33RD WARD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - FEBRUARY 20, 2026 |
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Translate // Traducir // 번역하다 |
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Dear 33rd Ward Community,
I am so excited to share with you all our office’s “2025 Year In Review” annual report! The past year has presented many challenging moments for our communities, which have served to bring us closer together. Thank you for another powerful year of working with me and the ward office to care for each other, and to preserve the vibrant community we call home.
This year we worked alongside our community to provide resources to our neighbors in need, organized to resist ICE and the Trump administration’s attacks on our community, and advanced many policy and infrastructure priorities to keep our community safe and healthy. We did so many incredible things together last year, but we would like to highlight the following: Hosting two “Resisting ICE” community assemblies at Roosevelt High School, which brought together hundreds of community members to protect each other Expansion of the Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement (CARE) Program as part of the Treatment Not Trauma campaign Groundbreaking of Jigzibik Affordable Housing Food distribution events to provide hot meals to neighbors and seniors Daily community watch and walking-school bus efforts Daily constituent service delivery Business canvassing with Know Your Rights information Hosting a Small Business Resource and Networking Fair Maintaining our office as a drop-in shelter for our unhoused neighbors
You can read the full report on our website: www.33rdward.org |
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I also want to send two notices this week: The snow and ice are melting! As we eagerly await Spring, the melting of the snow has exposed a whole winter’s-worth of trash, debris, and yard waste. You can report any major debris or trash collection issues to 3-1-1 or give our ward office a call for assistance.
We also appreciate all of the outreach we are receiving about neighbors wanting supplies to start helping to clean up. If you are in need of large trash bags or trash grabbers, please do reach out.
Street Sweeping season will officially begin on April 1st. Our Ward Superintendent will be providing updated sweeping schedules and maps before the start of the season on April 1. Stay tuned for that update.
I also want to send a reminder that the final day to vote for this year’s Participatory Budgeting is March 2. I hope you make time to vote before then! You can learn more about PB33 and access the online ballot by clicking here. We also have paper ballots at the 33rd Ward Office that can be filled out during business hours. You can visit us at your convenience to fill out your ballot.
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I encourage you to please contact my office should you need any support, we are here to help. Our community has also organized many amazing events and opportunities for us to be together. Please review the remainder of this newsletter to learn more.
Thank you for doing this work with me. |
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In solidarity, Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez 33rd Ward Alderperson |
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Local Mutual Aid, Donation Drives, and Food Distribution 2025 Mutual Aid Map | NRC Albany Park Map | 33rd Ward Map |
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Free Vaccination Clinics through CDPH: learn more |
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33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION |
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Address: 4747 N Sawyer Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 10am - 5pm; Friday 10am - 4pm Phone: 773-840-7880 www.33rdward.org / Connect with us and access resources by clicking here. |
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Event details are listed in the newsletter below. February 21 - Lunar New Year Celebration at HANA Center, 11am - 2pm February 23 — Senator Guzman’s Legislative Townhall Series (Virtual), 6-7pm, Register February 23 — Neighbor Night at the 33rd Ward Office; Appointments available by email at info@33rdward.org from 4:30-5:30pm; Ward Office Open House at 5:30pm February 26 — Community Choice Awards Celebration, 6-9pm, 2951 W Montrose
March 2 — Final Day to Vote in the 33rd Ward Participatory Budgeting! - Vote March 2 — Early Voting at Ward Locations begins - Learn More and Register March 9 — Neighbor Night at the 33rd Ward Office; Appointments available by email at info@33rdward.org from 4:30-5:30pm; Ward Office Open House at 5:30pm March 17 — Voting Day for the Democratic Primaries - Register
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New SNAP Rules - Starting February 1, 2026
Starting February 1, recipients between the ages of 18 and 54 who do not have dependents under the age of 14 will be required to work or volunteer a minimum of 80 hours per month (an average of 20 hours each week) or participate in certain training or education programs to receive SNAP benefits. There are also some limited exemptions.
SNAP recipients can check if they are subject to, are meeting, or may be eligible to seek an exemption from work requirements using the ABE: SNAP Work Requirements screener. Those who do not meet, or who are not exempt from work requirements, may only get SNAP for a total of three months across a three-year period of time.
If you currently receive SNAP benefits, do not meet new requirements, and do not qualify for exemptions, your benefits will expire by May 1, 2026 at the end of the permitted 3-month period. At which point you must comply with new requirements, or your access to SNAP benefits will not be permitted for the mandated period of 3 years.
