CP4P & ONE Northside'S Holiday Toy Drive
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Community Partners 4 Peace (CP4P) and ONE Northside are hosting a toy drive this holiday season!
Please consider helping families in need this holiday season by dropping off a gift on December 12 in person, or ordering a present online and having it delivered by December 15. For a shipping address, please email Lbdfa@hotmail.com. Your donation will help brighten up a child's holiday season in an exceptionally difficult year.
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Heartland Heath's Holiday Toy Drive
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Heartland Health is hosting its annual Holiday Toy Drive to bring a little extra cheer to their patients this holiday season.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, they will not be able to accept drop-off donations at their locations this year. Instead, consider purchasing an item from their Amazon holiday wish list and have it delivered. You can also consider making a monetary contribution online.
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Volunteer with CommUnity Makery
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CommUnity Makery provides a maker-centered out-of-school learning extension where youth discover, create, and share projects focused on Literacy, Social Emotional Learning & Youth Voice throughout STEAM+ (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math & More) as well as Career and College Exploration.
Community Makery has four afterschool programs at Gale and is looking to implement more beginning in January, including participating in the Chicago Student Invention Convention.
To volunteer, click here, and for more information, contact info@communitymakery.org.
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Volunteer for Care for Real's Rogers Park's Food Pantry
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Care for Real is seeking volunteers to help provide food to stock the pantry, prepare food for distribution, and distribute food to our neighbors. They're seeking volunteers for Tuesdays and/or Thursdays. Register to volunteer online.
If you or someone you know needs fresh vegetables, fruit, dairy, bread, grains, or canned food, visit the Care for Real food pantry located at the United Church of Rogers Park, 1545 W. Morse, Tuesdays between 12 pm and 2 pm.
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Community Engagement Opportunities
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LUCHA: Community Alliance Initiative December Workshops
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The Chicago Housing Authority Community Alliance is a
partnership with LUCHA and Spanish Coalition for Housing to increase awareness of CHA’s programs and activities across the Chicagoland area and increase the diversity of those able to take advantage of opportunities provided by the CHA.
Each month, the partners host a series of workshops specifically tailored toward seniors, property managers/owners, individuals interested in learning more about Scattered Sites program and Section 3 businesses and/or Job seekers and CHA applicants. Partners also facilitate info sessions for prospective realtors/develops and Community Based Organizations to get up-to-date information about CHA’s programs/activities.
Since its inception in 2016, CHA Community Partners have facilitated 1,365 workshops reaching over 11,000 individuals. Over 65% percent of those individuals belong to underrepresented populations.
The CHA provides interpretation and translation services to Limited English Proficiency (LEP) individuals through the Language Access Plan (LAP). LAP Services include written translations as well as in-person and telephonic interpretation. LAP services are available to CHA program participants and any individual receiving CHA services.
For more information about the Community Alliance, visit
thecha.org/residents/services/cha-community-alliance.
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Looking for Volunteer Opportunities? Sign-Up Here!
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We are always looking for volunteers for the 49th Ward office to help with flyering, school supply distribution events, tabling events, data analysis, event facilitation, among other activities! If you're interested in helping out, we'd love to get your information. Sign-up online, and we'll reach out as opportunities come up!
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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.
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The CTA Will Still Deliver Holiday Cheer this Season
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One of Chicago’s most beloved holiday traditions - the CTA Holiday Train & Bus - will continue in 2020, though with restrictions in place to keep everyone healthy for the holidays.
Santa and his elves will stay socially distanced this holiday season, meaning that customers won’t be able to board the CTA Holiday Train or the CTA Holiday Bus. Instead, the CTA Holiday Fleet will run along each rail line and multiple bus routes, spreading holiday cheer across the city.
As in previous years, when the CTA Holiday Train rolls through stations throughout the CTA system, riders will see an eye-catching, fantastically festive, six-car train decorated with holiday scenes, thousands of sparkling lights and bright LED signage displays. Santa and his reindeer, once again, will ride along outside, on a flatbed car in the middle of the train, traveling from line to line to wave to children and their families. The CTA Holiday Train begins service on Friday, November 27, the day after Thanksgiving, and goes dashing through the snow – and any other weather - on all CTA rail lines.
