccine. 

At this time, this platform is showing available appointments at the city's Point of Distributions sites (PODS) and Rush University Medical Center. More information on where to locate other vaccination sites is contained below in this newsletter.
Illinois Vaccine Finder
Looking for an available vaccine appointment? ilvaccine.org can help you locate appointments throughout the state of Illinois. The website does allow users to filter available appointments by county and offers links to providers' sites where users can sign up for available appointments. 
Three Ways Chicago Residents can Receive a COVID-19 Vaccine:
The City of Chicago began inoculating people in phase 1b of the vaccine rollout this week. Individuals in this group include essential frontline workers and residents aged 65 and older. 

There are three ways Chicago residents can receive a COVID-19 vaccine:
1. Your health care provider
Your first contact should be your health care provider, including your primary care provider, health clinic, or hospital where you have gotten medical care in the past. Over 350 health care providers have signed up with CDPH to distribute vaccine. Providers are also reaching out directly to schedule appointments with their existing patients, prioritizing those who are older with more underlying conditions. Health care providers can still sign-up to be vaccine providers.
2. Your pharmacy
The City of Chicago has provided vaccines to pharmacies across Chicago. These pharmacies each have their own registration link which can be found below.
The City of Chicago does not endorse any of the listed organizations. This list is provided only as a convenience. See the full disclaimer here.
3. Your employer
Specific employers in prioritized essential workers groups will be able to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to their employees in 1b. CDPH is working directly with employers as vaccines become available. For example, first responders are already being vaccinated and others will begin soon. If you receive your vaccine through your employer, you will not need to take any other action. 
For those that have insurance but do not have a primary care provider, please check with your insurance company for a list of providers accepting new patients. One option is to enroll with one of Chicago’s many Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) if you do not have insurance. 

For especially vulnerable populations (e.g., those facing housing insecurity or undocumented immigrants), the city will partner with city colleges to set up PODs (points of distribution) to vaccinate residents. At this time, PODs are continuing to vaccinate health care workers included in phase 1a, and no appointments are available yet to those included in phase 1b. 

While the city has transitioned to phase 1b of the vaccination rollout, supply remains limited. Last week, CDPH informed aldermanic offices that they're currently receiving 34,000 doses of the vaccine a week, which amounts to roughly 5% of people in group 1b. This means that appointments are filling up fast. On Tuesday, President Biden announced that his administration is working to purchase an additional 200 million doses of the vaccine. Their goal is to have enough vaccine supply for the entire adult U.S. population by the end of the summer. 

You can track the vaccine data for the city of Chicago on CDPH's website by clicking here. 
Vaccination Appointments for Homebound Persons

People who are homebound can sign up online to get vaccinated against COVID-19 at their residence. Caregivers will also be vaccinated under the program.

To be eligible, a person must not be able to leave their home because it “requires considerable and taxing effort," and must fit one of these categories:

  • Be a senior OR a person with a disability that requires in-home assistance, and

  • Be a person who has to use adaptive equipment (like a ventilator, wheelchair, etc.) and/or accessible transportation to leave home.

​Homebound vaccinations will be administered by Chicago Firefighter emergency medical personnel. Vaccines are limited to those who are truly homebound and meet the above eligibility requirements. 

Fill out the homebound vaccine form online by clicking here. 
Protections for Workers Receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine
On March 24, an ordinance was introduced to City Council that would establish labor protections for Chicago workers that take time off to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Under the proposal, employers are prohibited from taking any adverse action – including termination, demotion, layoff or punitive schedule changes – against an employee for taking time off to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Furthermore, if a worker has paid sick leave or other accrued time available, employers must allow their employees to use that time off to receive the vaccine. Finally, if an employer requires a worker to be vaccinated, it must compensate the worker for the time taken to receive the vaccine if it is during a shift, up to two hours per dose.

The proposed ordinance would expand the protections guaranteed under the Anti-Retaliation Ordinance that passed City Council in May 2020. That ordinance, which remains in effect, protects all workers from any retaliatory action from their employer if they are unable to work due to public health directive or COVID-19 related illness. Employers that violate this ordinance are subject to fines of between $1,000 and $5,000 per offense. 
Howard Brown Health Vaccine Appointments

Howard Brown Health is now offering the COVID-19 vaccine to established patients and community members who are essential frontline workers or age 65 or older. Reserve your vaccine appointment online.

Appointments may be rescheduled based on the availability of the vaccine. Due to supply, vaccination appointments are available at limited clinic locations in Chicago. The appointment for the second dose will be scheduled at the end of your first appointment.

All appointments are subject to change based on vaccine availability.

Details regarding the Howard Brown vaccination rollout plan will continue to change in the coming days. Please visit howardbrown.org/covid-19/vaccine for the latest information regarding scheduling and availability.
Rush Medical Vaccine Appointments
Rush has been working with local and city officials to begin delivering the COVID-19 vaccine to its community, following the guidelines outlined by the Chicago and Illinois Departments of Public Health. Based on those guidelines, eligible people will include those 65 years of age or older and essential workers, including health care workers. 

