Alderman Bennett Lawson - 44th Ward Chicago

Alderman Bennett Lawson
44th Ward
Seal of Chicago

Articles under City of Chicago Notice

MAYOR LIGHTFOOT, THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND FAMILY INDEPENDENCE INITIATIVE (FII) LAUNCH COVID-19 HOUSING ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2019

CONTACT:
Mayor’s Press Office
312.744.3334
press@cityofchicago.org

MAYOR LIGHTFOOT, THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND FAMILY INDEPENDENCE INITIATIVE (FII) LAUNCH COVID-19 HOUSING ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM
One-time grants available for rent and mortgage payments of Chicago residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic

CHICAGO – Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Department of Housing (DOH) today announced the creation of a COVID-19 Housing Assistance Grant program to assist Chicagoans who have lost their jobs or otherwise been impacted by the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Made possible by a partnership with the Family Independence Initiative (FII), DOH will deploy $2 million from the Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund (AHOF) to fund one-time grants to help impacted Chicagoans with rent and mortgage payments.

“Due to the unprecedented impact the COVID-19 crisis, we have a responsibility as a city to support of our residents and families during their urgent time of need,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “This program represents a critical resource not only to our communities but our entire city as we navigate this evolving challenge and ensure every Chicagoan remains safe, healthy and secure.”

The fund will award 2,000 Grants of $1,000 each. Half of these grants will be awarded through a lottery system, while the other half will be distributed by nonprofit community organizations across the city. Chicago residents experiencing temporary financial hardships due to COVID-19 will be able to apply online via the DOH Online Intake Portal at www.chicago.gov/coronavirus and over the phone through community-based organizations. Applicants will be required to demonstrate their economic impact by showing documentation such as a recent unemployment insurance claim, notification of employment status change, as well as proof of household income at or below 60% of the area median income prior to job loss.

“The City of Chicago understands the need to respond quickly to the financial straits so many of our residents find themselves in,” said DOH Commissioner Marisa Novara. “Sudden job loss or reduction in hours has a cascading effect on the ability to pay rent and mortgage, creating housing instability at a time when we need it most. The Dept of Housing is gratified to use its funds to provide relief for our fellow residents. “

Grants are expected to be awarded between early and mid-April. Awardees will receive funds via transfers to their banking institution, PayPal, or CashApp accounts. Delegate agencies are prepared to assist awardees who do not have immediate access to a computer or a bank account. Funding through the City’s online portal will be awarded by a lottery system while nonprofit organizations based throughout the city will distribute funds using their existing neighborhood networks.

“This program will give Chicagoans some desperately needed relief and protection against the economic ravages of COVID-19,” said Ald. Harry Osterman, chair of the City Council’s Housing and Real Estate committee. “We want people to stay in their homes and stay safe. The COVID-19 Housing Assistance Grand program will help thousands of Chicagoans do both.”

The Family Independence Initiative (FII) works with families to break the cycle of poverty and achieve economic and social mobility by bridging the information and resource gap to fuel their goals and dreams. FII’s technology platform strengthens social networks and helps provide access to resources that will improve residents’ financial outlook. FII is a partner in the City’s efforts to eliminate poverty in a generation, stemming from a call to action announced by Mayor Lightfoot last month to direct more City resources to address systemic poverty and reduce economic insecurity in Chicago.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated in unprecedented ways exactly what it means to live paycheck to paycheck,” said Ebony Scott Director of the Family Independence Initiative, Chicago. “In the midst of a global health crisis where people are fearful they could lose their jobs or even their lives, they should not have to be concerned that they may lose the roof over their heads, too. This partnership gets cash into their hands to provide them at least some sense of security during this troubling time.”

The COVID-19 Housing Assistance Grant is a part of Mayor Lightfoot’s comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which spans economic relief measures taken for residents, businesses and to ensure a swift and precise health response to protect residents in the face of this unprecedented pandemic. Earlier this week, Mayor Lightfoot announced action to expand shelter and care for populations most vulnerable to COVID-19 and has continued to make progress toward lifting the burden from the City’s healthcare system. The City continues to provide essential services maintained as Chicago remains under a state order issued by Governor Pritzker for residents to stay at home now through April 7th.

