Storm Updates: Reporting Down Power Lines and Debris
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Monday afternoon’s storm warnings were certainly ominous, but nothing really prepared those of us on Jarvis and nearby streets for what we encountered when we emerged from our shelter spaces. We discovered what we now know to be a tornado had ripped through our neighborhood, leaving a path of destruction unlike anything I’ve ever seen even having grown up in hurricane country.
Most importantly, while there were some very scary close calls, there do not appear to be any serious injuries associated with the storm, and for that we are so thankful.
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City crews were on the scene almost immediately assessing and prioritizing clearing the streets blocked by downed trees and debris and hit it hard Tuesday morning with everything they could muster. Bit by bit, our streets were cleared and cars were uncovered while at the same time our neighbors showed what makes this community so amazing by chipping in to help us all dig out and put our homes and neighborhood back together. Thanks also to the always great volunteers from My Block, My Hood, My City for showing up and pitching in, helping neighbors with their debris, clearing downed limbs and pitching in wherever needed.
While much of the obvious damage is being addressed on the streets and sidewalks, much remains to be done. The city will continue to systematically attack the downed trees, with the first priority being getting anything impeding the streets followed by trees in parkways and sidewalks. Obviously we will eventually need to replace these trees and we will share information on the process that will take soon. In the meantime, anyone who needs help with debris can email us and we will attempt to connect them with volunteers able to assist. For folks still without power, we have been in contact with ComEd, getting regular updates on their restoration process. Not unlike the city starting by focusing first on getting the streets cleared, the utility had to first address downed lines that presented a danger to people while also working to restore power to the thousands left without from the storm. While many folks have reported that they were told it would take until Saturday to get their power back on, I’m starting to hear from people who are getting power back bit by bit, so hopefully the timeline won’t be as long. As always, anyone with storm related issues in need of service can call or email our office and we’ll do our best to get the help you need.
If you see a broken tree limb lying on a power line or likely to fall on a power line, do not touch it. Please report it by calling 1-800-EDISON-1 (1-800-334-7661). Updates on the power outages can be found here. Also report to 311 (call, use the Chi311 app, or visit 311.chicago.gov/).
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Business Mask Requirements
Governor Pritzker announced new guidelines that will require businesses to enforce mask-wearing for their employees and customers. Businesses who do not enforce mask requirements may be subject to a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to $2,500 in fines.
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Unemployment Extension
The State of Illinois announced a 20-week extension of unemployment benefits for people who have exhausted the 26 weeks of state benefits. If you have been receiving unemployment, the extension should automatically apply to your case as you continue to certify. Visit ides.illinois.gov for more information. If you need assistance with your claim, it is recommended to call the claimant ID services number first to get in the new queue for a call back. The estimated call back time is 3-4 business days. If you have not received a call back in that time frame please contact our office.
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COVID-19 Count as of Wednesday, August 12:
1,645 new COVID cases, 16 additional deaths
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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A Message from Planned Parenthood of Illinois: Providing Services Through the Pandemic and Advocating for Change
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Some politicians have used the coronavirus pandemic as an excuse to shut down access to a wide range of reproductive health care services. Fortunately, in Illinois, Governor Pritzker made it clear that reproductive health care is an essential service that everyone must be able to access during this ongoing crisis. Health care providers statewide have implemented safety measures to screen patients and staff and minimize risk for all who need to access health care. Still, during these unprecedented times, some people may not be able to show up in person and need other ways to get the care they need.
Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) responded to this need by rolling out telehealth services. This new service allows patients to access high-quality, affordable health care through a private and secure video conferencing platform that connects them with PPIL’s trusted providers from the safety of their home.
“We know your sexual, reproductive, and primary health care is essential and can’t wait. As we weather this challenging time together, we don't want you to worry about your birth control, accessing STI tests, or being forced to navigate your pregnancy options alone,” said Dr. Amy Whitaker, Chief Medical Officer for PPIL. “PPIL is doing everything we can to make your life easier and get you the information and essential health care you need in timely and personalized ways. Whether we provide services in person, online, or by phone—we’re here with you.”
