Our office, along with several members of the House Democratic Women’s Caucus and others, has launched a Dignity Drive for the inmates at Logan Women’s Prison.
When people arrive at Logan and our other prisons, they are issued 2 pairs of underwear and 2 pairs of socks. Under typical circumstances, once they’ve been able to start to earn money for commissary purchases, they can purchase replacements. But these are not typical circumstances. Not only is it outrageous to expect 2 pairs of underwear to be sufficient, beyond how long it takes to earn enough money to buy from the commissary at inflated prices, now supply chain issues and procurement challenges have made it impossible to get some of the most essential items.
Please join us in purchasing clean underwear, bras, and socks for the residents of Logan Correctional Center by clicking here. The easiest way is to use this wish list, which will be shipped directly to the warden for distribution. If you’d prefer to donate items directly, you’re welcome to purchase items for drop-off at our office, but it’s important that the items comply with regulations (no thongs and no brand names or patterns). Please only provide:
- White socks (any style)
- White underwear
- White or off-white sports bras (no underwire)
We’ll deliver the items once the drive is complete
When your shopping is complete, please join us in supporting House Bill 4218 sponsored by my colleague Barbara Hernandez. This bill will require prisons and jails to supply menstrual products free of charge to all in both prisons and county jails, and will additionally define underwear as a menstrual product to ensure that people are able to maintain good hygiene.
I am constantly blown away by the generosity of our community in providing support for our various supply drives. Thank you for always showing the amazing spirit of community in the 14th district and beyond.
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Thank you to everyone who donated to our Annual Fall Coat Drive. My office is full of coats and winter supplies of all sizes! We really appreciate our community coming together to help our vulnerable neighbors as the weather gets colder. Any last-minute donations are still welcome! |
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The Omicron variant has officially arrived in Chicago. Health officials in Illinois reported the state's first case on Tuesday. The infected Chicagoan has been self-isolating and did not require hospitalization. This resident was vaccinated and had already received a booster upon contracting the variant. The vaccine and booster have played a major factor in ensuring this individual did not die or face severe symptoms.
Chicago Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady and other city health officials have been preparing for the variant through contact tracing and case investigation for individuals whom they know of had an exposure.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health Dr. Ngozi Ezike, "Public health experts and scientists worldwide continue to study the newest variant, Omicron, to determine if it spreads more easily, causes more severe illness, and how effective the current vaccines are against it." The variant has now been detected in at least 20 states. I urge you all to stay protected.
Get vaccinated. Get a booster. Get tested. Wear a mask indoors.
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To find a vaccine clinic within the City of Chicago click here.
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Residents of Chicago ages 12 and up are now eligible to be vaccinated at home. Up to 10 people can be vaccinated at a time, so multiple family members, friends, or neighbors can be vaccinated together for convenience. Anyone who gets vaccinated through the City's At Home program is eligible to receive a $100 Visa gift card.
To schedule a home vaccination appointment, call 312-746-4835 or visit chicago.gov/athome.
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COVID-19 Count as of Friday, December 10th:
Statewide Totals: 1,884,744 confirmed cases, 26,801 deaths, and 40,810,633 tests performed
If you have questions related to COVID-19 you can contact the
Illinois Department of Public Health:
Hotline: 800-889-3931
Email: dph.sick@illinois.gov
City of Chicago's Department of Public Health:
Hotline: 312-746-4835
Email: coronavirus@chicago.gov
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The Illinois Department of Human Services has partnered with community-based behavioral health clinics for the purpose of providing free and confidential counseling sessions for Illinois residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic. For more info click here.
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New Water Bill Assistance Program |
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Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced a new program that will provide assistance to low-income families who have challenges with utility bill payments.
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) contains $42 million that is available to help residents who need help with their water and sewage bill payments. This program is designed to help avoid utility shut-offs. Every Illinois resident deserves a livable home and I believe this program seeks to assist in that human right.
Eligible applicants can visit DCEO’s website helpillinoisfamilies.com to fill out a request for service form, can contact the hotline at 1-833-711-0374, or may visit any one of 34 Community Action Agencies located statewide
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First Installment Tax Year Bills Posted |
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The Cook County Treasurer's Office has posted the First Installment Tax Year 2021 bills on cookcountytreasurer.com. The First Installment, which is 55 percent of the previous year's total tax, is due March 1, 2022. You can read their new release here or see it attached above.