To view available appointments at Rush Medical, visit their website.
Heartland Health Vaccine Survey
Heartland Health Center, located at 1300 W. Devon in Rogers Park, is a designated Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). As we continue with the vaccine rollout for phase 1b, they will be giving the vaccine to established patients who meet CDC and IDPH guidance. 

At this time, Heartland Health has limited vaccines. They are currently contacting their highest risk patients in 1b to ensure that they're receiving their dose. As they receive more vaccines, they'll continue to reach out to the remaining eligible 1b patients. This meant that they're not currently accepting calls for vaccine appointments until they have a steadier supply of vaccines.

However, they are looking to support residents while they await more supplies. If you are interested in receiving the vaccine from Heartland Health Centers, please take a moment to complete their online survey. As soon as more doses become available, they will contact individuals who have completed this survey. 
Swedish Covenant Vaccine Waitlist Registry
Swedish Hospital has created a waitlist to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at their facility. At this time, they are preparing to vaccinate seniors ages 65 and older and those that still remain in group 1A. However, you may complete their online waitlist to receive more information as vaccine appointments become available. 

For more information and to sign up, visit Swedish Hospital's website.
Transportation for COVID-19 Vaccines
For seniors and people with disabilities who need assistance to access their COVID-19 vaccine appointment will be able to take advantage of transportation resources. 

Special Needs Chicago

Special Needs Chicago has wheelchair accessible transportation throughout the Chicagoland area (city and suburbs) to assist people with getting to their COVID vaccine appointment. Call 630-668-9999 for more information or click here to book a reservation. 

Uber to Provide Free Rides to Vaccine Appointments

Uber has partnered with Walgreens Pharmacy to make it easier for people who don't have a car or a nearby pharmacy to get their COVID-19 vaccine. Uber will offer free rides to Walgreens stores and clinics for those who book an appointment and live in an underserved community. Uber will work with community organizations, such as the Urban League, to determine underserved communities that will be eligible for free rides. Those organizations will then work to distribute codes that community members can use to get the free rides. 
Sign Up for CDPH's E-Newsletter
The Chicago Department of Public Health is dedicated to ensuring that all Chicagoans get trusted information about its local COVID-19 response. Sign up online for their email list and be among the first to receive press releases, current guidance, and other important information. 
How the COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Works
The approved COVID-19 mRNA vaccines do not contain any live virus of COVID-19. Instead, scientists used the genetic sequence of the virus to create a blueprint of the COVID-19 virus. The vaccine will trigger the body to produce the spike protein in the COVID-19 virus, which will signal our immune systems to produce the proper antibodies and T cells to combat the RNA blueprint. This means that should an individual contract the COVID-19 virus after being inoculated, the body's immune system will already have stored the information necessary to combat the virus. 

When people receive a vaccination, they might feel some side effects as their immune systems respond to the spike protein. The most common side effects include swelling and some pain at the injection site as well as fever, chills, headaches, and fatigue. These side effects are temporary and indicate that the immune system is imprinting its response to combat COVID-19. 
State Eviction Moratorium Extended to May 1
Governor Pritzker announced that the State's eviction moratorium will be extended to May 1, 2021, as the COVID-19 crisis continues to impact our state and our country. 

On November 14, protections for Illinois tenants were changed under the latest eviction moratorium extension. Landlords can now file evictions unless tenants give them a written declaration that they should be protected by the COVID Eviction Moratorium. Tenants can use IDHA's declaration template to provide their landlord with written notice that they've been financially impacted due to COVID-19. That declaration is available online. 

The Department of Housing has put together a Know Your Rights website for tenants who are facing illegal lockouts during the eviction moratorium. The Lawyers Committee for Better Housing has also put together information for tenants facing an illegal lockout and may be able to provide legal assistance to income-eligible tenants. Learn more on their website here. 
Updates to the Emergency Travel Order

The Chicago Department of Public Health announced updates to the Chicago Emergency Travel Order. Effective Friday, January 15, 2021, states will only be categorized as yellow or orange. Previously, the city had three category levels for the Emergency Travel Order.
The updates to the order are meant to simplify the message by putting states into one of two categories. Regardless of which category a state falls into, CDPH is still advising that people avoid any kind of travel as we see COVID-10 cases surging across most of the U.S. Additionally, the new COVID variant that is more transmissible has now been detected in at least 8 states, including Indiana and Wisconsin. 

Anyone traveling from a state on the Orange list is directed to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Chicago or quarantine for a 10-day period (or the duration of their time in Chicago, whichever is shorter).  They must practice strict social distancing, mask-wearing, and avoid any in-person gathering. Anyone traveling from a state on the Yellow list is not required to quarantine or provide a pre-arrival test. However, they should practice strict mask-wearing and social distancing.

