Eviction Moratorium Ends:
Resources and Announcements
The State Eviction Moratorium officially ended Sunday, October 3. The Illinois Housing Development Authority has reported that they have reviewed all tenant led applications for the Illinois Rental Payment Program (ILRPP) and applicants should have received an email as to their application status. The department will be announcing a new round of rental assistance and mortgage assistance funding before the end of the year. For those that were not able to submit an application for this round of rental assistance, applications are currently open through the Illinois Department of Human Services' rental assistance fund.

Local government agencies and departments have legal and financial support available to help you stay in your home. Visit chicago.gov/eviction for information on City resources and see the flyer below.

Next week, the Chicago Department of Housing will launch a court-based rental assistance program, an offshoot of the city's Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), which will serve as a safety-net of last resort for tenants and landlords in eviction court who have either applied for assistance but have not yet received help (their applications will be expedited) or who have not yet applied (applications will be created for them if eligible).

On Monday, we hosted a Know Your Rights Webinar along with Alders Harry Osterman and Maria Hadden and Senator Mike Simmons in partnership with Lawyer's Committee for Better Housing, and Housing Action Illinois,

Due to the Facebook outage Monday, we were unable to live stream the event, but a recording of the presentation is available on our website and YouTube channel here. Please reach out to our office if you need assistance with rental or mortgage relief. We will continue to provide updates on programs and new assistance as they become available.
Rental Assistance:
Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing Helping Now
The Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing is offering assistance to help you obtain rental assistance if you are in need. For more information on eligibility and how to reach them, see their flyer below.
Violence Prevention Grant Applications Now Open
The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority is requesting proposals for Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention (CBVIP) grants. A total of $3,833,00 in funding is available for a comprehensive array of community-based violence prevention and intervention services. This Notice of Funding Opportunity will have two tracks. The first will be directed statewide to smaller (operating budget of $3,00,000 or less) and localized, community-based organizations. The second track will be directed to agencies with expertise in providing training and technical assistance on trauma informed and restorative justice practices and implementation. Track One applicants may request a minimum of $50,000 and a maximum of $200,000 in grant funding. Track Two applicants may request a minimum of $100,000 and a maximum of $125,000.

The deadline to submit applications is November 1, 2021, 4:59 p.m.

For more information on how to apply, visit here.
Guest Column on Medical Forensic Exams
by Howard Brown Health
Last year, Governor Pritzker signed legislation led by Representative Cassidy allowing federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), like Howard Brown, to perform medical forensic exams (MFEs) for survivors of sexual assault. Previously, only hospitals could administer this crucial service. Howard Brown has seen firsthand how this legislation has expanded access to MFEs, especially for the marginalized communities that we serve.

LGBTQ people are disproportionately burdened by sexual violence, and also face widespread discrimination in accessing medical and social support services for survivors. Howard Brown’s In Power Program works to address these issues by creating a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ people to access sexual assault services, including MFEs. Our MFE patients would not have accessed this critical service if Howard Brown did not provide it, due to concerns of being misunderstood or mistreated in another healthcare setting. Like Howard Brown, other FQHCs are trusted sources of care for marginalized populations—including BIPOC communities, low-income people, and undocumented people—and could expand access to MFEs for all these populations. 

It is difficult enough for survivors to undergo a MFE, let alone in an environment where they feel uncomfortable and unsafe. All survivors deserve to be able to access MFEs without fear of experiencing discrimination or mistreatment. Unfortunately, the provision allowing FQHCs to provide MFEs currently expires on December 31st, 2021. This sunset date needs to be removed in order to ensure that all survivors of sexual harm have access to the comprehensive and affirming services that they need to heal and to thrive. Working with Representative Cassidy, the office of Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, and sexual assault advocates, we are hopeful that the sunset will be removed in the upcoming Veto Session, allowing HBHC and other FQHC’s to expand this crucial services to the most vulnerable marginalized communities.
Illinois Environmental Council Scorecard
I am very excited and honored to have received a 100% score on the Illinois Environmental Council's 2021 Environmental Scorecard. The 2021 Legislative Environmental Scorecard includes 16 legislative measures.