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IL Rental Payment Program Now Open |
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Applications for the Illinois Housing Development Authority's (IHDA) second round of the Illinois Rental Payment Program are now open! The deadline to turn in your applications is Sunday, January 9th.
Applicants are eligible for up to 15 months of assistance. The grant can cover the past due rent from the previous 12 months and future rental assistance for the next three months if deemed necessary. The maximum grant amount is $25,000. The emergency rental assistance is provided by the Federal government and is free to tenants and housing providers. If approved, the grant will be paid to the housing provider in the form of a check.
You may find more program information including grant information, eligibility requirements, FAQs, and other resources by clicking the link below. You can also see the attached flyer.
Feel free to contact my district office for assistance by calling 773-784-2002.
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Lawyers Committee for Better Housing Rental Assistance Information |
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Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing (LCBH) is the only non-profit law firm in the Chicago area that focuses solely on low and moderate- income renters in the private housing market. LCBH empowers truly disadvantaged renters, prevents wrongful eviction, and fights sub-standard living conditions to ensure all our Chicago neighbors can have a safe and decent place to live. |
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Health Insurance Open Enrollment |
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Open Enrollment is currently underway for the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace and continues through January 15, 2022. However, you should enroll in a health plan by December 15 in order to have coverage beginning January 1, 2022.
Open enrollment allows you to purchase marketplace plans and start 2022 with health coverage and peace of mind. Additionally, with the passage of the American Rescue Plan in March 2021 there are even more savings available for people seeking coverage through the Marketplace.
For more information on the ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment Period, visit Get Covered Illinois and see the flyer below.
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Northside North Pole Holiday Pop-Up Market |
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The market continues for two more weeks, running Thursday through Sunday with a final market day on Sunday, December 19th. Vendors rotate frequently so there is always a new item to check out each time you stop in! Come visit with local artists, makers, and businesses and check out their wares!
For more info click here.
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Live Love Shop Rogers Park Rebate Program |
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RPBA kicked off their Live Love Shop holiday rebate program this weekend. Save your receipts as you shop through Rogers Park all month long.
Spend $150 or more in receipts from at least 4 different INDEPENDENTLY- OWNED businesses within Rogers Park and you will receive a $50 rebate.
Spend $200 or more and you will receive a $75 rebate.
For more information, rules & details on boundaries, click here.
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This weekend at Horseplay by Charmers artists Jess, Doom Willow and Windy City Wildflowers will be in store for a popup. Stop by and get all your holiday shopping done while supporting local artists and a local Rogers Park small business. Horseplay is located directly across the street from Charmers Cafe. |
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Holiday Movie Night at Jarvis Square |
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On Sunday, December 12 at 6 pm, R Public House in partnership with the Rogers Park Business Alliance will be streaming the classic "Christmas Vacation." Please continue to support all the local small businesses while you are out and most especially order a nice warm drink and meal at R Public House while you watch.
The movie will begin at 6 pm outside. For more information, visit RPBA's website.
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Holidays in Andersonville St. Lucia Day |
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Celebrate St. Lucia Day in Andersonville with the Swedish American Museum. This year the celebration will start with a candle-lit procession from the Swedish American Museum to the Andersonville Winter Market on Catalpa Avenue. The performance will then take place in front of the Christmas tree at the Andersonville Winter Market. The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is also looking for volunteers, please click here to be directed to volunteers sign up.
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Raise Your Hand Hosting Information Workshop December 15 |
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Our neighborhood schools are key assets that we must continue to support. A critical way you can provide support is by joining your school's local school council (LSC). You can leave a direct impact within our communities that could have a lasting impact for generations by taking part in an LSC. Join Raise Your Hand for their LSC 101 workshop this December 15th at 6:30 PM. Link to register: ilraiseyourhand.org/events
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Carjacking Prevention Tips |
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Our city continues to see an increase in carjackings. Times are tough and people are facing desperate situations. We must continue to explore ways to solve long systemic issues that have created the conditions we are in.
However, I wish to pass on these tips to help limit the chance of any of you facing a scary moment that could put your life in danger. A moment that I wish upon no one. Being a victim of a loss of property is an immeasurable loss that cannot be simply explained by a dollar amount.
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Sincerely,
Kelly Cassidy
State Representative, 14th District
Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy
5533 N Broadway
Chicago IL 60640
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773-784-2002(phone)
773-784-2060(fax)
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