The lists are updated every two weeks based on state and Chicago case averages. There are no travel restrictions within Illinois. However, non-essential travel to the areas of high incidence is discouraged. If essential travel is needed, follow the prevention techniques such as using a face covering, frequent hand washing/sanitization, and maintaining social distancing.

Please visit chi.gov/eto for additional information and to view the latest information on travel restrictions. 
Latest Information on COVID-19 from the
Chicago Department of Public Health

For the latest information on COVID-19 in Chicago, visit the Chicago Department of Health's (CDPH) website at chicago.gov/coronavirus. For the latest information on COVID-19 in Illinois, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health's (IDPH) website. 
Community Aid
Help Save Our Ombudsmen
and Protect Nursing Home Residents

April marks thirteen months of congregate settings being shut down to visitors, while being infested with different strains of COVID-19 in closed settings where the residents of these different settings have very little control over what they are allowed to do in a period of subjugating isolation. IRRC remains committed to a rescue and recovery approach from every angle of the congregate setting issue. 

What exactly is an ombudsman? An ombudsman (or ombudsperson, or just ombud) is an official appointed to investigate individuals' complaints against maladministration, especially that of public authorities. It is their duty to hold facilities accountable, and many of IRRC’s resident advocates have developed close relationships with their ombuds. Ombudsmen are oftentimes the only advocate the residents have access to during the pandemic when other visitors and family members are restricted from entering the building.

Despite long-term care facility residents making up almost half of all COVID-related deaths in Illinois (48% as of 3/31/2021, per IDPH), the City of Chicago left the ombudsman program understaffed by 50% during the entirety of the pandemic: Check out this story in WBEZ that details how the City of Chicago has left our ombudsmen and residents behind in this time of tremendous need. The City could have used federal COVID relief funds to hire more ombudsmen - they chose not to.

On top of that, we recently became aware of an attempt to privatize the powerful ombudsman program of the City of Chicago. The very people who have acted as lifelines for residents are now being told to look for other employment before it’s too late. We have seen that when it comes to nursing homes, privatization can be deadly. We need this program to remain public, and we are asking that you help us save this program

Steps to help #SaveOurOmbudsmen:

1) Write a letter to the Mayor’s office via Action Network

Click here to send your letter - an automatic letter will be generated for you, but feel free to personalize your message! The more varied and personal our message is, the better our impact will be.

2) Fill out the Right to Recovery Survey

The American Rescue Act will send over $4 billion in relief funding to the city of Chicago, City Colleges, Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Transit Authority, and state and county agencies serving Chicago residents—including $1.8 billion in unrestricted funding to the city of Chicago. Right to Recovery, a coalition of organizations and elected officials, is running a survey on how this money should be spent.

Click here to fill out the survey - at the very bottom, there is a section that asks: “What other relief and recovery programs do you think should be funded?” Reply that the ombudsman program must be fully staffed - feel free to personalize your message, or copy and paste the one below:

“The City of Chicago must use these funds to fully staff the long-term care ombudsman program. Ombudsmen are a lifeline to residents of long-term care facilities, which have made up almost half of all COVID-related deaths in Illinois; despite this, the ombudsmen program has been operating at 50% staff capacity throughout the entire pandemic, leaving residents without an advocate at a time when they needed it most. Not only that, but the City of Chicago is looking to privatize this program, which will lead to even less accountability. The Mayor must immediately fill all vacant positions of the long-term care ombudsman program and most commit to keeping this program public.”

3) Contact Your Alderman

Call and/or email your alderman! We have already been in touch with a few aldermen who have expressed their support for us - let’s make it clear to them that this is an issue that WILL NOT be ignored and needs to be remedied IMMEDIATELY!

If you wish, you can use the script below:

“I am calling to demand that the City of Chicago fully staff its long-term care ombudsman program immediately, and to keep this program public. Ombudsmen are a lifeline to residents of long-term care facilities, which have made up almost half of all COVID-related deaths in Illinois; despite this, the ombudsmen program has been operating at 50% staff capacity throughout the entire pandemic, leaving residents without an advocate at a time when they needed it most. Not only that, but the City of Chicago is looking to privatize this program, which will lead to even less accountability. The Mayor must immediately fill all vacant positions of the long-term care ombudsman program and most commit to keeping this program public.”

4) Share on social media - #SaveOurOmbudsmen

Use this image and the hashtag #SaveOurOmbudsmen to let your networks know about this issue and help us in our fight! Feel free to tag @IRRCoalition on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and we’ll boost your post!

Questions? Press inquiries? Want to help us in the fight? Email manager@irrcoalition.org and connect with us on social media. We’d love to hear from you!
CommUnity Makery Launches Soccer Equipment GoFundMe
Northside Chicago AYSO awarded 10 scholarships (registration & uniforms) to Howard area youth for Spring Soccer!

