An Important Message About COVID-19
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Dear Resident and Neighbor,
I pray that you and your family are doing well during this difficult time in our City.
Governor J.B. Pritzker has extended the Stay-At-Home order
, closing of schools and state of emergency until
April 30, 2020.
Through the Stay-At-Home order my office is still working on delivering city services and is available to answer your calls and e-mails remotely.
Below you will find resources
regarding local businesses, employment, benefits and financial assistance
for those most affected by COVID-19.
In these uncertain times, I want you to know that I will be there for you and together, we are taking the necessary steps to mitigate the spread of this virus. Please stay safe, remain calm, and remember that this too shall pass.
Very truly yours,
Stephanie D. Coleman
Alderman, 16th Ward
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Infrastructure Improvement - S. Racine Ave. Restoration
Alderman Stephanie D. Coleman is happy to announce that the street restoration of Racine Avenue from Garfield Blvd. to 59th Street will began Wednesday, April 16, 2020 and continue into May.
In late 2018 the Department of Water Management upgraded the 12 inch water main along Racine Ave. That old water main dated back to 1890!
Construction always involves inconveniences and noise. The Department of Transportation and Department of Water Management has assured Alderman Coleman that they will do everything possible to maintain our quality of life throughout the restoration of this project.
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Census 2020: Be Counted 16th Ward!!
Today is week 5 of the Census Response Period.
As of today, 4,488 households in the 16th Ward have responded to the 2020 Census.
This means there are about 10,471 households which have not responded!
Our Ward has a self-response rate of 30.0%. overall. By comparison, 42.7% of all Chicagoans have responded to the Census.
Remember, for every person counted in the 16th Ward,
we stand to gain approximately
$1,400 more per person
that could be used towards parks like Lindblom Park, schools like Morrill School, and infrastructure like sewer/water main upgrades, arterial street resurfacing and more!
Be counted! Take 10 minutes to complete
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Grant Opportunity for Non-Profits due April 20th
Chicago Community Trust
and
United Way of Metro Chicago
in partnership with the
City of Chicago
have created a
Chicago
Community COVID-19 Response Fund (CCRF)
. The fund is intended to provide resources and essential human services to
residents that may be disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
To apply for a grant, your organization must be an established direct service provider providing emergency response services to people in the Chicago area impacted by COVID-10.
Applications are due Monday, April 20
th
at 5:00pm.
Note: Service to the people in the Chicago area is defined as within Chicago, Suburban Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, McHenry County, Will County, Kane County and/or Kendall County.
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The Illinois Department of Human Services’ free-of-charge emotional support text line.
Call4Calm, for Illinois residents experiencing stress and mental health issues related to COVID-19.
Individuals who would like to speak with a mental health professional can
text “TALK” to 5-5-2-0-2-0,
or
for Spanish, “HABLAR”
to the same number: 5-5-2-0-2-0.
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No Fee Senior Shopping for Seniors
Students are shopping for seniors during this pandemic and are providing help for those that need groceries delivered.
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How to Properly Handle Your Face Mask
How to Wear a Cloth Face Mask:
- Fit it snugly but comfortably against the side of your face.
- Cover your nose and mouth.
- Secure with ties or ear loops.
- Allow for breathing without restriction.
- Don't put a mask on a child under 2.
How to Remove and Clean Your Mask:
- Don't touch the outside of your face mask when removing - that's where the germs are!
- Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing your face mask and wash hands immediately after removing
- Wash your face mask every day you wear it.
- Wash your mask with hot water and soap - by washing machine of course, but by hand if you need too. Just be sure to clean and disinfect the area where you are washing it.
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One Summer Chicago Applications Open
One Summer Chicago brings together government institutions, community-based organizations and companies to offer over 30,000 employment and internship opportunities to youth and young adults ages 14 to 24.
Applications are being accepted through May 20, 2020
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✒️
📙
Open Books Writing Competition 2020
📖
✏️
ATTENTION STUDENTS!! Enter Open Books Writing Competition!
Winning students receive up to $1,000 to further education.
Additionally, up to 10 authors from each age group will be selected to have their story published in a short story anthology.
Students can submit a short story, non-fiction essay, personal narrative, or poem.
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Loans for Small Businesses
After submitting documentation demonstrating the impact of COVID-19 on more than 3,000 businesses across the state, Gov. Pritzker announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved the state's eligibility for disaster assistance loans for small businesses facing financial hardship in all 102 counties due to COVID-19.
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Federal Disaster Loan Assistance- Apply NOW
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. There are several kinds of loans and grants available. Because funds are limited, it is important to file as soon as possible. If you have a banker today, call them to make an appointment. However, you can apply online NOW for the EIDL loan below.