For more information and updates on COVID-19, text COVID19 to 78015, email coronavirus@chicago.gov or visit Chicago.gov/coronavirus.

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Mayor Lightfoot Orders the Immediate Closure of the City’s Lakefront, Adjacent Parks, 606 and Riverwalk to the Public

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2019

 CONTACT:
Mayor’s Press Office
312.744.3334
press@cityofchicago.org

 

MAYOR LIGHTFOOT ORDERS THE IMMEDIATE CLOSURE OF THE CITY’S LAKEFRONT, ADJACENT PARKS, 606 AND RIVERWALK TO THE PUBLIC

Despite Stay at Home order, an excessive number of people gathering along the lakefront and in neighborhoods necessitates further action to bend the curve of COVID-19

CHICAGO – In response to the excessive gatherings of people along Chicago’s Lakefront, Riverwalk and 606 Trail this week, effective immediately, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot has issued an executive order closing these spaces to the public until further notice. The Mayor made the announcement alongside city officials and mayors from surrounding communities that are also grappling with the issue of social and congregate gatherings in their communities while the state’s ‘Stay at Home’ order is in effect.

The Mayor’s Executive Order will direct a shutdown of the Lakefront including adjacent trails, green spaces and facilities.  In addition, the order provides guidance for residents to make every effort to practice social distancing during recreational activities, such as walking, running or cycling.  The order also prohibits contact sports, like basketball and football. These measures are designed to protect the health and safety of residents amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

“While our parks and other green spaces offer residents a brief respite during this stay at home order, we simply must take action to prevent the large gatherings that are putting our public health at risk,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “As we work tirelessly to flatten the curve and prevent the spread of COVID-19, we need people to stay at home as much as possible. Our order to temporarily close access to the Lakefront and restrict gatherings has now become a necessary step in our effort to protect people, and to get our city through this crisis as quickly as possible.”

Throughout the week, City officials have observed crowds congregating along the lakefront, in parks, and other public spaces violating the state’s mandate and health guidance, both requiring that residents do not gather in groups to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. To ensure residents comply with the State’s mandate and abstain from non-essential activities, the Chicago Park District Security and the Chicago Police Department will continue to patrol the lakefront and disband people who violate the closure.

“Above all, we want the residents of Chicago to be safe,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Michael Kelly. “This closure is necessary to enforce social distancing and mitigate crowding that is typical along Chicago’s lakefront but threatens the health of our city during this very delicate time.”

The Mayor’s order bans lakefront access to all parkland in Chicago adjoining Lake Michigan, including walking, running and cycling paths, beaches and other recreational facilities. To keep these areas secured, the Chicago Park District is putting in place barricades and other security measures pursuant to the order. Please visit chicagoparkdistrict.com for the full list of closures.

The order also bans access to other Chicago public spaces like Millennium Park, Chicago’s Riverwalk and the 606 Trail. Many alternative routes will still be available to Chicago residents choosing to walk or bike to work during this time, and residents are encouraged to visit Chicago.gov/CDOT to view the city’s network of 248 miles of bike lanes.

“The movement of people who are essential workers and others doing necessary travel must take priority during this unprecedented time. We understand the Mayor’s decision to close the Lakefront and 606 to protect our public health.,” said Melody Geraci, interim executive Director of the Active Transportation Alliance. “Chicagoans should stay home as much as possible and, when spending time outside, they should follow public health guidelines by maintaining social distancing and staying away from busy areas.”

While the Chicago Police Department is empowered to enforce the Mayor’s new order through citations up to $500 and additional measures, the Department is primarily focusing on educating residents about the new order and providing warnings to individuals using these closed spaces. To further ensure compliance with the order, the Department will move forward with issuing citations if individuals don’t adhere to initial warnings from police officers.

“For the most part, Chicagoans have been doing well at maintaining social distancing but with the number of people gathering on the lakefront in recent days, it is necessary that we shut down these areas for the health and safety of our residents,” said Interim Superintendent Beck. “Again, it is the responsibility of every Chicagoan to do their part to help keep each other safe and following this order will save the lives of our fellow neighbors.”