With the help of generous donors, CommUnity Makery is helping to take care of insurance costs, soccer cleats, snacks and drinks, and transportation. But they need your help to do so! Please consider making a monetary contribution to help our Howard-area youth play soccer this spring. 

What will your donation provide?
  • $20: insurance to play
  • $50: insurance to play + soccer cleats
  • $75: insurance to play, soccer cleats, & transportation to and from practices/games
  • $100: insurance to play, soccer cleats, transportation to and from practice/games, and healthy snacks and bottled water 
Please consider making an online contribution today to help a 49th Ward child play soccer! 
Save the Date for Family Matters' Drive-In Movie Fundraiser

Join Family Matters youth, families, and community members at the movies while raising funds for Family Matters’ Youth Development and Community Engagement programs and The Family Matters School. This fun-filled evening will include pre-movie entertainment, a silent auction and raffle, and the opportunity to support Family Matters to infinity and beyond!

Enjoy the classic family-friendly Pixar hit, Toy Story, from the comfort and COVID safety of your car. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets are $125 per car. All revenue from ticket sales and 40% of food and refreshment sales will benefit Family Matters’ activities, including one-to-one tutor/mentoring, teen leadership and job-readiness activities, hands-on experiential summer camps, community building, and their cooperative micro-school.

When: May 22, 2021 | 6:30 PM
Where: CHITOWN Movies | 2343 S Throop St | Chicago, IL 60608
What: Toy Story
Price: $125.00 per car

More information and tickets are available on Family Matters' website.
Commissioner Gainer's Women's Toiletry Drive
Extended through May 7
Commissioner Bridget Gainer is hosting her annual women's toiletry drive. The drive has been extended and now they are accepting donated items through May 7.

Please consider donating travel-sized products of shampoo and conditioner, soap, shower gel, deodorant, and body location to a drop-off location to help women that are currently incarcerated. For more information, call Commissioner Gainer's office at 312-603-4210 or email district10@cookcountyil.gov. 
Community Engagement Opportunities
Rogers Park Senior Film Series: Compulsion
The 24th District will feature Compulsion as a part of its monthly Chicago in FIlm series. The 1959 courtroom drama is based on the 1924 Chicago murder trial of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb. 

The movie will be streamed over Zoom on Wednesday, April 28, at 2 pm.

No registration is required, and all are welcome to stay in the Zoom space afterward for a discussion. Guest speaker Nina Barrett will be discussing her book "The Leopold and Loeb Files" after the movie. 

Use the information below to join the Zoom on April 28:
 

Zoom Meeting ID: 844 3006 2082  
Meeting Passcode: 543155  
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/84430062082
Outdoor Yoga with Kate Begins May 2

A local Rogers Park neighbor, Kate, has secured a permit to host outdoor yoga classes at Juneway Beach, 7751 N. Eastlake Terrace. 

To help cover the costs of the permit and insurance, Kate is asking that folks contribute $5-$10 per class. The classes will take place from 3-4 pm every Sunday beginning May 2. Masks are required to attend and participants will be socially distanced.

For more information, visit Kate's Facebook page.
Government Corner
With the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a lot of information and resources available to people at all levels of government. To make sure you're receiving all the information to help you through this time, please consider signing up for the following newsletters or keeping your eye on the following pages. See something that should be added to this section? Email it to the office at office@49thward.org. 

City of Chicago Resources:
City of Chicago Coronavirus Resource Center Website
City of Chicago Coronavirus Updates Distribution Sign-Up
CPS COVID-19 Resources & Updates
Chicago Park District COVID-19 Response Page
BACP COVID-19 Resource Page

Cook County:
Cook County COVID-19 Response Website
Contact Commissioner Suffredin's Office
Commissioner Gainer Newsletter Sign-Up

State of Illinois:
State of Illinois COVID-19 Response Website
Sen. Steans Newsletter Sign-Up
Rep. Cassidy Newsletter

Federal Government:
Sign-up for Congresswoman Schakowsky's newsletter
Federal Government COVID-19 Response Website
Need to Know Info
Each week we've been updating this section with the rapid information coming down from all levels of government. This has resulted in a long email with the information running for several weeks. To shorten the length of the newsletter and provide the freshest content, we have archived all the COVID-19 newsletters on the 49th Ward website. You can also refer to the Rogers Park Community Response Team's website, where resources and information are abundantly available for our neighbors. 
Apply for the Rental Assistance Program thru April 16
Chicago's Rental Assistance Program (RAP) is now open. RAP helps Chicagoans who have housing, but who may become homeless soon due to lost income or another eligible emergency that prevents them from paying rent. Apply by 11:59 pm on April 16.

For more information and to apply, click here. 
Southbound Howard to Wilson
CTA Shuttle Scheduled for April 23-25
Beginning at 10 pm on Friday, April 23, through 7 am on Sunday, April 25, the CTA will have a shuttle bus for southbound trains from Howard to Wilson. The shuttle will be so the CTA can work on the rails between the two stations. 

