April 6, 2020
Mayor Lightfoot Teams Up with Chicago’s Professional Sports Teams to Present The “We Are Not Playing” Campaign to Combat Covid-19

CHICAGO – Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot today announced a groundbreaking campaign, “We Are Not Playing,” in partnership with Chicago’s professional sports teams to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Each of Chicago’s hometown professional sports teams -  including the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls, Cubs, Fire, Red Stars, Sky, White Sox – has signed on to the initiative, which leverages the influence of sports teams and their players to drive compliance with the statewide Stay at Home order, directing residents to keep themselves and their neighbors safe from the spread of COVID-19 by staying home.

“We all have a role to play in meeting the challenge of COVID-19, and our success is directly tied to every Chicagoan making sure they Stay Home and Save Lives,” said Mayor Lori Lightfoot. “I am grateful to each of our hometown teams for stepping up and doing their part by joining in this call for every neighborhood and community. They’re not playing, and neither are we. The more we stay home and act responsibly, the more lives we’ll save, and the sooner we’ll be able to get our city back on track and enjoying the games we love.”

We Are Not Playing is an integrated initiative that will kick-off with digital and out-of-home billboards around Chicago, before moving online and onto social media. The initiative is widespread, touching multiple municipalities, is comprised of many supporting elements, and it builds on the recently launched “Stay Home. Save Lives” movement created by Mayor Lightfoot.
“Normally, this is one of those sweet times of the year when we’re enjoying White Sox games AND Cubs games AND Blackhawks games AND Bulls games AND Fire games,” said George H. McCaskey, Chicago Bears Chairman. “Of course, the situation our city and our world are in right now is anything but normal. We’ve all got to do what we can to get through this. That means following the Mayor’s directive and staying home. We owe it to our families, our friends, our neighbors, and all of the medical personnel who are working so hard and so selflessly dealing with this crisis. Bears fans get it. They know what’s at stake. And, they’ll do the right thing.”

The City is making full use of Chicago’s storied sports history, and the special place these teams have in its residents’ hearts, to convince all Chicagoans of the importance of practicing social distancing and self-isolating at home to flatten the curve of COVID-19.
“As far as time-outs go, none are more important to our fans than this one. All of us need to listen to the experts by staying off the field of play and stay at home. We owe that to ourselves, but we especially owe it the people that do not have that stay-at-home option, beginning with our front-line responders. Let’s not make their jobs tougher by ignoring these safeguards or interfering with them,” said Rocky Wirtz, Chairman Chicago Blackhawks and Co-Chairman of the United Center Joint Venture. 

The campaign will roll-out across the City beginning today, April 6, with digital and social advertisements in phase one, and celebrity/all-star player social videos set to come online afterwards. The goal of this campaign is to appeal to every Chicagoan with a sports figure that can be easily recognized as the City works to gain compliance with the statewide Stay At Home Order. The campaign was developed from concept to execution by award-winning Foote Cone Belding Chicago (FCB) agency. With a consistent thread of design and message, the campaign is a message of unity through the city’s on-the-street assets, the far social reach of Chicago’s sports teams and their players’ influence. The agency provided their creative, design and digital expertise pro bono.
“There has never been a more important time to harness the power of creativity to help support our city and keep its residents safe and healthy,” Kelly Graves, President of FCB Chicago. “FCB Chicago has a long history of partnering with organizations that make our city a better place to live and work - lending our support on this initiative was something that our team was ready and willing to take on the moment we got the call from Mayor Lightfoot’s office.”

“The Bulls are proud to join Mayor Lightfoot and our fellow pro Chicago sports teams in urging Chicagoans to stay home and save lives. I have always said that this is the greatest city in the world, and we all have a crucial role to play to protect the place we are lucky to call home,” said Michael Reinsdorf, President & COO, Chicago Bulls. “Teamwork, looking out for one another and coming together as a community is needed now more than ever. Do your part by staying home to help everyone on the front lines working tirelessly throughout this pandemic to save lives.”

“Sports has always served as a great example of achieving a common goal and overcoming the odds. As we battle the biggest public health crisis facing our generation, the Chicago Cubs are happy to join the Chicago sports community in encouraging Chicago residents to work together as a team to fight this pandemic,” said Tom Ricketts, Chicago Cubs executive chairman. “If we can all do our part to follow public health guidelines to stay at home we can slow or stop the spread of this disease. Stay inside so that we can come together and watch baseball soon.”