Some from this year’s Scorecard include:
  • SB2408: Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA):
This historic legislation leads the nation on comprehensive and equitable climate action. CEJA meaningfully addresses the climate crisis by leading Illinois to a 100% clean energy future, while creating equitable, good-paying jobs across the state, and enacting tough utility accountability measures.
  • HB3739: Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act:
For the first time in history, every municipality in Illinois will be required to develop and execute a plan that inventories, removes and replaces all lead service lines while prioritizing replacement in our most vulnerable communities. There was strong bipartisan support for this proposal following a years-long fight to pass this legislation. Illinois is now the second state in the nation to require lead service line replacement.
  • HB253: Performance-Planning for Transportation:
This bill requires the Illinois Department of Transportation to establish and implement a transportation performance program for all transportation facilities and project selection processes. This will be a significant step forward in transportation infrastructure planning.

I am proud of the progress we have made this year on environmental issues and will continue to fight for legislation such as this.
Wild Onion Market Happy Hour Event
Wild Onion Market is hosting a Happy Hour Rooftop Farm Party today. Enjoy a night of organic rooftop farm mingling with Wild Onion Market Owners and potential Owners while enjoying complimentary beer tastings and small bites. If you stay for dinner, you will receive 20% off when you mention Wild Onion Market. You can make a dinner reservation here.

Date: Wednesday, October 6
Time: 5:30 - 7:30pm
Location: Uncommon Ground, 1401 W Devon
Last Thursday Night Market This Week
Downtown Evanston will be hosting their last Thursday Night Market of the season this Thursday, October 14 in Fountain Square from 1-4pm. See flyer below for more details.
Disability Lead is Seeking Positive Disruptors!
Are you an emerging leader with a disability in the Chicagoland area looking to expand your leadership potential while exploring disability identity and civic engagement? Apply for Disability Lead’s 2022 Institute now! Institute Fellows increase their leadership skills during a one-of-a-kind year-long training program that consists of transformative monthly sessions, compelling panel discussions with local and national disability leaders, and engaging networking events.
 
The deadline is October 8. Learn more and apply now: https://www.disabilitylead.org/apply
48th Ward Vaccine Clinic Event
On Tuesday, October 12, from 10am-2pm the 48th Ward will be hosting a vaccine clinic to provide both COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

The event is being held at St. Ita's Church (Jubilee Hall), 5500 N. Broadway. Please wear a face mask and bring an insurance card if you have one. Uninsured neighbors will receive their flu shot/COVID vaccine at no cost.


For more information, call the 48th Ward Office at 773-784-5277
Community Climate Celebration
Join us for the Community Climate Celebration. To thank our community for your hard work to pass the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, we will be celebrating at this event with activities including games, music and a food truck. See the flyer below for more information.

Date: Wednesday, October 13th
Time: 5-6:30pm
Location: Northcenter Town Square
Upcoming Shred Event
We are hosting a shred event Friday, October 15. Bring documents with personal information to be disposed of safely. For more information, see the flyer below.

We also need volunteers to make this event run smoothly. Fill out this form if you are interested in helping out!
Hamdard Health Boo to the Flu Fest
Hamdard Health is hosting a Boo to the Flu Fest. They will be providing annual flu shots as well as fun activities such as pumpkin painting, a photobooth, and a costume contest with a grand prize for the winner. You can also RSVP and receive a free pumpkin. For more information, see the flyer below.
Announcing the Winner of Our Parkway Contest!!
Voting has closed for our Perfect Parkway Pic-Off Contest and we are ready to announce the winners!

Congratulations to...

Andrew Lewis
First Place - Residential
Renee Patten
Second Place - Residential
Ashley Plantz
First Place - Condo/Businesses
Belinda Cunneen
Second Place - Condo/Businesses
Thank you to all those that participated, voted, and to those who keep our district beautiful! We are very thankful to have neighbors like you!
Northside Call to Action to Support Black, Brown & LGBTQI+ Youth
The deadline for the Northside Call to Action drive has been extended! Our office is serving as a drop off location in partnership with Alderman Osterman, Senator Simmons as well as other elected officials and organizations on the northside.

Drop off at our office: 5533 N Broadway Ave. Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Northside Afghan Refugee Welcome Kit Drive
Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy
State Representative, 14th District

Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

5533 N Broadway

Chicago IL 60640
773-784-2002(phone)
773-784-2060(fax)