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
- The Small Business Administration (SBA) is providing federal disaster loans to businesses of less than 500 employees, non-profits, sole proprietorships, independent contractors, and faith based organizations. Apply NOW at
the SBA’s website
. NOTE: you must have all information available with you when you apply. You CANNOT save an unfinished application.
Here is what you need:
- Basic business information – name, EIN, address, business type
- Basic financial information – Gross revenues for the 12 month period prior to 1/31/20
- Basic ownership information
- Organization Type - Look at the your most recent entity tax return.
- Trade Name - Use your DBA (Doing Business As) name, or if you don't have a DBA, use the Business Legal Name
- Business Activity/Detailed Business Activity - Scroll down. For example, “Dental” as a detailed business activity after choosing “Health Services”
- Gross Revenues for last year - This is your gross collections for the period 2/1/19 – 1/31/20. You can obtain this information from your business management software. If unavailable, use the number from your 2019 tax return. If your business tax return has been completed, you can find this listed on Line 1a Gross Receipts or Sales.
- If your business tax return has not yet been completed for 2019, you can refer to your December 31, 2019 financial statements for “Gross Collections”
- Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) for last year - If you do not report COGS on your business tax return (like in some service businesses), you can enter “$0” in this field.
Paycheck Protection Program
, provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses. Under the program:
- Eligible recipients may qualify for a loan up to $10 million determined by 8 weeks of prior average payroll plus an additional 25% of that amount.
- Loan payments will be deferred for six months.
- If you maintain your workforce, SBA will forgive the portion of the loan proceeds that are used to cover the first 8 weeks of payroll and certain other expenses following loan origination.
The administration will release more details soon but in the meantime, see if you are eligible and find out needed paperwork by visiting the
US Chamber of Commerce
website.
SBA 7(a) Loans
- These are the typical SBA loans. Under the CAREs Act,
- The SBA will pay the principal and interest of new 7(a) loans issued prior to September 27, 2020.
- The SBA will pay the principal and interest of current 7(a) loans for a period of six months.
There are many helpful resources, and I strongly suggest that every business download these guides.
If you do not submit all the information requested, your loan cannot be fully processed.
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Chicago Public Schools - Spring Break Distribution Plan
Since the temporary closure of our schools due to COVID-19, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has provided
2.8 million grab-and-go meals to families
, and are committed
to continue providing these meals during spring break and until CPS schools reopen.
To provide our families with the most consistent services while picking up grab-and-go meals during the closure and to better support school staff, food distribution sites will be changing beginning Monday, April 6.
Monday, April 6 - Thursday, April 9
• 9AM - 1PM
Sites Near us:
EARLE
2040 W 62ND ST, Chicago, IL, 60636
CLAREMONT
2300 W 64TH ST, Chicago, IL, 60636
MONTESSORI ENGLEWOOD
6936 S HERMITAGE AVE, Chicago, IL, 60636
NICHOLSON
6006 S PEORIA ST, Chicago, IL, 60621
LIBBY
5300 S LOOMIS BLVD, Chicago, IL, 60609
ENGLEWOOD STEM HS
6835 S NORMAL BLVD, Chicago, IL, 60621
Starting
Monday, April 13: Monday - Friday • 9AM - 1PM
Sites Near us:
DAVIS M
6740 S PAULINA ST, Chicago, IL, 60636
FAIRFIELD
6201 S FAIRFIELD AVE, Chicago, IL, 60629
MORRILL
6011 S ROCKWELL ST, Chicago, IL, 60629
NICHOLSON
6006 S PEORIA ST, Chicago, IL, 60621
MONTESSORI ENGLEWOOD
6936 S HERMITAGE AVE, Chicago, IL, 60636
OTOOLE
6550 S SEELEY AVE, Chicago, IL, 60636
EARLE
2040 W 62ND ST, Chicago, IL, 60636
CLAREMONT
2300 W 64TH ST, Chicago, IL, 60636
LIBBY
5300 S LOOMIS BLVD, Chicago, IL, 60609
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Property Tax Exemptions Due April 10
Cook County Assessor
All exemption applications are due April 10.
You can apply online for exemptions by visiting the
Cook County Assessor's
website.
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Temporary Suspension of Debt Collection, Ticketing and Towing Practices
This penalty relief package directs a temporary suspension of late fees and defaults on payment plans, including city tickets, utility bills, parking and red-light citations, booting and other non-public safety relates violations. Additionally, there will be no new interest accumulated on current compliance plans.
