Chicago Housing Authority launches new Down Payment Assistance program to help families achieve their dreams of homeownership Single Mom is first CHA resident to close on home: “I just can’t believe
Samantha Stokes grew up one of four children living under the roof of hard-working parents. Ends didn’t always meet, and she remembers being evicted as a child – something she vowed never to experience as an adult.
Cristina Jones Takes the Helm as New CEO of Black Girls Code
Black Girls Code is thrilled to introduce Cristina Jones as their new CEO. Jones brings decades of executive and leadership experience at the intersection of technology, marketing, and media. She is passionate about creating pathways for women of color to be in the rooms where tech is being innovated, and approaches this work with urgency.
CITY OF CHICAGO PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESIDENTS TO SUPPORT NEW ARRIVALS AND UNHOUSED CHICAGOANS AHEAD OF THE WINTER SEASON
With winter approaching, there is a need to provide individuals, families, children and infants with winter coats, shoes, and warm clothing along with other essential items. Since August 31, 2022, the City of Chicago has welcomed more than 19,000 asylum-seekers. According to a 2023 study by the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, over 68,000 Chicagoans are currently experiencing homelessness.
Upcoming Town Hall Discussion to highlight resources for those interested in adoption and fostering children
Deborah Farmer was prompted to produce a Town Hall Meeting titled, “Empowering the Village: A Discussion on Adoption and Child Advocacy.” She thought about her journey with her son, Joshua; she had quite a few of her peers who wanted to foster or adopt, but they didn’t
How assessments and appeals in your community affected property tax bills Assessor’s Office releases Data Dashboards for Tax Year 2022
The Cook County Assessor’s Office (Assessor's Office) created a data dashboard that allows the public to view assessed values at each stage for tax year 2022. The final values reflect this year’s second installment tax bill.
Pierce Twins Make a Positive Change with Nonprofit
Kyra and Phallon Pierce were in eighth grade when they found a racist book on their school’s reading list. It led them to look at their school’s reading list and the reading lists from schools in their area. They found there was a lack of diversity when it came to the authors and the characters in the books on those lists.
Kelly, Duckworth Highlight Need for More Action to Improve Maternal Health Outcomes at M.O.M.S Tour
U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Administrator Carole Johnson on Saturday, Oct. 28, for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ M.O.M.S (Maternal Outcomes Matter Showers) Tour, highlighting their work on this important issue and the need to do more to address our country’s ongoing maternal mortality crisis. This national tour aims to improve maternal health outcomes, particularly among Black women, in communities with high maternal morbidity rates, bringing together mental health professionals, birth workers, medical professionals and community members to engage in meaningful discussions on maternal health disparities and explore ways to provide resources and support for women at risk.
Educator Develops App for School Safety
Shagmond Lowery came up with the idea for the MyPal App four years ago when he was an educator at a South Suburban School District. Incidents at schools in the community prompted him to create the app with the hope it would keep students safe.
TEACHER CREATES FREE SNACK STOP TO PREVENT HUNGER, STIGMA
“I was a free and reduced lunch kid when I was little, we had tickets and you’d walk up to the little table and they had to sort through and get your ticket and they’d punch your ticket. And everybody with money could just go right ahead. It always felt like everybody knew,” Hursh recalled early Wednesday morning before her students arrived. “I’ve been teaching for 20 years and there’s always that handful of kids that never have their snack.”
Loyola University Chicago Celebrates Second Annual Mamie Till-Mobley Scholarship Luncheon
On Saturday, Oct. 28, the Loyola University Chicago Black Alumni Board (BAB) hosted the second annual Mamie Till-Mobley Scholarship luncheon to celebrate LUC alumna and raise funds for the scholarship.
Wellness West is increasing access to food through partnership with Instacart
Wellness West has partnered with Instacart to provide access to healthy food for its members. The “Food Connections” program offers a monthly grocery stipend of $79 to eligible members of Wellness West. Those groceries will be delivered through Instacart.
ILLINOIS HISTORIC SITES COUNCIL APPROVES BLACK PANTHER PARTY LANDMARK NOMINATION
The Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council (IHSAC) unanimously approved the nomination to landmark the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party (ILBPP). This vote completes state requirements, and the multiple property document is now headed to the National Park Service (NPS).
Beat the Streets Chicago’s Mural Honors City’s Wrestling History
Beat the Streets Chicago has created a mural with the goal to inspire future wrestling talent. The mural, located at 5985 S. Archer Ave., depicts wrestlers from Chicago who have left their mark in some form or fashion in the city and beyond.
Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Grand Opening of Brown Sugar Bakery’s Manufacturing Facility in Chicago
Governor JB Pritzker and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton joined local and state leaders to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Brown Sugar Bakery’s manufacturing facility. The 10,000 square-foot facility will enable large scale production on Chicago’s South Side while creating jobs for the local community. “One of the most important things I get to do as governor is help entrepreneurs start new businesses, and help small businesses become big ones. That’s the best way to create jobs and grow the economy,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I couldn’t be prouder of the Brown Sugar Bakery team as they continue to uplift the community, making a difference in so many people’s lives while bringing smiles to the faces of people everywhere.”
Chicago Scholars’ 2023 Onsite College and Leadership Forum Facilitated $12,467,000 in Scholarships and 244 College Admissions Granted to 600 Chicago High School Seniors
On Tuesday, Oct. 24, 600 of Chicago’s most academically ambitious high school students from under-resourced communities gathered at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall for a mass college interview day unlike any other - the Chicago Scholars’ Onsite College and Leadership Forum. This year’s event could not have been a bigger success, as $12,467,000 in scholarships and 247 college admissions were granted to students from 127 of the country’s most selective colleges and universities in attendance.
Chicago Public Schools Announces Two New Chiefs to Oversee Procurement and Network 4
The Chicago Board of Education (Board) approved the appointment of Patricia Hernandez to serve as the District’s new Chief Procurement Officer and Dr. Jerry Travlos as the Network 4 Chief of Schools. Both leaders bring decades of experience working in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to their respective new roles.
City Colleges of Chicago fall enrollment increases more than double the state average Illinois Community College Board reports City Colleges of Chicago enrollment is up again with a year over year he
City Colleges of Chicago’s (CCC) Fall 2023 headcount enrollment is up 12.7% for students in combined credit and adult education, more than double the state-wide average (+5.7%) for Illinois community colleges, with strong gains for Black male (+15.8%) and Latinx male (+8.6%) credit students. City Colleges undergraduate credit enrollment increase (+8.4%) was nearly double the national public community college average (+4.4%).
CHICAGO TASKFORCE ON INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY (CTIT) LAUNCHES AMBITIOUS PLAN FOR CITY TRANSFORMATION
The City of Chicago announces the launch of the Chicago Taskforce on Innovation and Technology (CTIT), an initiative dedicated to advancing new solutions in public safety, smart government, and connected infrastructure. This initiative is championed by Mayor Brandon Johnson and supported by Alderman Gilbert Villegas, Chairman of the Committee of Economic, Capital, and Technology Development, and John Roberson, Chief Operating Officer for the City of Chicago. George Burciaga of Elevate Cities will provide oversight to the CTIT.
U. S. Disasters Disparately Impact Low Income Homeowners and Renters
So far this year, the U.S. has been hit by 23 separate major disasters, the highest number since the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) started keeping records in 1980. These disasters—which include hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, tornados, and hail—collectively have killed more than 250 people, caused over $57 billion in property damage, and are both causing and exacerbating health issues in regions across the country. Their impact is disproportionately felt by low-income homeowners and renters.