Effective April 1, 2026 some immigrant neighbors who previously qualified for SNAP benefits are no longer eligible for SNAP. That includes refugees, asylum seekers, and certain human trafficking victims, among others. You can learn more through the this City of Chicago website here.
SNAP participants should visit snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov for the most up-to-date information and to find food locally. If you are a current SNAP participant and need immediate food assistance: Call 2-1-1 Use the Greater Chicago Food Depository and its Partners' Find Food Locator, the We Got You Illinois Find Food Locator or dial (773) 247-3663 to find a food pantry or food distribution site near you.
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Provide Feedback to 5 Year Homelessness PlanThe Chicago City Council Committee on Housing and Real Estate met to receive a presentation by our Chief Homelessness Officer regarding the city’s new “Five-year Blueprint on Homelessness.” This plan envisions a future for Chicago in which homelessness is rare, brief, and nonrecurring, and in which responses are rooted in compassion and dignity.
Recent shifts in federal policy underscore how urgently Chicago needs a coordinated, locally anchored, solutions-oriented strategy to overcome homelessness. Funding threats place long-standing housing programs and the stability of thousands of residents at direct risk. Chicago must continue investing in what works like, permanent housing, proactive homelessness prevention, integrated health and behavioral health care, and strong coordination across support systems. You can read the full report, get involved, and offer commentary and feedback by clicking here. |
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Chicago Parks District Citywide Participatory BudgetingThe Chicago Parks District is collecting ideas for park improvements now through March 31st. Residents will be able to vote on the ideas later this year in the district’s new participatory budgeting program, where residents get a direct say in how parts of the parks budget are spent.
Community members are invited to learn more about the PB process during two virtual information sessions: February 3rd at 6 p.m. Click here to register. |
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People's Gas Rate Hike Petition People’s Gas recently proposed a $202 million rate hike (about a $120 increase per household per year) to fund further investment in fossil fuel infrastructure. The Illinois Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) Education Fund is running a petition and collecting testimonials to oppose the rate hike. |
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Immigrant Rights and Deportation Defense Resources: If you see immigration enforcement or suspect immigration enforcement, first call the Family Support Network (FSN) at 855-435-7693. We encourage you to save this number in your phone. Sign up for the ICE Alert System: bit.ly/ILEyesOnICE Follow our local rapid response social media: @northwestsiderrt on Instagram 33rd Ward Resource Page at www.33rdward.org/immigration-resources
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VOLUNTEER WITH THE WARD OFFICE |
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Volunteer with the 33rd Ward OfficeJoin us in strengthening our community! We are excited to offer a range of community engagement opportunities with our office. Whether you’re passionate about connecting neighbors or eager to make a positive impact, we’d love for you to volunteer with us. Help us build bridges and foster a stronger, more connected community. Your involvement can make a real difference.
Our office maintains several programs for neighbors to come together to care for each other and to learn about resources available to our communities. You can sign up to volunteer with our office by filling out our volunteer form by clicking here. |
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Neighbor NightNext Neighbor Night: Monday, February 23 at 4747 N Sawyer Ave
Upcoming: Monday, March 9
Join the 33rd Ward Office for our upcoming Neighbor Night hosted at our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. Neighbor Nights offer appointments with the Alderperson between 4:30-5:30pm by appointment only. Call or email our office for an appointment at 773-840-7880 or info@33rdward.org. Beginning at 5:30 we will have a ward office open house. All are welcome to join.
The Neighbor Nights are an effort by the 33rd Ward Office to create opportunities for organizations in our ward to teach neighbors about their work and help people get involved. Meetings with the alderwoman are available by appointment only by emailing info@33rdward.org. |
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Participatory Budgeting - Voting Open Through March 2!We are excited to announce that the voting for this year’s PB ballot is now open! Our deep gratitude goes out to the dozens of neighbors that helped us through the past several months to produce this thoughtful and detailed ballot!