Please sign up to receive service alerts and updates from the CTA by visiting www.transitchicago.com/alerts.
Construction Activity Notice: CTA Retaining Wall Work
CTA's Structural Maintenance Department will be repairing the North Main retaining wall alongside the alley at North Main and Chase Avenue in the 49th Ward. 

The CTA will do its best to keep inconveniences to a minimum while performing work. While progress sometimes comes with inconveniences, we will do our best to keep them to a minimum.” 
 
Dates:  Weekdays (Monday- Friday)
 
           April 19-23. 2021
           April 26-30, 2021
           May 3-7, 2021
           May 10-14, 2021
              
          Weekends (Saturdays and Sundays)
 
           April 17-18, 2021
           April 24-25, 2021
           May 1-2, 2021
           May 8-9, 2021
 
Location: Red Line- CTA's Structure (East side) on W. Chase Ave. (alongside the alley)
                                                                                                        
Work Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
 
Work Activity:   Structural Maintenance
 
Local Impact: 
  • There will be curb/parking restrictions next to the Structure while the work is being performed.
  • There will be noise while the work is being performed.
Noise may include:
  • Use of pneumatic tools
  • Truck traffic
  • Beeping from backup alarms on maintenance equipment and vehicles
  • Concrete disposal and removal
  • Rolling traffic closures
We Will Chicago Kickoff Conversation April 29

Get informed, get inspired, and get involved with the future of We Will Chicago. Join the Chicago Department of Planning and Development and the Metropolitan Planning Council on Thursday, April 29, from noon to 1:30 pm for a Kickoff Conversation. Residents can learn about the We Will pre-planning work conducted this winter, as well as the next steps in creating the first citywide planning document in more than 50 years. Learn more and register at www.WeWillChicago.com/calendar.
Drug Take Back Day Virtual Event April 23
The Substance Use Prevention Program team at Heartland Alliance is hosting a virtual event Friday, April 23rd, to promote National Drug Take-Back Day. 

To register to join them for these critical conversations, click here. There will be guest speakers and gift card giveaways during the event. 
Comment on the Chicago Blueprint for Fair Housing thru May 28
The Chicago Commission on Human Relations released its Blueprint for Fair Housing this week. The blueprint is the result of input from a broad coalition of stakeholders, city departments, and organizations to develop a five-year plan to address the city's housing challenges. 

The Blueprint identified eight goals for the City and the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) to tackle over the next five years to make housing in Chicago more equitable. Those goals are: 
  1. Increase and preserve affordable, accessible housing options 
  2. Prevent involuntary displacement and stabilize neighborhoods 
  3. Increase opportunities and community integration for people with disabilities 
  4. Address the segregation of opportunity and related inequitable distribution of resources 
  5. Enhance housing policies and programs to increase fair housing choice 
  6. Expand fair housing outreach, education, and enforcement 
  7. Preserve existing and expand affordable homeownership 
  8. Ensure that internal policies and practices advance equity and address the history of structural racism
The Blueprint for Fair Housing is now available to review online at chicago.gov/fairhousing. People have until May 28, 2021, to submit a public comment and feedback on the blueprint. 
Complete a Northwestern University Survey
& Receive a $10 Gift Card

A team led by Northwestern University Professor Tabitha Bonilla is conducting interviews as a part of a research study on politics and political representation. You are invited to participate in an interview where you will be asked to share thoughts about your identity and political attitudes and behaviors. This informal interview will take between 30 and 60 minutes and can be conducted in English or Spanish. We would simply like to ask about your thoughts and political opinions. This interview will be audio-recorded so that the study team may later transcribe the interview and your responses will be kept confidential.  For participating in this study, you will receive a $10 gift card.  

If you would like to participate, please complete this short form, and they will reach out to you to schedule a time to talk.  
File Your Taxes with Tax Prep Chicago
The City of Chicago will offer free, confidential tax help through mid-April in partnership with Ladder Up. Trained volunteer tax preparers can assist you in completing and electronically filing Federal and Illinois tax returns for Tax Year 2020 and, in some cases, for prior years. They'll also be able to help determine if you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), and other tax credits!

The IRS has extended the tax filing deadline to Monday, May 17! For more information, visit www.taxprepchicago.org or call (312) 588-6900 to schedule an appointment and see if you qualify.
Need Help?
Call or email the Rogers Park Community Response Team!

The Rogers Park Community Response Team is an action-oriented group created in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. RPCRT was created by 49th Ward Alderwoman Maria Hadden in coordination with local service providers and community organizations. Partners include IL State Representative Kelly Cassidy, Protect RP, Northside Community Resources, Loyola Community Nursing Center, and hundreds of deeply committed community volunteers.

We are working together to support each other. We will do so, to the best of our combined ability care for all of our RP family, with fierce love and compassion. We want every Rogers Park resident to know that you are cared for and not alone.

