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As we all adjust our lives to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago are routinely updating their policies to keep residents safe. Be sure to check my website
www.ward03chicago.com, the City's COVID-19 page
www.Chicago.gov/covid, and the State of Illinois's resource page
coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/ for the latest COVID-19 updates.
One policy I wanted to be sure to highlight is Governor Pritzker's new Executive Order mandating face-coverings in public. The order states,
"Beginning on May 1, individuals will be required to wear a face-covering or a mask when in a public place where they can't maintain a six-foot social distance. Face-coverings will be required in public indoor spaces, such as stores. This new requirement applies to all individuals over the age of two who are able to medically tolerate a face-covering or a mask."
My office has been working hard to protect our ward's most vulnerable citizens and ease compliance with the order by providing face coverings to our senior buildings, nursing homes, residents and first responders upon request while supplies last. To that end, on Saturday, May 9th from 10:00 am to noon, my office will be passing out free face coverings to 3rd Ward residents. Masks will be given out using a drive-through process. All you need to do is come on by the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 5046 S. State with proof of residency.
If you would like to donate to this effort, you can contact my office at ward03@cityofchicago.org or by calling 773-373-9273.
If my team or I can help you in any way, please don't hesitate to reach out anytime. Thank you for reading this newsletter. Please share it with a neighbor or friend.
Sincerely,
Pat Dowell
Alderman, 3rd War
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Third Ward Update
Illinois Stay of Home Order Extended Through End of May
Governor JB Pritzker announced the Illinois
Stay
at
Home
order has been
extended through the end of May
. This means existing guidance on social distancing and restrictions on public gatherings, non-essential businesses, and other activities will remain in place for the entire month of May.
The extension includes a few changes from the previous Stay at Home orders.
- Individuals will be required to wear facial coverings when in public places
- Essential businesses and manufacturers are required to provide face coverings to all employees
- State parks will begin a phased re-opening. Golf will be permitted under strict safety guidelines
- New essential businesses like greenhouses, garden centers, nurseries and animal grooming services may re-open
- Retail stores not designated as non-essential businesses may re-open to fulfill telephone and online orders through pick-up outside of the store
- Schools may allow and establish procedures for pick-up of necessary supplies or student belongings
- The Illinois Department of Public Health will also be issuing guidance to allow for certain elective surgeries for non-life-threatening conditions
For the full press release and specific details on the extension, click here.
Free Face Covering Giveaway for 3rd Ward Residents
To help keep residents safe and comply with Governor Pritzker's order requiring face coverings in public, Alderman Dowell is giving away free face coverings to 3rd Ward residents. Because there are only a limited number of masks, proof of residency will be required to get a face covering. Interested residents should come to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 5046 S. State St. on Saturday, May 9th between 10:00 am and noon for pickup. This will be a drive-up process for mask distribution, All vehicles should enter the parking lot outside the ward office from the State St. entran
ce and exit the parking lot using 51st St. If you have any questions, please call 773-373-9273.
Find COVID-19 Testing Sites
The State of Illinois has released an online tool to help residents find the COVID-19 testing site closest to them and see if they are eligible for testing. Current guidance allows anyone with COVID-19-like illness or symptoms to get a test, even without a doctor's order. As testing capacity expands, testing is now available for people who:
- Have COVID-19 symptoms (cough, shortness of breath and fever) OR
- Have a risk factor, such as
- Contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19
- A compromised immune system or a serious chronic medical condition
Testing is also available for those with or without symptoms who:
- Work in a health care facility
- Work in correctional facilities, such as jails or prisons
- Serve as first responders, such as paramedics, emergency medical technicians,
law enforcement officers or firefighters
- Support critical infrastructure, such as workers in grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, gas stations, public utilities, factories, childcare and sanitation
Emergency Powers Ordinance Passes City Council
In April, an ordinance designed to allow the City of Chicago to quickly respond to the COVID-19 pandemic passed the Committee on the Budget and Government Operations, chaired by Alderman Dowell. The ordinance passed the full City Council on April 24, 2020. Throughout the process of considering this ordinance, Alderman Dowell worked closely with the administration to make significant changes to the
Emergency
Powers
ordinance to ensure Aldermen have a real voice in their community when it comes to COVID-19 spending and that that the ordinance is both TEMPORARY and LIMITED to address the unique circumstances presented by the pandemic.