On Wednesday, Mayor Lightfoot joined Commissioner Allison Arwady of the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and other city officials to remind residents of important guidance to adhere to during the state’s order, and as public health officials work to stem the spread of the virus. Chicagoans are still able, and encouraged, to do the following during this time:

  • Go for a short walk or runs but maintain physical distance from others while doing so, preferably in their own neighborhoods.
  • Walk their dog, but do not congregate at the dog park or beach.
  • Shop at the grocery stores that remain open, as long as, you are not sick, and practice social distancing.
  • Continue visiting the restaurants that remain open for pick-up and delivery.

“As we have learned from watching how other countries have responded to this outbreak, the best way for us to contain this virus is to practice proper social distancing,” said Dr. Arwady. “This doesn’t mean you can’t go outside for fresh air, walk your dog or go for a run. It just means you have to do it the right way, by keeping your distance from others and not congregating in groups.”

Chicago Park District’s facilities and field-houses will remain closed for the duration of the stay at home order. Currently, the District’s green spaces and parks remain open, and the City will monitor park activity in the event more closures are necessary to prevent large gatherings and congregations of people during the stay at home order.

Under Governor Pritzker’s ‘Stay at Home’ Order, which went into effect on March 21, residents of Chicago and across the state are mandated to stay at home as much as possible, and to limit occasions for leaving their homes, unless it is to: retrieve essential goods or services, go work if they are an essential employee, seek medical care, or to get fresh air for brief amounts of time while practicing social distancing. The order was issued out of an abundance of caution to safeguard the public health and prevent further spread in the community and is expected to last through April 7, unless otherwise directed.

Additionally, under an order released by CDPH last week, any Chicago resident that has COVID-19 or is displaying symptoms must stay at home during this time unless seeking emergency medical care. This order was issued out of an abundance of caution to safeguard the public health and prevent further spread in the community.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the City is launching the Stay Home, Save Lives campaign to inform residents about how they can stay healthy and do their part to bend the curve of the virus. For more information and updates on COVID-19, text COVID19 to 78015, email coronavirus@chicago.gov or visit Chicago.gov/coronavirus.

 

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CACC Services During “Stay-at-Home Order” – Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) is committed to caring for Chicago’s at-risk animals through the evolving COVID-19 crisis. As this situation changes, we will continue to update our website Chicago.gov/CACC and this FAQ with the latest news on the shelter and how you can help.

WILL YOU CONTINUE TO CARE FOR SHELTER PETS?

We continue our commitment to saving animals’ lives, reuniting lost pets with their families, and finding loving homes for abandoned and orphaned animals. Be assured that we will have Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) staff available to feed, clean, and provide exercise and enrichment for the animals in our care. The shelter population is constantly changing, and we are still placing animals in adoptive and foster homes, and reuniting animals with their families by appointment.

In addition, Animal Control Officers will respond to emergency calls such as vicious animals, animal cruelty, and calls about injured and stray animals. While we’ll continue to provide these services, non-essential shelter personnel have been asked to work remotely. If you are interested in helping a shelter pet during this difficult period, please consider adopting or fostering (see details below).

WHY WERE SERVICE CHANGES MADE?

On March 18, CACC changed the way most of its services are accessed. Residents now will need to make appointments by emailing VisitCACC@gmail.com or calling 312-747-1414 (line answered daily from 12 – 6 p.m.).

We are making this change and requesting your help to keep staff and visitors safe while avoiding overcrowding at the shelter and helping our pets find new, loving homes. The change mostly impacts owners giving up their pets to the shelter, since about 40% of pets entering CACC are owner surrenders.

CAN I STILL ADOPT A SHELTER PET AT THIS TIME?

Yes! CACC needs to get as many pets as possible into good homes. If you are considering adopting, please visit Petharbor.com/Chicago or CACC Adoptable Pets and CACC Cat Transfer Team on Facebook to view photos and bios of the animals. If you find a dog or cat of interest, please email VisitCACC@gmail.com or call 312-747-1414 with your name, phone number, and the name and the ID (A#) of the animal. A volunteer or staff member will follow up with you with the next steps. We will note that there is an interested party, but adoptions and transfers will be honored on a first-come first-served basis.