Contact us at rpcrt49@gmail.com or call our Support Hotline at 773-831-7668. Volunteers are available to answer your questions and direct you to resources now.

Please also take a moment to look at the Rogers Park Community Response Team's robust website, rpcrt.org. This website acts as a centralized location where a variety of resources can live to help residents in the wake of COVID-19. 
Business Updates
Corridor Improvements RFP

The State of Illinois and its community partners are releasing a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) that will make $10 million available for corridor improvement projects to address the ongoing needs of impacted communities.

The Corridor Improvements for Rebuild Distressed Communities will support capital investment in commercial corridors that have experienced property damage. This will fund projects that will spark long-term economic growth while helping further support the economic recovery of small businesses affected by civil unrest.

Who should apply: DCEO and partners are calling on community-based organizations in communities that experienced civil unrest to apply – including, but not limited to nonprofits, local governments, business improvement districts, special service areas, and others.

All applicants must be in one of the eligible zip codes described above and demonstrate that the proposed improvements will occur at a location where businesses experienced property damage due to civil unrest during the relevant period on or after May 25, 2020.

When to apply: DCEO and partners have made a pre-solicitation available and will begin accepting applications on April 5th through June 7th. An informational webinar will be held on March 26th for interested applicants.

To view the draft RFP, click here.

How to apply: Questions about the draft RFP may be directed to LISC at ridc_grants@lisc.org or CNI at rebuildgrant@cni.org.

For more information, visit the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity's website.
Restaurant Revitalization Fund
As part of the American Rescue Plan passage, $28.6 billion is earmarked for a new “Restaurant Revitalization Fund.”  
 
Click here for information from the National Restaurant Association about how the fund, administered by the Small Business Administration, works and eligibility requirements. 
Chicago Vendor Impact Fund

As part of the City’s efforts to increase the capacity and competitiveness of our local, diverse vendor community, the City is pleased to announce the launch of the $25 million Vendor Impact Fund. The Vendor Impact Fund will provide priority access for City vendors certified as Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (MBE), Women-Owned Business Enterprises (WBE), Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises (VBE), and Business Enterprises Owned or Operated by People with Disabilities (BEPD) to loans from the federal Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and 7(a) loan program. The City and its partners will seek to provide all Vendor Impact Fund loan applicants with the best offer available and will work with applicants to determine which product is the best fit. All loan applications will be administered through Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) with the support of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses.

For more information, eligibility requirements, and to apply, click here.  
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant

The Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, signed into law on December 27, 2020. The program includes $15 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance.

Eligible applicants may qualify for SVO Grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees.

For eligibility requirements, more information, and to apply, visit the SBA's website.
COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners, including agricultural businesses and nonprofit organizations in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories can apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). The EIDL program is designed to provide economic relief to businesses currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue due to coronavirus (COVID-19).

For eligibility requirements, more information, and to apply, visit the SBA's website.
Rogers Park Business Alliance COVID-19 Resources

The site maintains updated information on how we can support our small business community as well as resources for businesses in how they can adapt during this unique and challenging time. From their site:

Rogers Park Business Alliance is proud of the caring, work ethic, dedication and resiliency of our community. We firmly believe that, together, we will meet the challenge that we are all faced with today and going forward.  

Out of an abundance of love and concern for the health of our community we are closing our offices. Based on recommended precautionary measures and public health guidelines, team RPBA will be working remotely until given the all clear. We are available via phone and email. We appreciate your patience at this time. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at (773) 508-5885 or info@rpba.org.

You can view our growing list of Rogers Park businesses that are open and/or receiving donations. You can also checkout the Chicagoland Dining at a Distance list.
#SchoolsShineIn49
Disrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline Project

Legal Aid Chicago’s unveiled a new Disrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline Project to address issues intersecting with education justice and legal advocacy for young people.

Across the United States, students of color, students with disabilities, LGBTQ+ students, and youth in foster care are disproportionately disciplined in school and more likely to be involved in the criminal legal system. Legal Aid Chicago's project seeks to disrupt these trends through representing young people in school discipline cases - which includes suspensions, expulsions, informal school pushout, transfers to alternative schools, and discipline during remote learning - and supporting with juvenile records expungement.

Legal Aid Chicago is currently accepting school discipline and juvenile records expungement cases and their services are FREE. If you have any questions, please reach out via email to STPPproject@legalaidchicago.org. If a caregiver or student is interested in Leal Aid's services, they should call (312) 341-1070.
CTA Internship Opportunities for High Schoolers
The CTA has partnered with One Summer Chicago to offer 200 high schoolers an opportunity for a 7-week paid internship. Applicants must be a rising sophomore to senior that is actively enrolled in high school. They must have a 2.5 GPA or higher and eligible to work in the United States.