Because of Alderman Dowell's work, there is now a sunset provision in the ordinance where it gets automatically repealed on June 30, 2020 or when the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health determines that the dangers associated with COVID-19 have diminished to a point where it no longer poses a threat to the public - whichever comes first.
In addition, various sections were removed from the final ordinance including sections related to the Departments of Aviation, Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, and the Buildings. The Economic Disclosure Requirements for companies receiving funds though this ordinance were strengthened. The ordinance also caps the Chief Procurement Officer's spending power. And the ordinance now requires the Budget Director to submit weekly reports on all spending. These changes significantly scale back the mayor's power under the ordinance.
Last, Alderman Dowell worked to guarantee that all funds appropriated through this ordinance MUST be used in relation to COVID-19 response. This protects taxpayers and limits the mayor's discretion on use of funds.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a unique issue that demands a rapid response. This ordinance allows the City to be flexible in addressing the needs of residents, while retaining aldermen's authority over ward issues and oversight of the administration in relation to COVID-19 response.
Alderman Dowell Supports Appointment of David O. Brown as Police Superintendent
During the April City Council meeting, Alderman Dowell joined her colleagues to unanimously approve the appointment of David O. Brown to be the City's next Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Mr. Brown has extensive experience in policing, having previously served as the chief of the Dallas Police Department. Thank you to Ghian Foreman, Chairman of the Chicago Police Board, and Mayor Lightfoot for making such an inspiring selection for this incredibly important position. Mr. Brown's background, as well as his novel approach to community policing, commitment to enforcing the consent decree, and dedication to repairing the relationship between the police and neighborhood residents will serve the city well. Please join Alderman Dowell in congratulating Mr. Brown on his appointment.
Alderman Dowell Joins Illinois Elected Officials for Tele Town Hall
With current data indicating that black people are being infected and dying from COVID-19 at higher rates than all
other populations, Alderman Dowell joined dozens of other federal, state and local elected officials for a Tele Town Hall on Tuesday, April 7th. The town hall offered a forum to discuss the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our most vulnerable communities across the state and to answer residents most pressing questions about healthcare, resources and assistance.
 Top Box Foods Offering Reduced Price Produce and Meat with No Delivery Fee to South and West Side Residents
Home delivery of fresh produce and meat, chicken, fish and pork available with no delivery fee --
Chicago nonprofit Top Box Foods is doubling down on its commitment to serving those most vulnerable to COVID-19 by quickly adapting their delivery model to bring fresh produce and frozen meats directly to residents' doors on the South and West sides, limiting their exposure to the virus. During this pandemic, Top Box Foods is delivering directly to homes every Tuesday and Friday. Food is offered at up 40% below retail and Top Box Foods takes SNAP in addition to credit cards. There is no delivery fee. To learn more, go to
https://www.topboxfoods.com/cook-county-chicago/shop-boxes.
Chicago Microbusiness Recovery Grant Program
The City of Chicago has established the $5 million Microbusiness Recovery Grant Program to distribute $5,000 grants to up to 1,000 businesses in low-income areas of the city that have been severely impacted by COVID-19. Businesses must have four or fewer employees, less than $250,000 annual income, in business for one year, have seen a 25% decrease in revenue due to COVID-19 and be located in a low- or moderate-income community area in Chicago. A community area map can be found by clicking the application link below.
 CPS Updates on Grading, Graduation Requirements, and Promotion Policy
In recognition of the challenges students and families are facing due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, CPS is
recommending the Board of Education approve a modification to the promotion policy that will advance all elementary students to the next grade level in the fall
. While student work will be graded to allow them to improve or maintain their third quarter grades, no student will receive a fourth quarter grade that falls below their third quarter grade. To ensure students are rewarded for their hard work while also providing flexibility, students will receive either a letter grade, Pass, or Incomplete based on specific outlined in the link below.
High schools will use a modified semester-based grading system that will provide students the opportunity to improve their GPA, which is important for students who are pursuing a post-secondary education. The grading system will also protect the academic standing of students who earn a lower grade in the fourth quarter. The district's revised grading system will now allow students to improve their semester grade in order to earn a letter grade. At the high school level, students will receive either a letter grade, Pass, or Incomplete based on the criteria in the link below.