You can vote online at our website, www.33rdward.org/VotePB, or by visiting our office during business hours to fill out a paper ballot. Help us spread the word! |
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Community Driven Zoning and Development
Please follow our Facebook and other social media accounts for the most up to date notices on public meetings and input surveys regarding zoning changes in the ward. You can also regularly check our Zoning page on our website by clicking here. |
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Current Proposals in Review3446 W Irving Park – Project Website Status: Community Review Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: B3-1 to B2-3 |
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INFRASTRUCTURE ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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ChiStreetWorksWondering what construction is taking place near you? Try the ChiStreetWork tool which allows you to view all the construction work happening anywhere in Chicago. The ChiStreetWork tool allows you to view all the active and permitted construction work taking place near you. You are also able to opt into updates to receive real-time notifications related to construction work. |
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ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES |
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Ring Camera RefundsPeople are returning Ring cameras over mass surveillance concerns after Ring began partnering with firms looking to use camera footage for immigration enforcement. Ring camera owners have been able to successfully request refunds on cameras, even if they were purchased several years ago. |
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Lutheran Social Services Mobile Crisis Response TeamExperiencing a mental health crisis? Be prepared in case you or someone you know needs immediate support. LSSI’s Mobile Crisis Team offers free, confidential help 24/7 and can come to you anywhere on Chicago’s north and northwest sides. Call 833-610-5774 (press 1) to speak with a trained professional who can help guide next steps. |
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Senator Graciela Guzman’s Legislative Townhall Series (Virtual)The last Monday of every month, from 6-7pm Upcoming Dates: February 23, March 30, April 27, May 25 Register for Zoom Link
State Senator Graciela Guzman's monthly legislative town halls are back! Her team will be hosting these meetings every last Monday of the month from now until May. Join them from 6-7 via Zoom to hear what they are up to in Springfield, express your opinions, and work to shape the future of our state. *Spanish Translation Available* |
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Lunar New Year CelebrationSaturday, February 21, 11am - 2pm HANA Center, 4300 N California Ave RSVP
Join HANA's 2026 Lunar New Year Celebration on February 21 and help us ring in the Year of the Fire Horse! This fun, family-friendly gathering is one of our most beloved community events. Don't miss performances, hands-on cultural activities, delicious Korean finger foods, and more. Festive traditional attire, like hanbok, is encouraged. |
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Gather Together Free Meal Neighbors cooking and eating together each 2nd Friday 5:30pm - 7:00pm Located in Christ Lutheran Church basement, 4541 N Spaulding |
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Cleveland Elementary - Glow PartyFebruary 27 from 5:30-7:30pm Ticket Presale begins on February 1. Order Tickets Here. |
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Our 33rd Ward Office maintains resources pages on our website as a helpful starting point for anyone that needs support. We are also available by phone call or email to help you explore any options that work best for you.
If for any reason our office is unavailable, please call 2-1-1 or visit www.211metrochicago.org. 2-1-1 is a hotline that is staffed 24/7 by trained resources navigators to help you find information and programs related to a wide variety of needs including utility billing relief and housing assistance. |
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Albany Park Mutual Aid - Free StoreLocated at 3000 W. Lawrence
Hours: Mondays 5-9pm, Wednesdays 5-9pm, Saturdays 12-4pm
You can learn more about Albany Park Mutual Aid, support their work, or find help at www.albanyparkmutualaid.com. |
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The 33rd Ward Office Has a Notary on Staff
If you are in need of notary services, our team is happy to help. Please reach out to info@33rdward.org or give us a call at 773-840-7880 to set up an appointment. |
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Free Narcan and Drug Test Strips Available at Our Ward Office
They are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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Free Gun Safety Locks Available at Our Ward OfficeLocks are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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Connect with our local Chamber of CommerceSign up for the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce newsletter by clicking here. |
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Connect with our local schoolsConnect with our local schools by accessing a list of schools on our website by clicking here. |
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Monthly Newsletter for “Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and Supporters”We are happy to feature the following community-managed resources guides for service members, veterans, their families, and supporters including events and services for veterans in Chicago and surrounding municipalities. Please email: dbmontoya12@yahoo.com to be added to their monthly emails. You can view this month’s updates, a calendar, and fliers by clicking here. |
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Meet our 33rd Ward Office Staff Veronica Tirado-Mercado, Chief of Staff John Cruz Barcenas, Deputy Chief of Staff Jonathan Nagy, Director of Communications and Policy Rebecca Rios, Director of Infrastructure and Zoning Abraham Espino, Neighborhood and Business Services Coordinator Camila Garcia, Neighborhood Services Intake Coordinator Ariana Aguilar, Neighborhood Services Representative Eric Ramos, Ward Superintendent
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