Social Distancing
Over 400 New Cases Today
Unemployment Benefits Information
Mental Health and Charity Information
Dear Neighbors,

Social Distancing Means:

  • Go for a short walk or run but maintain physical distance from others while doing so, preferably in your own neighborhood.
  • Walk your dog, but do not congregate at the dog park or beach.
  • Do NOT visit playgrounds or allow your kids to play with others
  • Shop at the grocery stores that remain open, as long as you are not sick, and practice social distancing.
  • Continue visiting the restaurants that remain open for pick-up and delivery.
  • That's It. Stay home except for these activities.
There was an increase of over 400 cases TODAY. Most of the increase in coronavirus is in Chicago. If we continue on the same course, we are looking at close to 20,000 plus serious hospitalizations and 40,000 other hospitalizations. The only way to avoid our loved ones from getting sick, and to keep our healthcare system able to care for them is for people to abide by the stay at home order.
Nursing and Medical Volunteers Needed

The Chicago Medical Corps needs nursing and medical providers to volunteer to help protect Chicago during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Find more information and sign up at  www.illinoishelps.net
DePaul Education and Counseling Services
for COVID-19 Support

The DePaul Education & Counseling Center is offering remote counseling services in a confidential environment for adults, children, couples, and families in search of personal counseling and support. Graduate counseling interns serving under the direct supervision of doctoral level licensed clinicians, conduct counseling sessions for individuals of all ages, couples, and groups.

Fees are assessed on an affordable, low-cost sliding-scale basis. Financial assistance is available- no one is excluded due to inability to pay. For information or to get scheduled please email Dr. Martha Mason, Director, at  ecc@depaul.edu .
City of Chicago
Mental Health Resources

Emotional reactions to this emerging health crisis are expected. Remind yourself, your family and your friends that feeling sad, anxious, overwhelmed or having other symptoms of distress such as trouble sleeping is normal. If symptoms become worse, encourage them, and yourself, to reach out for support and help. 

The following are free mental health resources available to all Chicago residents:
  • Connect to a NAMI Chicago Helpline mental health counselor by calling 311 or directly at 833-626-4244
  • Connect to Bright Star Community Outreach's trauma counseling helpline at 833-TURN-123
  • Connect to free teletherapy services at Chicago Department of Public Health Mental Health Centers by calling 312-747-1020.
  • For after hours support, contact Crisis Text Line which serves anyone, in any type of crisis, 24-hours a day. Instructions: Text HELLO to: 741741 to access a trained crisis counselor.

Visit the City's Coronavirus Resource Center for more information on resources and support.
Unemployment Benefits Filing Schedule

Due to the unprecedented number of claims for unemployment benefits, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has implemented a filing schedule. You can file for benefits both online and by phone. Please note: Part-time employees are permitted to apply for benefits.

New Online Filing Schedule:
Last names beginning with letters A-M will be asked to file their claims on Sundays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays. 
Last names beginning with letters N-Z will be asked to file their claims on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays.
Saturdays will be available for anyone to accommodate those who could not file during their allotted window.

Call Center Filing Schedule:
Last names beginning with letters A-M will be asked to call on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7:30am – 6pm. 
Last names beginning with letters N-Z will be asked to call on Mondays and Wednesdays between 7:30am – 6pm.
Fridays 7:30am – 6pm. will be available for anyone to accommodate those who could not file during their allotted window.

The day or time of day in which a claim is filed will not impact whether you receive benefits Claims will be back-dated to reflect the date in which a claimant was laid off or let go from their job due to COVID-19. Please visit  I DES.Illinois.gov. for details and more information.
Charities and Volunteer Opportunities
Alcott Spring Benefit: Virtual Auction
TONIGHT, March 27
8:00 - 10:00 p.m.

The 2020 Spring Benefit will take place virtually on Friday, March 27 from 8-10 p.m. Relax, stay home and support Alcott Elementary. The only way to participate is by registering at the Friends of Alcott page. By registering you are able to bid on all the amazing silent and live auction items which will now close at 10 p.m. sharp.
Friends of Lincoln Park High School 
Online Auction
Bidding Extended until March 27 10:00 p.m.

Help our local high school while you are stuck home. Click  here to check them out and start bidding. Local on line auctions are a great way to help - and win a nice gift for you. All proceeds will benefit and support our amazing, resilient school, so bid high and often.
Marrillac St. Vincent Food Pantry
Volunteers Needed

Due to the COVID-19 health crisis, Marrillac St. Vincent has experienced an increase in demand and with most of the senior population at-risk, the need for healthy young people has never been greater. If you are between ages 16-59, healthy with no cough/cold/fever symptoms and have not travelled internationally within the past 14 days, and have not come into contact with anyone known to have contracted the COVID-19 coronavirus, and are willing to help p lease contact Colleen Mulcrone, Volunteer Manager, directly at  colleen.mulcrone@marillacstvincent.org  to schedule a shift.
Little Sisters of the Poor
Needs Supplies

During this pubic health crisis, Little Sisters of the Poor is in need of supplies. As they continue to care for their residents, they are experiencing shortages in the following items:

Donations Needed:
  • Masks
  • Gloves
  • Goggles
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Liquid soap

Please drop off items at Little Sisters of the Poor St. Mary's Home, located at 2325 N. Lakewood. You can also donate cash if you prefer. They can be reached at 773-935-9600 if you have any questions.
Opening Day at Home

Major League Baseball presents “Opening Day at Home” -- a full slate of 30 games broadcast nationally across various platforms, including digital streaming and social media, creating a full-day event on what would have been Opening Day. The experience is intended to invite fans to feel a sense of community and unity on a day many were looking forward to, while underscoring the importance of staying home to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

“Opening Day at Home” is also an opportunity for MLB to raise awareness for several worthy charities that are helping provide relief to the most vulnerable communities impacted by the pandemic. Last week, MLB and the MLBPA made a $1 million joint donation to Feeding America and Meals on Wheels, in addition to a $30 million commitment made by MLB clubs to emergency relief for ballpark employees. Fans can contribute toward these charities through MLB's official charity Boys & Girls Clubs of America and additional causes at  MLB.com/give .
Stay home, save lives,






Coronavirus Resources :

If you have any additional questions, please email:  coronavirus@chicago.gov  or call 312-746-4835

The Doctor Is In: Ask Dr. Arwady. Live-stream by Chicago Health Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D., daily at 11:00 am on  Twitter and  Facebook Live.

Sign up to receive the latest updates on Coronavirus:  https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/VwvbSW5/coronavirus
 
State of Illinois
 
Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
43rd Ward Office Hours: M - F 9 AM - 5 PM 
  2523 N Halsted  |  773-348-9500 yourvoice@ward43.org www.ward43.org