CHA JobsPlus Program Grant Comes to Dearborn Homes
The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) has received a $2.8 million HUD grant for the JobsPlus program that supports job readiness and connects public housing residents at Dearborn Homes with employment, education and financial empowerment services. HUD'S Regional Administrator Joseph P. Galvan joined CHA and Dearborn Residents for the announcement on February 24. The JobsPlus program is a proven workforce model that improves employment opportunities and, ultimately, the trajectory of residents' lives. A similar grant at Altgeld Gardens was successful, and CHA is looking forward to similar results at Dearborn Homes. The grant will be administered by Center for New Horizons located in the 3rd Ward.
Still Time to Complete the 2020 Census
Every 10 years, the U.S. Constitution requires the government to perform an accurate count, a
census
, of the population. Responding to the
census
matters for political representation, as well as for the distribution of funding for our schools, infrastructure and social service needs. Your answers, by law, are confidential. There is still plenty of time to complete the census! Just go online today
at
www.census.gov
. It only takes 5 minutes and can make a world of difference for our community.
Motor Row Streetscape Construction Started in April
Construction on Michigan Ave. for the Motor Row Streetscape began Monday, April 6th. Variable message boards have been placed on the job site alerting the public of the construction and no parking signs were installed. Additionally, the maintenance of traffic signs and markings were put in place. The construction timeline is as follows. Work on the east side of Michigan Ave. is scheduled between April 6, 2020 and June 20, 2020. The west side of Michigan Ave. is scheduled between June 20, 2020 and October 20, 2020. The rebuilding of the median at 24th Pl. and the installation of community identifiers will occur between October 20, 2020 and November 20, 2020.
Michigan Ave. will remain open throughout construction and access to businesses and residences will always be maintained. Parking will be prohibited in active construction zones and periodically on side streets, with signs to be posted. CTA bus routes will also be maintained, however bus stops may be temporarily relocated as needed.
Weekly updates on the status of the project will be held on
Tuesdays between 10:00 am and
10:20 am
. Currently, these meetings will be held via conference call using the phone numbers provided below. Notification will be sent out once the walk-in meetings can resume at the CDOT field office, 2239 S Michigan Ave, 3rd Floor.
Dial either of the numbers below and enter the Conference ID#
872-810-3297 United States, Chicago (Toll)
877-286-5733 United States (Toll-free)
Conference ID: 776 448 538#
Local Nonprofits Receive Grant Funding from University of Chicago
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Chicago established the South Side COVID-19 Community Support Initiative on March 20th. The financial support for community-based nonprofits - the frontline human service providers in many neighborhoods - is one element of the initiative.
Community-based nonprofits have been uniquely impacted by the pandemic as much-needed funding and support has been paused or eliminated and the populations the organizations serve are disproportionately facing hardships such as joblessness, health issues, and food insecurity.
Organizations that are based in or serve the University's nine neighborhood focus area (Douglas, Grand Boulevard, Greater Grand Crossing, Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, South Shore, Washington Park, and Woodlawn) and are affiliated with the University's
Community Programs Accelerator
were eligible to receive up to $7,500 in grants to cover general operating costs or expenses associated with moving programming online. Awarded funds totaled $400,000. Below is a list of organizations located in the 3rd Ward that were funded through this initiative.
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Name
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Community Area
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Ward
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Address
|
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Affinity Community Services
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Douglas
|
3
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2850 S. Wabash Ave., 108
|
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Ladies of Virtue
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Douglas
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3
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1245 S. Michigan, Suite 149
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Resilience Partners nfp
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Douglas
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3
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4455 South King Drive
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United African Organization
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Douglas
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3
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4910 S King Drive, 1st Floor
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Black Girls Break Bread
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Near South Side
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3
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1322 S. Prairie Avenue
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Chicago KICS Foundation
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Near South Side
|
3
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2008 S. Prairie Ave.
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Forward Momentum
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Near South Side
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3
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1530 S. State Street, Unit G-01
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LINK Unlimited Scholars
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Near South Side
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3
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2221 S. State Street
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CPS Releases 2020-21 School Budgets
On Tuesday, April 28th, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) released their annual school budgets for the 2020-21 school year. Overall, citywide school budgets increased by more than $125 million. This includes an additional $97 million for special education, $44 million for Equity Grants to support high-need schools, $18 million to expand access to free full-day Pre-K, $13 million to increase nurse and social worker staffing levels, and $5 million to provide students at neighborhood schools with programs that promote college and career readiness. CPS' full operating budget will be released this summer.
These strategic investments were made by incorporating feedback provided through an extensive community engagement process, that culminated in six community budget forums and the creation of a School Funding Working Group. The working group's report can be found
here
. For a detailed look at CPS 2020-21 School Budget and further explanation about the new investments included in the budget, please click here.