Santa still loves a good road trip too! So, beginning Tuesday, December 1, the CTA Holiday Bus will visit neighborhoods across the city to light up faces with love and laughter. On the exterior of the bus, customers will see “Ralphie the Reindeer” and his bright green nose. In addition to hundreds of twinkling lights outlining the bus, Santa will pop up through the roof to greet and wave to families.
Passengers hoping to catch a glimpse of these one-of-kind holiday attractions can find the CTA Holiday Fleet schedule by visiting: transitchicago.com/holiday.
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IDHS Expands Health Insurance Coverage for Immigrant Seniors
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The State of Illinois has launched a new program that gives medical coverage to people of age 65 and older, regardless of their immigration status. For more information on the new policy, you can view the IDHS policy memo online.
Heartland Health has staff available for questions or referrals. FOr more information, contact Stephanie Castrejon, Community Outreach & Enrollment Supervisor, at scastrejon@heartlandhealthcenters.org.
Heartland has assistance available in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Tagalog. Interpretation is available in 200+ languages.
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Shared Cost Sidewalk Program Opens January 11
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Homeowners interested in splitting the cost of sidewalk replacement with the city can join the Shared Cost Sidewalk Program. The program allows homeowners to have new sidewalks installed at a significantly reduced cost over what they would pay a contractor.
The Chicago Department of Transportation will open the 2020 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program at 6:00 am on Tuesday, January 11, 2021. Those interested should call 311 or log onto the 311 website. When you call, make sure to specify that you are interested in the Shared Cost Sidewalk Program. Applications made prior to this date will not be accepted.
This is a very popular program that fills up within hours. Do not delay enrollment on January 11 if you are interested.
For more information on the Shared Cost Sidewalk program, visit the city's website.
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First Installment Property Tax Bills Now Available Online
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Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas announced this week that next year’s First Installment Cook County property tax bills are available at cookcountytreasurer.com. The Cook County Treasurer's office released the bills early so property owners can make payments before the end of this year or plan their finances for 2021.
In November, the Cook County Board of Commissioners voted to waive late fees for two months on both property tax installments due in 2021, giving cash-strapped property owners more time to juggle their finances.
The Board unanimously waived for two months the 1.5 percent per month late fee on all Tax Year 2020 property taxes, according to a news release. Specifically:
- The First Installment of 2020 taxes is due March 2, 2021, with application of late charges moved back to May 3, 2021.
- The Second Installment of 2020 taxes is due August 2, 2021, with application of late charges moved back to October 1, 2021.
For more information, visit the Cook County Treasurer's website.
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Open Enrollment for Medicare and the Affordable Care Act
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Enrollment for 2021 is now open for both Medicare and the Affordable Care Act.
If you are Medicare-eligible, you can enroll in or change plans for your Medicare coverage at Medicare.gov. Enrollment for Medicare is open through December 7th.
If you need health care coverage or work for an employer that provides health care through the Affordable Care Act exchange, you can enroll or make changes to your coverage for 2021 now. Get started by visiting Get Covered Illinois. You can be matched with a Certified Application Counselor who can help you choose the right plan for you and your family. Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act closes on December 15.
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Track the Progress of the CTA's
Red Purple Modernization on Social Media
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The CTA has launched new social media accounts for the Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One Project! The RPM social media accounts are now live.
Click each below to follow their social media pages:
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Residents can also learn more about the RPM project and sign up to receive email alerts on the CTA's website.
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Affordable Housing Initiative Series
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King Invest Solutions is hosting a series centered around affordable housing initiatives every Saturday at 10 am through December 12.
For more information and the Zoom link, email AHI@KingInvestSolutions.com.
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Grants for Restaurant Workers
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The Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's Restaurant Employee Relief Fund is providing one-time $500 cash assistance grants to eligible restaurant workers who have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Applications, full eligibility requirements, and a list of required documents are available in English and in Spanish. If you would like to help restaurant workers in need, you may make a tax-deductible donation to the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund online.
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Peoples Gas Bill Assistance Available
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Some residents may be eligible to receive financial assistance with their gas bill through Peoples Gas. To check your availability for assistance, call CEDA at 800-571-2332.