For more information and to apply, click here. 
Youth can Apply for a Summer Job with One Summer Chicago
One Summer Chicago will run from July 5 to August 13 and will include remote and socially distanced, in-person job and life-skills training for youth ages 14 to 24. The application deadline is Friday, June 11, and can be found at OneSummerChicago.org. More than 21,000 slots are available for youth this summer. Returning this year under the OSC portfolio are the Chicago Youth Service Corps (CYSC), Everyone Can Code, Photography for All programs, and more. One Summer Chicago is an integral part of My CHI. My Future.
Employment Opportunities
CDL Drivers Wanted
The Chicago Federation of Labor Workforce & Community Initiative announced that a Chicago area moving company seeking CDL drivers. Willing to train. Safely drive all company vehicles (owned or rented) as assigned - across region or long-haul. Drug screening and background checks will be performed. Pay $23 to $25 per hour plus benefits. Send resume to businessservices@cflinitiative.org and you will receive a response.
Chicago Upholstery & Drapery Co. Hiring

Chicago Upholstery & Drapery Co. has immediate openings for part-time (PT) General Laborers wanting to learn a trade or for those individuals just wanting a PT job. These PT positions can lead to full-time positions for qualified and interested candidates.

These positions require individuals to lift furniture, remove fabric as needed, stain/polish wood as requested, clean as you go, clean shop/empty garbage, and/or any other tasks requested. Chicago Upholstery & Drapery is a workshop environment.

More information here. 
Chicago Park District Now Hiring for Seasonal Positions
The Chicago Park District is now hiring for a number of seasonal positions. For more information, openings, and to apply, visit the Park District's website.
Serenity Home Healthcare is Hiring Caregivers
Serenity Home Healthcare is hiring caregivers in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Serenity Healthcare offers flexible schedules, and no car is required to apply. For more information, call 773-588-4000.
Chicago SAFE Ambassadors Now Hiring
Job Title: Chicago’s SAFE (Streets Are For Everybody) Ambassador
Employment status: Part-time, Non-exempt, Seasonal
Compensation: Hourly, $17.50
Hours: Up to 24 hours/week
Start Date: Wednesday, May 19, 2021
End Date: Friday, September 10, 2021

About:
MUSE Community + Design is seeking outgoing, well-organized, and committed advocates for transportation safety education, biking, and social equity to join the team as a SAFE (Streets Are For Everybody) Ambassador from late May to late September.

As a SAFE Ambassador, you will represent the Chicago Department of Transportation in its efforts to support and promote Vision Zero Chicago initiatives. The goal of Vision Zero is to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from traffic crashes by 2026. To learn more about Vision Zero, click here. Due to the impacts of COVID-19 on our city’s transportation systems and mobility options, Ambassadors will educate the public on current best practices, recommendations and guidelines for safe mobility in both shelter-in-place and post quarantine conditions.

Chicago’s SAFE Ambassadors work both individually and as a team to deliver traffic safety expertise through presentations and demonstrations online or in-person, as appropriate, following strict safety guidelines from the Chicago and Illinois Departments of Public Health and the CDC. It is likely that this year, our program will implement a hybrid engagement model, meaning that the Ambassadors’ time will be split between creating innovative online materials using social media, videos, livestream events, and video conferencing, and participating in in-person events/activities to educate the public.

This is a part-time, seasonal position up to 24 hours per week.

Responsibilities:
  • Represent the City of Chicago Department of Transportation and Vision Zero at assigned virtual events or in-person events, if conditions allow.
  • Participate as a member of Chicago’s SAFE Ambassadors team in making events successful by effectively disseminating information, encouraging safe street and road usage.
  • Create and share online and interactive resources with schools, senior living facilities, and community partners to educate students and residents of all ages about the importance of traffic safety and sharing the road.
  • Accurately input information in the required format at the conclusion of every event.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Required Skills and Experience:
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, bending, stooping, standing long hours, and lifting up to 40 lbs
  • Communicate effectively with all people, regardless of age, ability, cultural groups, economic status, sexual orientation, and/or disabilities.
  • Comfortable speaking with strangers and in public.
  • Comfortable facilitating video conferences and webinars.
  • Familiarity with the City of Chicago, its neighborhoods and public transit system.
  • Comfortable using and navigating public transit.
  • Comfortable working in any neighborhood in the City of Chicago.
  • Outgoing and energetic.
  • Works well in a team and fosters team spirit.
  • Prompt, punctual and professional.
  • Access to the internet and a laptop. Willing to work remotely.
  • Works well individually in an unstructured and informal environment, with limited supervision.
  • Good at solving problems and thinking creatively.
  • Self-motivated.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
  • Ability to take direction and to learn basic facts about the Chicago Department of Transportation and Vision Zero.
  • Comfortable biking in the city.
  • Willingness and ability to work off hours and/or weekends.
Preferred skills and experiences:
  • Fluency in other languages such as Spanish, Polish and Mandarin highly preferred.
  • Experience working or volunteering in a community engagement role.
  • Experience teaching, children, youth or adults.
  • Knowledgeable in video recording, editing and formatting.
  • Experience working with or supervising teenagers.
  • Experience in facilitating online learning tools.
  • Experience working in Public Health related programs
Requirements:
Ambassadors are expected to bike or take public transit to and from events.