“The Fire has an international roster and fan base – we have fans, players, coaches and families connected to this pandemic across the globe,” said Chicago Fire FC Owner Joe Mansueto. “On behalf of our entire Club, we would like to thank Mayor Lightfoot for her leadership during this time and we are in full support of the ‘We Are Not Playing’ campaign. Although our ‘Homecoming’ match at Soldier Field has been postponed, our fans will, in due time, experience that special day. There will be a time when games resume, but for now, we all need to stay at home to flatten the curve. We know that Chicago will, once again, be a symbol of resilience for the country.”

Today's announcement is part of the City’s exhaustive response to the COVID-19, which is intended to keep the public safe, contain the spread of the virus, and provide relief to the healthcare system.  In recent days Mayor Lightfoot’s administration has announced a number of measures to enhance the City’s emergency response on COVID-19, with new guidelines built to reduce non-essential services, increase teleworking to protect the health and safety of the workforce, and lift the economic burden placed on residents—all while ensuring that essential City services can be continued.
"We love sports. In fact, it’s usually all we think about. But, for the foreseeable future, sports don’t matter. The health of our citizens is paramount,” said Arnim Whisler, Red Stars Owner and CEO.  “With that in mind, the Chicago Red Stars are shifting our emphasis from being a leader on the pitch to a leader in social distancing. If we work together, we can and will flatten the curve."

As the City continues to respond to COVID-19 it will pursue additional measures as needed to contain the virus. The City urges residents who are mandated to stay at home and who do not have access otherwise to contact 311 to be connected with food and other social services.

“Our top priority is the health and well-being of everyone in the city of Chicago and throughout the greater Chicagoland area,” said Adam Fox, Chicago Sky President and CEO. “We are proud and committed to lending our voice to support the guidelines and best practices set forth by Mayor Lightfoot and to stay home and save lives. We are all in this together.”

“The City of Chicago is home to the very best sports fans in the world. For every sports team in Chicago, our fans have been there for us, in both good times and bad,” said Jerry Reinsdorf, chairman of the Chicago White Sox. “The teams receive so much support from our fans that it is our responsibility to give back whenever and however we can. When Mayor Lightfoot invited us to participate in the ‘We Are Not Playing’ campaign, the answer was easy. It is an honor for us to support the Mayor’s campaign, reinforcing the critical importance of social distancing and staying home. Just as our fans help make the difference for our teams at home, we all can make a difference in this fight. Our actions right now can save lives. Baseball and basketball will resume one day, and our lives will return to some type of normal, but until then, every person in Chicago has a role to play to help this city win.”
###

COVID-19 UPDATES
City Seal Logo
River North Residents Association
Shows Appreciation During COVID-19 Pandemic
On April 4, 2020 from 8:00pm-8:04pm, residents were asked to go out and show appreciation for Healthcare workers, First Responders and Essential personnel. This turned out amazing, thank you all so much for sharing your videos and photos with us. Please enjoy, stay safe and keep rooting for all of our essential workers out there.
‌
Community Newsletters
Near North Unity Program Logo
Food Resources
Marillac House Food Pantry
2859 W. Jackson
Chicago, IL 60612
 
*Monday 11am - 1:30pm
 
*Wednesday 2pm - 6pm
 
*Friday 10am - 12:30pm
 
(Handing Out Food Boxes)
 

The Salvation Army Freedom Center
825 N. Christiana
Chicago, IL 60651
 
*Monday *Wednesday *Friday 1pm - 3pm
 
*Tuesday *Thursday 9am - 12pm
 
Cornerstone Counseling Center of Chicago
1111 N. Wells
Chicago, IL 60610
 
*Wednesday 6pm - 8pm
 
(Grab & Go Warm Meals)
 
Breakthrough Fresh Market
3334 W. Carroll
Chicago, IL 60624
 
*Tuesday 2pm - 4pm
 
*Thursday 10am - 12pm
 
*Saturday 10am - 12pm
 

Northwest Settlement
1400 W. Augusta
Chicago, IL 60642
 
*Monday *Thursday 9am - 12pm
 
Greater Chicago Food Depository
To Find Food or Support GCFD visit: Chicagofoodbank.org  
Missionaries Of Charity St. Joseph's Home
115 N. Oakley Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60612
 
*Everyday Beginning At: 10am
 
(Soup Kitchen Serving Food To Go)
St. Malachy Catholic Church
2248 W. Washington Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60612
 
April 18, 2020
Beginning At: 10am (Outside)
 
(Food Pantry)
 