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Disability and Immigration Taskforce of Illinois Survey
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Access Living's Disability and Immigration Taskforce of Illinois (DITI) is conducting a survey to find data about immigrants with disabilities. DITI empowers and supports immigrants, refugees, and/or asylees with disabilities and their families to access culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
The DITI survey covers topics such as housing, personal assistant needs, public charge, and more. The information collected will only be utilized by the DITI to determine immigrants' needs with disabilities and their support persons. With this information, they hope to develop legislation at the state level to address unmet needs in the immigrant/disability community.
The survey is in five languages:
English
Arabic
Chinese
Spanish
Polish
For questions or more information, email Jennifer at jennyham86@gmail.com.
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ComEd Helping Hands Program
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ComEd's Helping Hand program provides the most in-need customers a one-time grant of up to $300 towards a past due balance. The program is available until funds are exhausted.
Eligibility:
Combined household income for the 30 days prior to application (gross income for all household members, before taxes are deducted) is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, and one of the following concerns is expressed:
- An unexpected loss of income or reduction in income (including job loss or furlough)
- Sudden illness to you or family member
- Other stated COVID-19 impacts
To apply for the one-time bill assistance, call 1-800-EDISON-1 (1-800-334-7661) and mention the Helping Hand program. To learn more, visit ComEd's website.
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ComEd Bill Assistance Program
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ComEd is providing bill assistance for eligible, limited-income households earning up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. To verify if you meet the income criteria, visit HelpIllinoisFamilies.com.
The Bill Payment Assistance program runs through December 31, 2020, or when program funds are exhausted, whichever occurs first.
Eligible customers can receive a one-time bill assistance of up to $500 for past due balances, up to the amount of the balance. Funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Eligibility:
- LIHEAP qualified residential customers with a past due balance
- Undocumented residential customers with a past due balance may also apply for LIHEAP
If you have not yet applied for LIHEAP, please visit HelpIllinoisFamilies.com or call 1-877-411-9276 to start your LIHEAP pre-application. Once approved for LIHEAP funds, please fill out your information below.
To apply for the one-time bill assistance or learn more, visit ComEd's website.
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Cook County residents are qualified to get help paying their light and gas bills than Check out the new, expanded income guidelines to see if you qualify. To fill out the application click here. Open to residents of the City of Chicago and suburban Cook County. To get more information about other CEDA utility programs to help you through COVID-19 recovery click here.
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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.
To be eligible for this program, seniors must be a resident of the City of Chicago, live in Wards 38, 39, 40, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, be 60+ years old, be a homeowner in a single-family home or condo with 7 or less units, and have an income of less than 80% of Median Income.
For more information, visit the Northside Community Resources website.
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2021 Individual Artists Program Grants
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DCASE announced the timeline for the 2021 Individual Artists Program (IAP) grant cycle. IAP grants aim to assist Chicago's practicing artists in creating work that develops their craft and elevates their careers while adding to Chicago's cultural vitality. IAP grants support artists across all artistic disciplines, including Film & Media Arts, Literary Arts, Performing Arts (Theatre/Dance), Music, and Visual Arts/Design. For eligibility requirements and grant calendar and to RSVP for virtual application assistance workshops, please visit chicagoculturalgrants.org.
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Call or email the Rogers Park Community Response Team!
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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.
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Committee on Economic, Capital and Technology Development Will Hold Vote on Monday to Expand Special Service Area #19
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The Committee on Economic, Capital and Technology Development will meet on Monday to vote on a variety of items, including the expansion to Special Service Area (SSA) #19 in the 49th Ward. The budget ordinance that will go before the committee will extend the term of the SSA for 15 years and expand its boundaries to include Jarvis Square (the SSA boundaries currently include the Howard business corridor).
Special Service Areas, known as Business Improvement Districts or BIDs in other cities, are local tax districts that fund expanded services and programs through a localized property tax levy within contiguous areas. The enhanced services and programs are in addition to those currently provided through the City.
SSA-funded projects typically include but are not limited to: public way maintenance and beautification; district marketing and advertising; business retention/attraction, special events, and promotional activities; auto and bike transit; security; façade improvements; and other commercial and economic development initiatives.
The City contracts with local non-profits, called Service Providers, to manage SSAs. In Rogers Park, the SSA service provider is the Rogers Park Business Alliance (RPBA).
