AustinTalks | News and information covering Chicago's Austin neighborhood on the West SideAustinTalks | News and information covering Chicago's Austin neighborhood on the West Side

29th Ward could pilot anti-crime cameras

By Suzanne McBride | January 25, 2022

A six- to 12-month program is being considered by Ald. Chris Taliaferro. The high-definition cameras could be installed at any place in the ward, and residents would be able to monitor them.

Learn about Austin’s community plan

Take part in the monthly community hub meeting of Austin Coming Together on Tuesday, Jan. 25 from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. The virtual meeting will be held on Facebook Live.

City awards 3 Austin businesses Chicago Recovery grants

The three businesses – POTLUC, Soul City Chicago and Third City Cafe – are receiving about $3 million out of $14.4 million being funded through the Chicago Recovery Plan. More than 180 proposals were submitted during the latest round of funding. The next deadline to apply for a grant is Jan. 31.

Community market has restarted

Stop by the Soul City community market – powered by Austin Fresh! – on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 5713 W. Chicago Ave.

News

Overdose reversal medication to be available at Austin libraries

Later this month, patrons at three libraries in Austin - 5615 W. Race Ave., 5724 W. North Ave. and 4856 W. Chicago Ave.
West Side credit union campaign half way to meeting $300,000 fundraising goal

Faith-based leaders working to open a credit union on the West Side reported this week they've raised half of the $300,000 needed to launch the nonprofit financial institution. At Tuesday's Leaders Network's monthly meeting, Rev. Ira Acree, co-chair of the Leaders Network and pastor of Greater St.
West Side residents urged to get vaccinated – and keep getting tested

Faith leaders urged West Side residents who haven't gotten their COVID shots to do so yet this month at any number of places, including the 15th Police District on Jan. 22.
Panel, reception on ‘Everyday activists’ exhibit postponed

A panel discussion about a photography exhibit that highlights the work of 19 Austin and Oak Park residents has been postponed. The panel about the "Everyday Activists" exhibit was to be held Jan.
Proving COVID vaccination status starts Monday in Chicago, Cook County at many businesses

Starting Monday, Jan. 3, proof of vaccination will be required for anyone 5 years or older to frequent many businesses in Chicago or suburban Cook County.
Happy 2022!
West Side credit union fundraising effort surpasses $100,000

The Leaders Network’s fundraising effort to open a credit union on the West Side has surpassed $100,000 —a goal they aimed to reach by Dec. 31st. During their regular meeting held earlier this month, leaders on the nondenominational group announced about $101,000 has been raised, leaving them $49,000 shy of their $150,000 goal.
Happy Kwanzaa

Malcolm X College has canceled its annual day-long Kwanzaa celebration set for Dec. 29 due to the new COVID variant.
Support local businesses this holiday and beyond

The Soul City Community Market is hosting a holiday-themed bazaar Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to encourage shopping with local small businesses this holiday season. Vendors will be selling a range of products — including body oils, candles and crafts — and live entertainment will be provided by singer/guitarist Xavier Sumter.
Building Black wealth on the West Side

Fifth Third Bank recently hosted a conversation about workforce development in Austin at the Kehrein Center for the Arts and what can be done to increase Black wealth. The goal of the discussion was to engage stakeholders from the Austin community to explore what workforce development looks like, the role it plays in community economic investment and how it impacts Black generational wealth, said Brittany Hughes, assistant vice president of Fifth Third Bank.

Recent Updates

City warming centers remain open
City’s sidewalk program registration opens Monday

The city will begin accepting applications for the 2022 shared cost sidewalk program at 6 a.m. Jan. 10.
Recycle your tree, get free mulch
Get vaccinated, get tested, stay safe

As Chicago reports the highest number of COVID-19 cases over a 24-hour period, Chicagoans are being encouraged to get vaccinated and get tested to stop the spread of the contagious Omicron variant. Chicago health officials announced Thursday that there were 5,216 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and that the city's positivity rate had jumped to 8.6% from 4.9% on Monday.
Toy giveaway for West Side kids
Rep. Ford invites residents to hear from Black youth

Emphasizing the need to target the root causes of violence by connecting youth with opportunity, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford is encouraging residents to hear directly from area youth at “Come Listen to Black Youth,” a conversation about community needs and opportunity scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 22 in the Thompson Center’s auditorium.
Apply now for city’s emergency heating repair program

The city's Emergency Heating Repair program is accepting applications from qualified homeowners with a one-time grant to repair or replace their furnaces or boiler heating systems.The grants are available to owner-occupants of one-to-four unit residential buildings.Grants are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis to April 1, 2022.Application packages are available by calling 311, using the CHI311 app or clicking here.
Toy, coat drive Sunday in Austin
Toy giveaway tonight in Austin
Soul City Community Market presents holiday bazaar this weekend in Austin
Teens invited to winter wonderfest
Visit Santa room at Legal Prep
Chicagoans can apply for rental assistance this month

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services this week announced that residents can apply online for the Rental Assistance Program at Chicago.gov/fss/RAP through midnight Dec. 27.
Register for toy giveaway
Oral health initiatives seek to improve children’s health on the West Side

Two initiatives announced last week by the Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation and the Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation aim to improve the oral health of children in communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, poverty and other social determinants of health. The first initiative, a health equity and COVID-19 capacity renewal grant program, awarded a total of $7.3 million to healthcare organizations statewide, including to the Erie Family Health Foundation, whose clinics provide oral health care to underserved children on the West Side.

AustinTalks - News and information covering Chicago's Austin neighborhood on the West Side

29th Ward could pilot anti-crime cameras

By Suzanne McBride | January 25, 2022

Learn about Austin’s community plan

City awards 3 Austin businesses Chicago Recovery grants

Community market has restarted

More Headlines

West Side minister urges youth to follow in MLK’s footsteps

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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