‌
WEBINAR: COMPLETING THE PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM APPLICATION & TROUBLESHOOTING
Tuesday, April 7th
1pm EST/12pm CST/10am PST
Join us for the second webinar in our Paycheck Protection Webinar Series, in which we will share updates on the federal loan program; detailed information & troubleshooting on the application process; and best practices from small businesses, nonprofits and lenders themselves. The Paycheck Protection Program is part of Phase 3 of the CARES Act passed by Congress last week.
Topics to be covered in the webinar include: 
  • Application Process 
  • Addressing FAQ from the last webinar 
  • Guidance on Addressing Lack of Access and Denials 
Insider Scoop from Lenders & the Small Business Administration 
Dear Chicago Residents and Partners,
The Chicago Small Business Resiliency Loan Fund is now  open for applications ! This $100 million fund will provide low-interest grants to thousands of Chicago small businesses suffering due to COVID-19.
Due to the high expected demand, the number of Resiliency Fund loans will be limited. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling first-come, first-served basis. We therefore recommend applying as soon as possible.  Please visit  chicagoresiliencyfund.com  to start your application and for more information about loan terms, business requirements, application information requirements and required attestations.  In the event the website is overwhelmed, we recommend checking back often to submit your application. 
The Resiliency Fund has a team of trusted experts at your service to guide you through the application, underwriting and closing phases of your loan. Questions can be submitted in  English  and  Spanish . Additionally, the City of Chicago has a network of  Neighborhood Business Development Centers  to provide free remote/virtual assistance to business owners interested in applying for the Chicago Small Business Resiliency Loan Fund.
The City is committed to leveraging every dollar available to business owners from any source in order to provide as much funding as possible to Chicago's small businesses. The Resiliency Fund is structured to complement the new federal  Paycheck Protection Program  that the Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched. The City and its partners will seek to provide all Resiliency Fund loan applicants with the best offer available, including from the SBA's new program.  
In the event that you/your business does not qualify for this program, please look at the  City’s resource website  to find other programs that may meet your needs. Additionally, please visit  www.chicago.gov/BACPCOVID19  for resources specific to businesses, consumers and employees.
What's New
  • Guidance for Businesses and Employers - The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is reminding businesses that remain open during the State's Stay at Home order to comply with social distancing requirements. The most effective measures to decrease the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace remain social distancing, routine environmental cleaning, and good hand hygiene and sending sick employees home. Please follow CDPH's recommendations for preventing transmission in the workplace and help Chicago flatten the curve.

  • Unemployment Benefits - The Illinois Department of Employment Security recently adopted emergency rules, expanding the pool of residents that qualify for unemployment benefits. Unemployment benefits may be available to some individuals whose unemployment is attributable to COVID-19 so make sure to check frequently for updates at www2.illinois.gov/ides.
Resources
  • HIV Resource Hub - The AIDS Foundation of Chicago and Center on Halsted can help with emergency financial assistance (rent, utility payments, COVID-19-related support) for people who are living with HIV and who are HIV-negative and taking PrEP. They can also link people living with HIV to medications, case management, medical care, food, mental health, substance abuse treatment and more, or connect people vulnerable to HIV to PrEP, HIV testing, medical care and more. Services are available in Chicago, Cook County and the Collar Counties. Call the HIV Resource Hub at 1-844-HUB-4040 or learn more online.


  • Smart 911 - Residents are encouraged to sign up for Smart 911 and provide critical medical information to 9-1-1 so they can help faster in an emergency. Residents can create a safety profile for themselves and family members with information on their current health conditions as well as information if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or are under quarantine, and it will automatically be provided to first responders when calling 9-1-1. To learn more, check out this video:
Latest Public Health Guidance
More guidance documents and supporting materials are available at  www.chicago.gov/coronavirus .
Join the Fight against COVID-19
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and CDPH Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D. have issued  a call for assistance from the medical community and are seeking to hire healthcare workers immediately  to help the City of Chicago in its COVID-19 response efforts.
  • Medical Assistants and Nurses are encouraged to apply for temporary positions. If you have any questions about the positions or the application process, you may email [email protected] or call 813-261-2706.

  • Chicago Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a network of both medical and non-medical professionals who volunteer their time to assist during public health emergencies such as the current COVID-19 outbreak. Many MRC volunteers are just like you - nurses, doctors, pharmacists, therapists, public health professionals, and other community members who believe in keeping Chicago safe. Register at illinoishelps.net and be there when Chicago needs you most.
CDPH is coordinating multiple opportunities for individuals, organizations and businesses to  donate medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE)  and join the fight against the COVID-19. Go to the links below to:

For more information, visit   chicago.gov/coronavirus .
Heartland Alliance Health - James West Clinic
932 W. Washington
Chicago, IL 60607

Heartland Alliance Health COVID-19 Response:

  • We have instituted a new staff health monitoring protocol to assess ongoing health and to reduce the risk of expose to their families and our participants.
  • We are screening every participant for corona virus disease COVID-19 who presents for care at all of our health center locations.
  • We are in regular communication with our participants about CDC- recommended safety precautions and CDPH COVID-19 guidelines.
  • We have distributed specific tips and resources on healthy hygiene practices, and the symptoms of COVID-19.
  • We have closed some common areas and discourage participants from congregating.
  • We are restricting outside visitors to residential programs, except for home healthcare providers and other necessary caregivers.
  • We have increased our cleaning schedule for building common areas aligning with CDC protocols.
  • We are following guidance from the CDC for safe social distancing and hygiene protocols.