During Monday's committee meeting, the budgets for SSAs #24 (Morse/Glenwood/Clark) and #54 (Sheridan) will also be voted on. The meeting will take place at 10 am on Monday, December 7. Information on how to sign up to make a public comment and how to stream the meeting virtually is available on the City Clerk's website.
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ComEd Bill Assistance Program for Small Businesses
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ComEd introduced a new bill assistance program available to ComEd small business customers.
ComEd is offering one-time grants equal to 30% of the business's balance, up to $1,000. The assistance program is aimed to help small businesses who are struggling amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
For more information, eligibility requirements, and to apply, visit ComEd.com/SmallBizAssistance.
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Apply for an SBA Economic Disaster Loan
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The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering small businesses impacted by civil unrest between May 36 and July 30 low-interest economic disaster loans (EIDLs). The loans are available to businesses of all sizes and small agricultural cooperates that suffered economic losses during this period.
Businesses can apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela . Businesses may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.
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PPP Loan Forgiveness for Small Loans
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If your business borrowed $50,000 or less through the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), you can be eligible for speedy loan forgiveness. To learn how you can qualify, click here.
You can click here for the instructions and here for the form needed to apply.
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State Opens Second Round of Business Interruption Grants
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Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) this week to announce the latest in a series of grants made available for small businesses in Illinois. These grants will be made available to businesses suffering losses as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as well as communities impacted by the recent civil unrest.
Applications for the second round of the Business Interruption Grants (BIG) program are now open and will offer $220 million in funds for small businesses hit hardest by the ongoing pandemic.
One of the criteria for applicants in the second round of grants is for disproportionately affected areas, which does include the 60626 zip code.
For more eligibility requirements and information on how to apply, please visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development's website.
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BACP Issues Outdoor Dining Guidelines for Winter
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As we enter the fall and winter months, BACP has issued guidance for safe and responsible outdoor dining and drinking. Please read this flyer for the latest information on structures, heating devices, and other safety considerations for outdoor service. Specifically, please note the following guidelines:
- Temporary structures that fit multiple parties must have at least 50% of the sides open to be considered outdoors
- Enclosed structures, such as plastic domes, may be used for individual parties and must have adequate ventilation to allow for air circulation
- Temporary structures must be weighted, anchored or secured to the ground, but cannot be anchored with any method that requires screwing, cutting or drilling into the public way (i.e. on streets or sidewalks)
- Electrically powered heating devices are permitted in open or enclosed areas
- Natural gas heaters or any device fueled by propane are only permitted in open, uncovered areas
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Rogers Park Business Alliance COVID-19 Resources
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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.
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Apply for the Future Founders Startup Sprints Program
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Apply for a fun-filled day of creativity and entrepreneurship! In less than one day, you’ll get a crash course in startups, work with a team to build a creative business, and do it all with the guidance of your own startup coach (a real-life entrepreneur)! This free opportunity is open to high school students enrolled in Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Charter schools, and Big Shoulders schools. Accepted applicants are provided credit to a food delivery service as a lunch stipend and have the opportunity to compete for $125 cash among other exciting prizes!
The one-day experience will be offered twice (Monday, December 21, and Tuesday, December 22). Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through Monday, December 14, and can be completed online by clicking here.
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CPS Modifies Timeline for Students to
Return to In-Person Learning
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CPS announced this week that they are planning to begin opening school buildings for families who choose to return in 2021 following winter break. Students enrolled in pre-k and moderate and intensive cluster programs will have the option to return on Monday, January 11, 2021, and students in K-8 will be able to return on Monday, February 1. High school students who learn in general education settings will continue learning at home, and CPS will continue to evaluate options for a return to in-person learning for those students in 2021.
To prepare for the safe return to school buildings, families of children who are eligible to return will be contacted later this month to understand their preferred learning setting following winter break.
Tentative timeline for returning to school based on public health conditions and guidance:
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With the plans to bring students back after winter break, school buildings will look different in the new year. To support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s five key strategies for mitigating COVID-19 transmission, schools will take the following safety measures:
- Anyone entering a school building for more than 10 minutes will be required to complete a health screener before coming to school to ensure they are free of COVID-19 symptoms and to support the Chicago Department of Public Health’s contact tracing efforts.