Although health care providers like PPIL are doing everything they can to make sure everyone can access the essential care they need, when they need it, COVID-19 has shown us how much more needs to be done to improve patient access--but we need to change laws and regulations to make that happen. For example, some forms of contraception, like birth control pills, should be over-the-counter, however, the Federal Food and Drug Administration hasn’t allowed that yet. That’s why it’s more important than ever to pass HB 1442, which would allow pharmacists to dispense some forms of birth control at the pharmacy counter, eliminating the need to make an appointment with a clinician and get a prescription. This would save people a lot of time and money while making it easier to get this basic reproductive health care from a trusted medical professional. Rep. Michelle Mussman’s bill (cosponsored by Rep. Cassidy) is supported by health care organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, the Illinois Pharmacists Association, the Illinois Public Health Association, the Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing, and Planned Parenthood of Illinois.
We’ve been trying to pass this bill in Illinois for several years, but the coronavirus pandemic has made it clear that we need to act now. Please join Rep. Cassidy and advocates all over the state in supporting pharmacy access to birth control by signing Planned Parenthood of Illinois’ petition today.
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Chicago Public Schools: Starting with a Full Remote Learning Model
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Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) announced that the 2020-21 CPS school year will begin remotely on September 8 based on trends in public health data and survey results from parents which indicate that a large percentage of parents are not yet comfortable sending their children to school. The district will implement remote learning through the first quarter and work with CDPH to determine if it is safe to open with a hybrid learning model in the second quarter, which begins on November 9.
Since releasing the preliminary reopening framework, the district received more than 87,000 unique survey responses from educators, parents, and students. After reviewing the survey results as of August 1, tens of thousands of families (41 percent of elementary school parents and 38 percent of high school parents) indicated that they do not intend to send their children to school.
The district will continue to assess the need and is prepared to make additional purchases as needed to ensure all students have access to computing devices. At the end of last school year, schools were instructed to have non-graduating students (students not in grades 8 or 12) keep their devices for the summer and following school year. Additionally, through Chicago Connected, the district is extending hotspot coverage for Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS) and expanding free, high-speed internet access to approximately 100,000 CPS students. To access FAQs about Chicago connected, click here.
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Call for Muralists to Support Essential Workers:
Seeking BIOPIC to Design
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As a component to a live Tribute to Essential Workers this Labor Day weekend 2020 (www.HonorEssentialWorkers.com) organized by National Domestic Workers Alliance, unions, Color of Change and other partners, we're organizing performances and stories in service to the lives of working people who continue to sacrifice daily for our communities' safety and well-being.
Join us! Murals in key states will be revealed during this kick-off event to raise awareness around the need for improved conditions and benefits for essential workers.
Locations - We will prioritize proposals that have connections within their local community and essential workers. Priority City/States:
Arizona (Phoenix or Tucson), California, Connecticut, Georgia (Atlanta), Illinois (Chicago area), Louisiana (NOLA), MA (Boston), Maine (Portland), Minnesota (Twin Cities), New Jersey, North Carolina (Charlotte, Raleigh), NY (NYC, 5 boroughs), Texas (Houston/Harris County/Austin)
How this works – You, the BIOPIC artist, sends us (National Domestic Workers Alliance in coalition with other progressive orgs) a proposal, using this google doc, that includes costs and location for a creative mural that celebrates Essential Workers and their life, contributions and sacrifices in America.
Please give us some background on yourself, describe the work, the impact, the narrative and how you will execute including timeline. We will commission the artists and cover costs of materials. Please include any city contacts needed for approvals.
Timeline:
Submit proposal: Sunday Aug 16th
Proposal Review & Outreach to artists for follow-up convos: Aug 17th - Aug 20th
Artists Contacted: Aug 21st
Paint Murals: Aug 22st - Sept 3rd
Thank you for your time and dedication to changing the world through art!
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Back to School Drive: In Partnership with Care for Real
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As we do every year, we are kicking off another round of school supply drives. We have partnered with Care for Real and the 48th ward and Senator Steans' office. As students transition to online learning it is more important than ever to have kids know that back to school time is here. Thank you to those who stopped by the 48th wards drive in late July to drop off supplies. Find our wish list by clicking the flyer below and if you are interested in donating directly to Care for Real visit their website here.
We will be announcing our next drive with the 49th ward and Rogers Park schools soon.
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Rogers Park Business Alliance: Financial Assistance Updates
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There are still a few loans and grants open for businesses. The Rogers Park Business Alliance has compiled a list of upcoming deadlines for loans and grants. For more information give them a call or visit their website here.