 Service Upgrades Coming to 35th St. and State St. Starbucks
The Starbucks on the corner of 35th St. and State St. will reopen with a new way to serve customers. Starting in May, the new service format will have customers use an entryway hand-off for orders and pickup. With this new service style, Starbucks will ensure that they meet all jurisdictional mandates, establish space for physical distancing of customers and serve expected volume while ensuring barista physical distancing/staff limits.
Safe Running Guidelines from CARA
The Chicago Area Runners Association has put together the following information help runners practice safe running guidelines.
The Chicago Area Runners Association, CARA, is a non-profit organization committed to serving and advocating for the local running community. CARA is Chicagoland's running club, providing accessible opportunities for all runners to train, race, learn, be social and volunteer. With over 11,000 members, CARA is the nation's third-largest local running organization.
3rd Ward Resurfacing Project - W. 51st St. (S. Halsted St. to S. Lowe Ave.)
Alderman Dowell and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) would like to inform you of an upcoming resurfacing project on W. 51st St. from S. Halsted St. to S. Lowe Ave. This street is part of CDOT's Arterial Street Resurfacing program in the 3rd Ward.
Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 pending clearance from and coordination with existing utilities and weather permitting. MAT Construction is the general contractor for this project with Ardmore Roderick providing Resident Engineering services for CDOT.
The work will include ADA sidewalk improvements, curb and gutter removal and replacement as needed for ADA and drainage compliance, milling the existing asphalt pavement, asphalt paving, landscaping and striping.
During construction, temporary "No Parking" signs will be periodically installed as required for each activity listed above. These temporary signs will restrict parking during working hours, while adhering to rush hour restrictions, for the completion of the work. All work on this corridor is scheduled to be completed by August 31, 2020.
State St. Subway Construction Activity Notice
Starting May 1st and continuing through May 4th, from 11:00 pm to 4:00 am, the CTA will be working on the Roosevelt Red Line in an effort to rehabilitate the State St. subway. Work will force the station to be temporarily closed during those dates and times. 13th St. will be closed between State St. and Wabash Ave. for the duration of the work. There will be curb/parking lane restrictions at the street level while the work is being performed. There will be some noise and dust, as well as truck and construction equipment traffic. To receive emails or text messages regarding a specific CTA bus/rail route, please sign up for CTA updates at
www.transitchicago.com/updates.
39th and Indiana Green Line Station Survey
The Advanced Energy Group is taking a survey to help the City of Chicago and CTA explore ways to improve service at the 39th/Indiana Green Line station. Please share your opinion by taking a moment to complete this brief Green Line Ridership Survey. Rider opinions are helpful to improve service throughout the system. Also, using Rapid Transit helps Chicago to meet its climate change goals. All of these questions are about your CTA riding experiences before the COVID-19 pandemic. We understand that everyone has been using public transportation less during the current shutdowns. Click here to take the survey.
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Important Announcements
South Loop Event Parking Restrictions
Parking restrictions are in place for the South Loop from Roosevelt Road to Cermak Rd. from Lake Shore Drive to Clark St. during all Chicago Bears football games and many other Soldier Field events.
Wintrust Arena events have been removed from the parking restrictions. Vehicles parked in the South Loop without a valid South Loop Event Parking Pass, South Loop Event Guest Pass or Residential Permit Parking pass (for Residential Permit Parking Streets ONLY) are subject to ticketing or towing.
For a complete list of Soldier Field events, please visit
www.SoldierField.net/event. The 3rd Ward is providing the list below as a courtesy to residents and visitors and does not assume liability for the accuracy of the monthly list of South Loop events. All Soldier Field events are subject to change, including cancellation or the scheduling of additional events. It is your responsibility to adhere to the parking restrictions in place.
Events Postponed Until Further Notice
(As of April 1, 2020)
Sunday Meal Distribution
The YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago, in partnership with the University of Chicago and the Greater Chicago Food Depository is offering Sunday Meal Distribution every Sunday from noon until 1:00 pm at the YWCA Laura Parks & Mildred Francis Center (6600 S. Cottage Grove Ave.). Drive up services are available to ensure proper social distancing.
Illinois Humanities COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grants
Illinois Humanities is a Chicago-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established in 1974 to ensure that the humanities are accessible to people in all corners of the state.