Successful completion of a paid five-day training course that covers bicycle handling, all forms of traffic safety, media relations, cultural sensitivity, and conflict resolution.

This is a drug-free workplace, and we are proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage applications from women and people of color.

SAFE (Streets Are For Everybody) Ambassadors are not employees of the City of Chicago.
Ambassadors are employed and managed by MUSE Community + Design.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume by Friday, April 30, 2021, to Aaron Gatudla at aaron@musecommunitydesign.com. No calls, please.
Chicago Botanic Garden Employment Opportunities
The Chicago Botanic Garden has a variety of seasonal and year-round job opportunities. For more information, visit their careers page at chicagobotanic.org/jobs. Applications are accepted online only via employment@chicagobotanic.org.  
Greencorps is Now Hiring!
Greencorps offers seven to nine months of employment and on-the-job training in ecological restoration, green infrastructure, tree care, and landscaping. Training happens both in the classroom and in the field with the Chicago Park District, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, and other project partners. Graduates of the Greencorps program have gone on to work for major companies such as Cardno, Christy Webber, Safety Kleen, and AES. Typical job titles include Landscape Maintenance Foreman, Restoration Technician, Driver, Groundskeeper, Pesticide Applicator, and Hazardous Material Technician. To learn more about Greencorps and apply, click here.
LUCHA Hiring Outreach & Engagement Specialist
Organization Overview
Since 1982, LUCHA (Latin United Community Housing Association) an Illinois 501(c)(3) corporation has served thousands of moderate and low-income families with Affordable Housing Development, Emergency Housing Repair and Assistance, Home Buyer Counseling, Foreclosure Prevention and Legal Assistance.  LUCHA owns and operates 198 units of affordable housing in the West Town, Humboldt Park and Logan Square Communities of Chicago.

Program Overview
The Community Alliance Initiative is a program conducted in collaboration with the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) to work in targeted communities (Armour Square, Humboldt Park, Jefferson Park, Logan Square, and Rogers Park) with the goal of increasing the participation of Latinx, and other underrepresented groups taking advantage of CHA housing, business, and employment opportunities.

Job Role
  • Conduct outreach to targeted households and local community organizations, agencies, institutions, and elected officials
  • Schedule, promote, and hold workshops on CHA housing, business, and employment related programs.
  • Conduct follow up services with interested workshop participants
  • Enter and manage data regarding program participation
  • Maintain ongoing relationships with local collaborating groups
  • Support other LUCHA housing related initiatives when called upon
Educational Requirements
Required: Undergraduate degree (BA/BS).

Other Qualifications/Requirements
  • Bilingual (not limited to Spanish/English) highly desired.
  • Familiarity with client management systems
  • Experience with MS Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
  • Must be effective public speaker
  • Social service, educational, or community organizing experience working in diverse lower income communities
  • Must be able to work in client centered manner and be able to identify and respond to specific client needs
  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
  • Willing to work flexible hours.
  • Owning a car with a valid driver’s license a plus.
  • Ability to represent LUCHA in a positive and professional manner at all times.
  • Residents of the target communities are encouraged to apply.
Contact: Maria Galarza, 773-276-5338 ext.#239 or mgalarza@lucha.org
 
LUCHA is 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and an equal opportunity employer.  To learn more about LUCHA, please visit www.lucha.org.
Find a Career with S&C Electric Company
S&C Electric in Rogers Park is hiring several key positions to join their team. S&C Electric is a 100% employee-owned team seeking several team members in the Rogers Park community to keep the lights on across the globe.

To learn more and apply, visit ww.sandc.com/careers.
Doctors Test Centers (DTC) Job Opportunities

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) has long been an economic engine for the City and region at large. They recently announced that they will begin offering the most comprehensive COVID-19 testing of any airport in the country at O’Hare and Midway International Airports.

The program will require a workforce to fill the more than 100 available positions.  Doctors Test Centers (DTC) has been selected as the vendor to assist the CDA with the endeavor. They have a variety of employment opportunities open and are seeking applicants. For more information, visit DTC's website here. 
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Alderwoman Maria Hadden | 49th Ward Service Office
1447 W. Morse Ave, Chicago, IL 60626
773-338-5796 | office@49thward.org

Office Hours*
Monday: 9 am - 5 pm
Tuesday: 9 am - 5 pm
Wednesday: 9 am - 5 pm
Thursday: 9 am - 5 pm
Friday: 9 am - 5 pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
 

*Please note the physical office remains closed due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Our staff is working virtually from home and is happy to answer calls and emails.




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Alderwoman Maria Hadden · 1447 W. Morse Ave · Chicago, IL 60626 · USA