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Business For All Grant: Apply for grants up to $50,000 to support your business growth, including $10,000 emergency COVID-19 Business for All Grants to help small businesses in crisis. Applications are due September 25th at 12 a.m. The application is here.
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Civil Unrest Disaster Loans Available for Businesses and Residents: This program is open to businesses that were impacted by the civil unrest from May 26 through June 8, 2020. Individuals and business owners can apply for low-interest loans through the Small Business Administration. There are two deadlines: filing deadline for physical property damage is August 24, 2020 and the deadline for economic injury applications is March 23, 2021. Learn more here.
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The HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program: This initiative was created by The Hartford Small Business Insurance and Main Street America and is designed to support brick-and-mortar businesses as they enter the next phases of reopening across the country. The program will fund solutions that help small businesses respond and adapt to the pandemic. Applicants may apply for any amount between $5,000 and $15,000. Final awards will be determined on a case by case basis. The deadline is August 23, 2020. Learn more here.
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Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Grants Open: Apply Online Now
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Tuesday, August 10, IHDA started accepting applications for Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) grants. Families affected by COVID-19 can get $5,000 to cover past-due rent. Renters must apply directly through IHDA’s website: era.ihda.org. The IHDA application portal closes on Aug. 21, so time is of the essence. IHDA’s Emergency Mortgage Assistance (EMA) program opens on Aug. 21.
The Chicago Volunteer Legal Services have built another self-help page on their website. People who need one-on-one help can also contact CVLS: 312-332-8785; COVID@cvls.org.
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Mercy Housing: Housing Applications
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Applications for Delmar Apartments, 5042 N. Winthrop Ave. in Uptown, Chicago are now open.
See the attached announcement/flyer for full details.
This is not low-income housing. Persons with zero income are not eligible to apply. This opportunity begins with the receipt of this announcement.
If you have QUESTIONS, please call the property directly:
Delmar Apartments
(773) 273-6672
Ask for Lolita Rodriguez or Cynthia Dean
Delmar Apartments
5042 N. Winthrop Ave., Chicago 60640
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Illinois Department of Human Services: GetMyPaymentIL Website Announcement for Stimulus Checks
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GetMyPaymentIL.org, a website created by the Get My Payment IL Coalition, is available to answer any and all stimulus payment questions and provides a step-by-step process to follow in order to receive a stimulus check – whether or not an individual has filed 2018 and 2019 tax returns, whether or not an individual has a bank account, or whether an individual receives Social Security, veterans, SSI, or Railroad Retirement benefits – GetMyPaymentIL can help!
Eligible individuals have until October 15, 2020, to complete any necessary paperwork to process their stimulus payment. If the paperwork is not or cannot be submitted by that date, there is still a process for receiving stimulus checks after filing a 2020 tax return next year.
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Don't forget to fill out the census! Every person in Illinois needs to be counted! An accurate count of Illinois' population is essential to ensure that the State receives the funding it needs to properly care for its residents and to provide critical services and programs. Constituents can learn more about response rates in their areas by visiting this site. The U.S. Census Bureau self-response deadline is Sept. 30, 2020. Visit My2020census.gov to complete the census online or call 1-844-330- 2020. You can also text 987987 for more info or go to census.illinois.gov.
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Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest Returns to
Rogers Park with New Mobile Edition
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The popular Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest (GAAF) returns to Rogers Park for its 19th year in a new format to comply with COVID-19 safety guidelines prohibiting large public gatherings. This year on Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16, 2020, the festival becomes the Glenwood Avenue (Mobile) Arts Fest, taking place as four two-hour tours of the streets of Rogers Park surrounding the Glenwood Avenue Arts District at Glenwood and Morse Avenues.
Local bands will perform live on a mobile stage along with large-scale video screens showcasing GAAF artists’ works, which will be available in “booths” in a corresponding virtual festival. Brief stops along the GAAF mobile tour routes will allow residents to enjoy art and music at a safe distance along the sidewalks and from the windows of their homes. Click here for more information.
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Loyola Town Hall: 2020-2021 Academic Year
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As Loyola University finalizes its plans for the upcoming academic year and the students return to campus, they are hosting a community virtual town hall. They want to share with neighbors their plans for re-opening and address any questions and concerns.
The town hall will take place on Thursday, August 13 at 6 pm. Online preregistration is required and questions can be submitted in advance.
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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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