Through COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grants, Illinois Humanities is supporting humanities and cultural nonprofits throughout Illinois. While the first of three rounds of grants were available only to organizations located outside of Chicago, the next two rounds will be available to organizations in Chicago and throughout the state.
New Funds Available Beginning April 27th! As the state affiliate for the National Endowment for the Humanities, Illinois Humanities are actively involved in making CARES Act relief funding available. Illinois Humanities will make $635,000 in relief grants available through two upcoming rounds.
The funds will provide general operating support grants, program grants, and project grants to organizations across Illinois with operating budgets up to $1.5 million. For complete details see
ilhumanities.org/ReliefGrants
.
Money Mondays with Melissa
Confused by all the conflicting information on how to make and manage money during COVID-19? Tune in to Money Mondays with Melissa for resources and financial tips. Hosted by City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin with special guests Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Amanda Carney, Co-Founder and President of Working Credit. Register at https://moneymondaymay4.eventbrite.com.
Where: Virtual
When: Monday, May 4th at noon
Home Buyer Education Webinar
Learn about the home buying process such as the basics of budgeting, improving credit, understanding the closing process and down payment assistance programs.
This is an online course taught by a live instructor via Zoom. To register click here.
*NOTE: This is an eight-hour course delivered in four 2-hour sessions: May 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th.
Where: Virtual
When: Thursday, May 7th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm or Saturday, May 9th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Grown Folks Stories: Virtual Edition
Social Distancing? Nah, we're going to do some Physical Distancing though! Now more than ever, we are going to keep our community strong, vibrant and connected by using technology to share our stories. Join us for two hours of five minute stories that range from the hilarious to the absolutely somber. There is no theme, no judging, no poetry, no readings. It's storytelling that you've never experienced before. Free and open to the public. Age 18+.
RSVP and Share:
Facebook.
Where: Virtual
When: Thursday, May 21st from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Arts + Public Life Accepting Applications for Summer 2020 Paid Youth Arts Education Programs
Arts + Public Life (APL), in partnership with After School Matters, offers free design/build, performance, backstage production and arts administration programs for area teens interested in learning more about the arts, developing leadership skills, positively impacting the community, connecting with peers with similar interests, and earning a paid stipend. Applications for the Design Apprenticeship Program (DAP), Community Actors Program (CAP), and Teen Arts Council (TAC) are now open on the After School Matters website. The summer session will run from July 6 - August 13, 2020.
Learn more about APL's Youth Education Programs
Link to Apply (After School Matters website)
Artist Position Opening with Arts + Public Life
The APL Education Department offers in-depth programs that cultivate local teens' creative identity, social development, and leadership growth while motivating them to make a positive difference in their community through the arts. DAP Teaching Artists duties and responsibilities including: leading youth in arts curriculum based in woodworking + design that follows the core pedagogy and values of APL; experience in woodworking, design, art, and/or architecture; 10-15 hours weekly (evening and Saturday hours). This position is offered as a temporary, part-time, non-benefits eligible role that is limited to 1 year or 1000 hours, whichever comes first.
Read the entire job description and desired qualifications
Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to
jhinojosa1@uchicago.edu
. Include in the subject line of your email the title of the position in which you are applying.
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Third Ward Stars
Huge 3rd Ward
THANK YOU to everyone who donated to our residents during the pandemic, including:
Sonat Birnecker Hart, Kamau Murray and XS Tennis Village, Sean Tenner of KMI Communications, John Kim of City Sports, Mother Josephine Wade, Eli Washington, HoJo Family Assistance Program, Abed Ayesh, Keeley Food Service, Sandy Dyer, Pastor Earl Grandberry, ADG. Center for New Horizons, Dr. Willie Wilson Foundation, Chicken and Waffles, and Kristin Komorowski.
In addition, thanks to ChanceLight Education, John Scott/Bronzeville Salon Suites, and Eric Dantzler for providing Engine 16 firefighters with a hearty lunch!
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May CAPS
Attending and participating in the Chicago Police's Community Policing Program (CAPS) is one of the best ways to address crime and quality of life issues in your neighborhood. By attending CAPS meetings, you can share important information with the police that will assist them in making arrests and preventing crime as well as receive valuable information about resources that promote homeowner and community safety. Visit
www.chicagopolice.org
to find out what district you live in and click on each district title to learn more about what is happening in your neighborhood.
CAPS Meetings Postponed Until Further Notice
(As of April 1, 2020)
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