These measures represent the first steps of the administration's efforts to help reduce the financial impact of COVID-19 on city residents and take effect immediately today through April 30, 2020. Other financial relief efforts include:
Ticket Issuance
- Enforcement will be prioritized for safety-related violations.
- Enforcement on compliance-related violations will be suspended until April 30, 2020
Parking, Red Light, Speed Camera Violation Collections
- Delay assessment of penalty (ticket doubling) until after April 30, 2020
- Delay driver’s license suspension until after April 30, 2020
- No Booting until after April 30, 2020
- Delay referral of tickets to collection firms until after April 30, 2020
- No defaults of payment plans for until after April 30, 2020
Utility Bills
- Extend due dates until after April 30, 2020 delaying assessment of penalties
- Delay referrals to collection firms until after April 30, 2020
- No defaults of payment plans until after April 30, 2020
Administrative Hearing Collections
- Extend due dates until after April 30, 2020 (this will delay assessment of interest)
- Delay referrals to collection firms until after April 30, 2020
- No defaults of payment plans until after April 30, 202
Other Collection Efforts
- Extend deadline for TNP and taxi drivers to pay debt to April 30
- No debt holds on new licenses or permits
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Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund
The Chicago Small Business Resiliency Loan Fund
is a partnership with the City, the Chicago Community Catalyst Fund, and other private sponsors. The new fund is a
$100M economic relief package
to support
Chicago's small businesses
that are experiencing a
temporary loss of revenue as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak
.
Loan applications will be administered through our Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) partners, beginning on
March 31, 2020.
The loan terms will follow the guidelines below:
1) Repayment Term: Low-interest loans for a term of up to 5 years
2) Loan Amount: Up to $50K
3) Loan Proceeds: Proceeds are required to be used for working capital
Elgiblity Requirements
• Suffered more than 25% revenue decrease due to COVID-19
• Employ fewer than 50 employees and gross revenues of less than $3M in 2019
• Provide a City business address or City business license
• No pre-existing tax liens or legal judgments
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Utility Resources
The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced that the federal income
tax filing due date is automatically extended from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020.
COMED
- Waiving new late payment thru May 1, 2020
- CUSTOMER SERVICE (800) 334-7661 | Mon - Fri 7am -7pm
PEOPLES GAS
- Safety comes first – We are rescheduling non-emergency appointments and will reach out to our customers at a later time to reschedule.
- Shutoffs suspended – We suspended shutoffs for residential and business customers, unless unsafe conditions exist, to ensure the safety of our customers and employees. This is effective until this health crisis is behind us.
- Late payment charges waived – We understand that some of our customers will face financial hardships due to the spread of COVID-19. We are now waiving new late payment charges.
- Bill payment arrangement options and financial assistance – If customers are having difficulty paying their bill, we will work with them to arrange a payment plan or discuss financial assistance options. Customers can find additional information on our website
- CUSTOMER SERVICE (866) 556-6001
COMCAST / XFINITY
- Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone: Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots and then launch a browser.
- Pausing Our Data Plan: With so many people working and educating from home, we want our customers to access the internet without thinking about data plans. While the vast majority of our customers do not come close to using 1TB of data in a month, we are pausing our data plans for 60 days giving all customers Unlimited data for no additional charge.
- No Disconnects or Late Fees: We will not disconnect a customer’s internet service or assess late fees if they contact us and let us know that they can’t pay their bills during this period. Our care teams will be available to offer flexible payment options and can help find other solutions.
- Internet Essentials Free to New Customers: As announced yesterday, it’s even easier for low-income families who live in a Comcast service area to sign-up for Internet Essentials, the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program. New customers will receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month. Additionally, for all new and existing Internet Essentials customers, the speed of the program’s Internet service was increased to 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream. That increase will go into effect for no additional fee and it will become the new base speed for the program going forward.
- News, Information and Educational Content on X1: For those with school-age students at home, we’ve created new educational collections for all grade levels in partnership with Common Sense Media. Just say “education” into your X1 or Flex voice remote. To help keep customers informed, we also have created a collection of the most current news and information on Coronavirus. Just say “Coronavirus” into your X1 or Flex voice remote.
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New Positions Being Offered
Essential Services
Additional Opportunities
Alderman Coleman
and the 16th Ward Office has no jurisdiction over the hiring process for any of the employment opportunities listed in this newsletter.
The information contained in this email is intended to be informative as a constituent service only.
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16TH WARD SERVICE OFFICE
5411 S. Ashland Ave
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Chicago, Illinois 60609
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Tel 773-306-1981
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