- Students and staff who are symptomatic or have had close contact with someone who tested positive will not be allowed to enter the building. They will be provided access to free COVID-19 tests through either established primary care providers or city partners.
- Anyone entering a school building will also have their temperature checked and be required to wear a face covering, which the district will provide for every student and staff member.
- Signs have been installed throughout the building to help students socially distance, and desks and classroom furniture will be spaced further apart.
- Hand sanitizer stations are placed throughout the building to help everyone practice good hand hygiene.
- Classrooms have been cleaned from top to bottom, and facilities staff members will implement an enhanced cleaning routine.
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, every classroom will have a HEPA air purifier to help capture particles, clean the air, and reduce the risk of indoor transmission of viruses and bacteria.
CPS has also hired independent state-certified environmental specialists to test schools for indoor air quality. Classrooms have been checked to ensure they are properly ventilated and meet ASHRAE’s standards. Families can check the status of their child’s classroom by visiting cps.edu/airquality.
The Chicago Teachers Union has expressed concerns about the proposal to have students, faculty, and staff return to school as the city continues to see a surge of COVID-19 cases wreak havoc across our city. Our office understands that there are no easy choices during this unprecedented crisis. Still, we believe that all our residents' health and safety should be prioritized while we continue to combat COVID-19. We will be working with the Chicago Teachers Union to see how we can support their members ahead of any re-openings in 2021.
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CPS Developing Whole School Comprehensive Safety Plan
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CPS is embarking on a new initiative to provide a more comprehensive approach to school safety. Their goal is to provide all schools with a Whole School Comprehensive Safety Plan that accounts for a range of school safety needs by the start of the 2021-22 school year.
As a part of the planning process, CPS intends to partner with up to five community-based organizations (CBOs) who will work together to design a citywide engagement process for our stakeholders. Selected CBOs will be tasked with gathering community feedback on alternate school safety strategies.
CBOs interested in applying should submit an application. For information on the whole school comprehensive safety plans, please visit our website.
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Go CPS Application Now Open
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GoCPS is now open. GoCPS allows families to learn, research, explore, and apply to nearly every CPS school and program through one online platform. Parents can select the grade level for their student to get an overview of the application process and timeline by visiting www.go.cps.edu. The Round 1 application period is open and closes on December 11, 2020.
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2020 Virtual Concessionaire, Small Business & Vendor Expo
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The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) will host a Virtual Concessionaire, Small Business & Vendor Expo for local companies to learn about doing business with the CDA. Expo information will include - how to obtain ACDBE/DBE/MBE/WBE/Certification, as well as up-coming contracting opportunities.
To register for this event, please complete the 2020 CDA Expo Registration Form at forms.gle/31NR62W8ovC8c5WM9.
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Find a Job with the CSBG Transitional Jobs Program
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The Transitional Jobs Program helps those seeking employment gain work experience and get connected to quality jobs. The program offers participants up to 4 weeks of paid work experience and help with transitioning into permanent employment.
- Age Requirement – Applicants for the program must be 18 years or older
- Valid (not expired) Driver’s License OR State ID with City of Chicago address
- Social Security Number
- Social Security Card (signature required on it)
- Authorization to Work in the United States/Citizenship
- Original Birth Certificate OR Hospital Record of Birth
- City of Chicago Residency (Applicants for the program must live in the City of Chicago).
For Homeless Individuals:
- A letter from the shelter stating:
- Resident’s name and family members, if applicable
- Date when their residency began at IHP location
- Signed by the referring case manager with a current date
For Others:
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- Landlord Statement OR Current Leave OR Eviction Notice with Current Address
- Valid (not expired) Driver’s License OR State ID with City of Chicago Address
- Income Verification (For six months, prior to the date of signed program application)
- Check Stubs
- Unemployment Insurance Document OR Printout from IDES
- Social Security Award Letter OR Form SSA-1099 OR Printout from Social Security
- Child Support (Verification of payments made on behalf of child/children if applicable)
- OR any combination of the above
- Other Required Documents:
- Current Food Stamp Award Letter indicating TANF (cash payments) and/or SNAP amount
- Program application completely filled out, signed, and dated by the client
- Copy of resume, if applicable
Those interested in participating should call Glenisha at 708-996-1191 to get started.
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