SBA Paycheck Protection Program
Important information regarding the CARE Act's SBA Paycheck Protection Program, including how it can be used in LISC communities. 

The  Paycheck Protection Program  is designed to keep your workers on payroll and your doors open. If employees are kept on payroll for eight weeks, the SBA will forgive the portion of your loan used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest and utilities. Loans can be up to $10 million and up to 100 percent forgivable. 

Final guidance on the program is still in process, including participating lenders. Our affiliate, immito, is an approved SBA 7(a) lender. We anticipate making a decision on whether we will be able to provide financing through this program within the next week. LISC is committed to ensuring our partners are able to take full advantage of this program once operational and will be providing updates on the program and application process as they emerge. 
A  sample application  is now available through the US Small Business Administration and US Treasury. In order to prepare your application, LISC recommends you begin collecting necessary documentation and triple check your application before you submit to an SBA approved lender. At this time, we are recommending gathering the following documentation:
  • 2019 IRS quarterly 940, 941 or 944 payroll tax reports
  • Last 12 months of payroll reports beginning with your last payroll date, including the following:
  • Gross wages for each employee, including the officer(s) if paid W-2 wages
  • Paid time off for each employee
  • Vacation pay for each employee
  • Family medical leave pay for each employee
  • State and local taxes assessed on the employee's compensation for each employee
  • 2019 1099s for any independent contractors that would otherwise be an employee of your business (excluding 1099s for services rendered)
  • Documentation showing the total of all health insurance premiums paid by the company owner under a group health plan for all employees and owners
  • Documentation of the sum of all retirement plan funding paid by the company owner (excluding monies that came from the employees' paycheck contributions). This includes 401K plans, Simple IRAs, and SEP IRAs.
Where possible, your payroll vendor may be able to assist you gathering documentation.
Additional information on the program will be updated as available at  lisc.org/ppp  and through email. For any questions, email us at  [email protected] .
  Additional Resources
Below is a list of common resources to help you with your Payment Protection Program loan request:

To learn more about LISC’s response to the pandemic, visit our  dedicated COVID-19 web pages .
The Odyssey Project is a free, college-credit earning humanities program that explores writing, literature, philosophy, art, and U.S. history.  Odyssey Project  courses are being run virtually with students and faculty, all of whom welcome the opportunity to stay connected.

We are recruiting submissions from around the state for the  Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Awards  through May 15 and are providing workshops online. This program is open to ANY young person grades K-12. Want to learn more about Illinois Poet Gwendolyn Brooks, the contest, and some tips for writing poetry? Young people, families, poetry lovers, and teachers can join us via Zoom on Wednesday, April 8th at 2:00 PM for an information session and workshop featuring poets Nora Brooks Blakely, Timothy Rey, and one of our 2019 winning poets, Aanika Pfister . Please register for the webinar:  https://www.ilhumanities.org/gbypa-webinar-registration-form/
Office of the Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas

Pappas: Auction of delinquent Cook County property taxes postponed indefinitely
 A Cook County Circuit Court Judge has postponed the Annual Tax Sale of delinquent properties scheduled to begin May 8, 2020, because of the spread of the new coronavirus, Treasurer Maria Pappas said today.
In an emergency motion, Pappas asked for the delay to protect the health and safety of Cook County residents in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The judge granted the motion, postponing the Tax Sale until the court orders the sale to proceed.
“Holding the Tax Sale under these circumstances would be unfair to tens of thousands of homeowners who are living paycheck-to-paycheck and face this pandemic” Pappas said.
There are more than 52,000 properties whose delinquent taxes would be sold to investors if the Tax Sale were held, Pappas said. Of those properties: • More than 30,000 are homes • More than 23,000 owe less than $1,000 • About 2,000 are owned by senior citizens
Postponing the Tax Sale would delay payment of an estimated $48 million in property taxes that would have been collected during the sale. That’s a fraction of the $14 billion the Cook County Treasurer’s Office collects each year.
The Treasurer’s Office is required to put delinquent taxes up for auction, the first step in a legal process that can end with the loss of property if the taxes are not repaid. When it takes place, the Tax Sale will be for homes, businesses and land with unpaid bills for Tax Year 2018 (originally due in 2019).