Adoptions are approved after the applicant meets the pet.

HOW DO I FOSTER A SHELTER PET?

The shelter is looking for emergency foster homes, who can take home a pet if CACC reaches critical capacity. CACC will need fosters for all types of pets, but housing for medium and large dogs are needed most. CACC provides vet care and food. People can sign up to be an on-call emergency foster by emailing VisitCACC@gmail.com or calling 312-747-1414. We will get back to you when we need your help. You can also contact one of CACC’s partner organizations to learn about foster opportunities with them. Find a list of these organizations at: Chicago.gov/CACC.

ARE PARTNER RESCUES STILL ABLE TO TRANSFER OUT ANIMALS?

Yes! Transfer hours and procedures are still the same at this time. Rescue partners should visit CACC Dog Transfer Team and CACC Cat Transfer Team on Facebook and email CACCrescue@cityofchicago.org as usual to place hold requests and for more information.

WHAT IF I CAN’T KEEP MY PET?

We are asking owners who are not facing an immediate crisis to keep their pets for at least four weeks. We must maintain space for the pets that need us now. For any pet owners who must surrender their pets, they must make an appointment by emailing VisitCACC@gmail.com or calling 312-747-1414. Owners should also try to re-home their animals with friends or family. Our partners at the Anti-Cruelty Society offer a Home-to-Home Shelter Bypass service to help people take responsibility for rehoming the pets themselves. If you are interested, please contact akulla@anticruelty.org.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I FIND A STRAY ANIMAL?

If you find a stray animal, you can take it to a vet clinic to check for a microchip and try to find the owner. Then, go to helpinglostpets.com to create a lost pet profile. Please consider fostering the animal to give the owner time to find the pet or until the shelter resumes normal operations. Lost pets typically stay close to home so fostering them where they are found helps get pets home. The pets also avoid the stress of the shelter. In addition, you can help to find the pet’s owner via social media by posting flyers on pages like LostDogsIL LostCatsIL or other community sites. More information: humanesociety.org/resources/how-help-stray-pet.

If you can’t keep the pet, please email VisitCACC@gmail.com or call 312-747-1414 with your name, phone number, and a brief description of the animal, and a staff member will follow up with you. Please note that we are unable to accept community/feral cats and kittens at this time unless they are orphaned and unweaned or injured. In this case, call 3-1-1 or visit 311.Chicago.gov to request pick-up.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I LOST A PET?

If you lost your pet, visit Petharbor.com/Chicago to view all the stray animals in the facility. Other helpful sites include Lost312.com and helpinglostpets.com as well as Lost DogsIL and LostCatsIL on Facebook and many community pages. If you think that one of the animals at CACC is your lost pet, email VisitCACC@gmail.com or call 312-747-1414 with your name, phone number and the animal ID (A#) from the Petharbor site, and a staff member will follow up with you with the next steps.

HOW DOES COVID-19 EFFECT ANIMALS?

We understand that you may have questions about whether it’s safe to be around pets. Please visit the WHO and CDC for up-to-date information https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#animals

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO HELP?

Donate!

We always need shelter supplies! Please visit our Amazon Wishlist here.

Prepare Your Pets for Emergencies Every pet parent should put together a kit for their animal, including:

  • Bottled water
  • Cat carrier
  • One-to-two weeks of your pet’s food
  • Collapsible food and water bowls
  • Blankets
  • Cat litter and pan
  • Leash, collar and harness
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Basic pet first-aid kit
  • Vaccination records and medical history
  • Veterinarian’s contact information
  • List of medications
  • Emergency contacts
  • Photos of your pet in case of separation
  • Feliway/Adaptil spray for carriers or toys

WHY WAS THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM SUSPENDED?

To ensure the health and safety of our volunteers and staff, CACC had to make the hard decision to suspend the Volunteer Program, including the Doggie Day Out Program, until further notice. We hope to bring volunteers back as soon as it is prudent to do so.

SHARE! SHARE! SHARE!

The more people we reach, the more animals we can help! Please share posts on Facebook from Chicago Animal Care and Control, CACC Adoptables, CACC Dog Transfer Team and CACC Cat Transfer Team.