Dear Neighbor, Protect Chicago The City of Chicago stands on a precipice. Public health officials estimate that if we do not act now, we will lose 1,000 more Chicagoans to COVID-19 by the end of the year. To turn this tide, the city is instituting strict new regulations in an effort to save lives. The city is imposing a 10-person limit on social gatherings in Chicago. Starting this Monday, November 16, social events such as weddings, parties and funerals will be strictly limited. The city is also implementing a Stay-at-Home Advisory, calling on all residents to only go out for work or school, or for essential needs such as seeking medical care, going to the grocery store or pharmacy, picking up food, or receiving deliveries. If you do leave home, practice social distancing by staying six feet away from others and wear a face covering at all times. In addition, residents are strongly encouraged to: - Not have guests in their homes unless they are essential workers (e.g., home healthcare providers or childcare workers)
- Cancel traditional Thanksgiving celebrations
- Avoid travel
The city needs your help to "Protect Chicago." Wear your mask, stop having guests over, and stay at home! You can also help by spreading the word. Visit chi.gov/protect to join the Protect Chicago digital team and download information you can share. Emergency Travel Order Change The City of Chicago has made a change to the Emergency Travel Order due to rising rates of COVID-19 transmission across the United States. Effective immediately, all states and territories are categorized into three risk levels—Red, Orange and Yellow—with varying degrees of restrictions based on daily case rates. Red states require a 14-day quarantine for any returning Chicago resident or out-of-state traveler. Orange states require a 14-day quarantine or a pre-arrival negative test result (no longer than 72 hours prior to arrival). Yellow states do not require quarantine or a pre-arrival test. However, strict masking and social distancing should still be maintained. The travel order is in effect for residents returning to Chicago and all out-of-state travelers. There are no travel restrictions within Illinois. However, non-essential travel to areas of high incidence is discouraged. If essential travel is needed, follow the prevention techniques such as using a face covering, frequent hand washing/sanitization, and maintaining social distance. For more information, visit chi.gov/eto. Free Local, COVID Testing The Illinois Department of Public Health is currently offering free COVID-19 testing in our area. Testing is available in the Lincolnwood Town Center parking lot, 3333 W. Touhy Avenue, every day through Sunday, November 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Testing is free and no insurance is required. Anyone can be tested, with or without symptoms. Results will be available within 4-7 days. No appointment is needed. However, you can pre-register and let them know you are coming at https://forms.gle/Xckn9ieNtvMHkswr6. Thank you to State Senator Ram Villivalam and IDPH for organizing this important event. Chicago Hospitality Grant Grants of up to $10,000 are now available for Chicago restaurants and bars impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of $10 million in funding is available through the city's new Hospitality Grant Program. Interested business owners can apply at chicago.gov/hospitalityfund. Applications must be received by 11:59 PM on Monday, November 23. Citywide recipients will be selected via lottery. Eligible restaurants and bars must be located in Chicago, have no more than $3 million in annual revenues, and have experienced at least a 25% revenue loss due to COVID-19. For more information, visit chicago.gov/hospitalityfund. All Chicago business owners affected by COVID are also encouraged to apply for grants through the State of Illinois Business Interruption Grant Program (BIG). Applications are available at Illinois.gov/dceo. Help Keep the Streets Clean of Leaves It is November, and the chilly weather is a constant reminder that winter is on its way. As the City starts to prepare for snow removal, please remember to be proactive with falling foliage and not let leaves clutter the streets, curbs and gutters. Do your part by bagging your leaves instead of raking or sweeping them into the street. If you use a landscaping company, please speak with them and make sure they do the same. Raking or sweeping leaves into the street is illegal. It violates Section 10-8-480 of the Chicago Municipal Code and can result in fines of more than $150 for each offense. Please help by removing any leaves that fall into the street in front of your residence. You can bag them and place them in your garbage carts to be picked up by city crews or take the environmentalist route and compost them. For more information about composting, visit the Environmental Protection Agency's website here. Lincoln Village Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge Earlier this year, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) finished building a beautiful new pedestrian/bicycle bridge over the North Shore Channel at Lincoln Avenue. Due to COVID, the city was not able to officially dedicate the new project until this week. On Tuesday, I was very pleased to join together with representatives of CDOT, IDOT, Active Transportation Alliance, and all of the hardworking contractors who made this project a reality. The bridge connects the east and west sides of the North Shore Channel Trail. Residents can now enjoy 6.7 miles of uninterrupted biking from Lawrence Avenue all the way to the northern suburbs. Exercise and fresh air are more important than ever now while so many of us are stuck at home. Enjoy the bridge before the winter sets in, just remember to keep your distance from others and bring a mask!
Happy Diwali!
Diwali begins this Saturday, November 14. I want to wish everyone in the Hindu and Indian community a Happy Festival of Lights! Please enjoy the holiday safely, while following the Stay-at-Home Advisory. Have a wonderful weekend. Stay safe and healthy! Sincerely,  Debra L. Silverstein Alderman, 50th Ward | | Local COVID-19 Numbers
The City of Chicago had a positivity rate of 13.2% for the week ending 11/7/2020, which was an increase from the previous week. The case rate was 506.67 per 100,000 population.
Zip code 60645 had a positivity rate of 12.9% for the week ending 11/7/2020, which was an increase from the previous week. The case rate was 429.5 per 100,000 population, which was lower than the citywide number.
Zip code 60659 had a positivity rate of 12.1% for the week ending 11/7/2020, which was an increase from the previous week. The case rate was 350.6 per 100,000 population, which was lower than the citywide number.
The latest data can be found on the city's COVID Dashboard. Remember to practice proper social distancing, wash your hands frequently, and always wear a mask in public. | | 50th Ward Donation Drive
We are collecting donations of food, clothing, and household essentials at the 50th Ward Office. Many of our neighbors are still grappling with the economic ramifications of COVID-19, and any goods you can spare will make a tremendous difference to those in need.
Drop off donations at 2949 W. Devon during regular business hours. Call before coming to make sure a staff member is available to pick up the donation outside the office. Staff will wear masks and gloves and follow social distancing procedures.
Please consider donating non-perishable food, clothing, and any other goods you can spare—every item helps!
Rental Assistance Program
Funding is now available to help Chicago residents stay in their homes. The City of Chicago has launched a second application period for the Rental Assistance Program (RAP). If you are struggling or at risk of homelessness, visit chicago.gov/fss/RAP to apply now. Applications will be accepted until Sunday, November 15 at 11:59 p.m.
Rental assistance is available to help pay past due or future rent and security deposits in certain circumstances. The program can pay for up to six months of rent, depending on your specific case. Funding is available for households with income below 50% of the Chicago Area Median Income.
Help filling out the application is available in multiple languages. Contact a Chicago Department of Family and Support Services Community Service Center for assistance. The closest center is at 845 W. Wilson (312-744-2580). Small Business Improvement Fund
Small business owners can now apply for funding to improve their facilities. Until December 1, the City of Chicago will accept Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) applications from business owners in the Touhy/Western TIF.
The SBIF program uses Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenue to help owners repair or remodel their facilities and improve their businesses. Grants up to $100,000 are available for eligible work. The current round of funding is only available for business owners within the Touhy/Western TIF. To find out if your business is within the TIF, visit https://webapps1.cityofchicago.org/ChicagoTif.
Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1. Interested businesses and property owners can visit somercor.com/sbif to find the application and more information. Questions should be directed to Silvia Orozco at sorozco@somercor.com.
Flu Shot Clinics
Now that the summer is over, flu season is just around the corner. Public health officials are warning about the dangerous confluence of influenza and COVID-19 and the possibility of overtaxing the health care system. This year, it is particularly important to get your flu shot to keep you and your family protected.
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is hosting over 40 recurring flu clinics at large locations across the city, which have the proper capacity for safe events. The schedule is available online at chicago.gov/flu.
Even if you do not typically get the flu shot, please consider getting one this year. This is especially true for people who are at higher risk of being exposed to or developing serious complications from flu and COVID-19, as well as those who are caregivers of people who are at higher risk from these two diseases. More information can be found at chicago.gov/flu. If you have any questions, contact your health care provider.
Edgewater Village Chicago Happenings Participate virtually in a wide variety of informational, social and cultural programs. Meet new people, join the fun and learn something new. Check out Edgewater Village's programs, and sign up for the weekly newsletter to learn about more activities, including community events.
In this week's issue, read about a senior home repair program, rental assistance for qualified individuals, and a Teleheath Device Drive for smartphones, tablets and other electronics that will be given to lower income older adults.
Edgewater Village Chicago is a volunteer, non-profit organization. It offers programs, social activities and resources geared toward older adults to enable them to age well in community. There are no membership dues; programs are free and open to everyone.
DCASE Individual Artists Program grants
Peoples Gas Payment Assistance | | | |
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