Dear neighbor,

To address the need for more testing and vaccines in our schools, the State of Illinois in partnership with Abbott Health and SHIELD Illinois, is providing 350,000 rapid antigen tests to the Chicago Public Schools. The best way to protect yourself is to wear your mask and get the vaccine. If you are looking to get your student vaccinated, you can find a vaccination site here. 

This is a longer newsletter, but I wanted to make sure that you have access to all the resources and relief programs available.

In this newsletter, you will find:

  • COVID-19 Toolkit to get tested and vaccinated in the 7th District
  • Upcoming Events
  • Sen. Simmons in the News
  • Sen. Simmons community resources (rental help, food pantry hours and water assistance)

Scroll to read more.

Sen Simmons’ Covid-19 Toolkit

              KN95 Masks available:

  •  40th ward Office, only by request: 2 per person, Https://bit.ly/K95Request
  • 48th ward Office, M-F while supplies last, 1 per person

COVID-19 Testing Locations HERE.

Vaccine sites in the 7th District:
Vaccines offered as of Jan. 12 and are subject to change at any time. Please visit the website linked to each location for more information and call ahead of time to check vaccine availability and to set up appointment times for any vaccines. For a  list of sites offering vaccines in the district click HERE.

Upcoming Townhall

On Monday, Jan. 31 at 6:00 p.m., join my office and Rep. La Shawn K. Ford for a community town hall on Senate Bill 828: Voting in Prison. Register HERE. 

 Sen. Simmons in the news:

Sen. Simmons’ Resources for Constituents:

Rental Assistance Program
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services has extended the application deadline for its Rental Assistance Program and will continue to accept applications through Jan. 31. The program provides support to Chicagoans who are at risk of becoming homeless through eviction or who may become homeless soon due to loss of income or other eligible emergencies that may prevent them from paying rent. You are eligible for the program if:

  • You live in the city of Chicago.
  • You are at risk of becoming homeless due to eviction, loss of income or another emergency.
  • You economically classify as a low-income household.
  • Your landlord completes the program requirements.
  • Those interested can apply for the program online or call 311 to reach the homeless prevention center.

Food Insecurity in the 7th District

Many of our families and neighbors in the 7th district have fallen on hard times, especially during these last few years. In parts of the 7th district, such as in parts of Rogers Park, West Ridge, Uptown, and Edgewater, one out of four and up to half of the families are food insecure. Access to food is a basic right, not a priviledge. If you or someone you know needs help finding out where to gain access to food, you can call our office and we will connect you with an organization ready to help. Your community is full of neighbors prepared to help those who need additional assistance. All of these pantries and their volunteers are here to help, serve clients, and maintain the clients' confidentiality. Please do not hesitate to call with any questions. Our office is a non-judgement zone and a safe space for all those in need.
 

Lakeview Pantry

I was grateful to spend MLK Day supporting Lakeview Pantry's Sheridan Market where my partner and I helped provide produce, meats, and canned goods to constituents. I encourage you to consider volunteering at one of the many terrific food pantries and social service agencies across the 7th District.

Volunteer Today at Lakeview Pantry 
You can volunteer at Lakeview Pantry by registering online. You will automatically recieve an orientation video and your personal site link where you can sign up for shifts. If you have any questions, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you would like to volunteer at another 7th District agency, give our office a call and we can connect you with a site that needs volunteers.

Care For Real Expanding Evening Hours

Care For Real, located at 5339. N. Sheridan Rd., now offers food distribution from 4-7 p.m. on Mondays. It used to offer the distribution in the mornings. The change went into effect this month. Learn more HERE. For residents in Rogers Park, a quick reminder that Care For Real also has a Rogers Park pop up site on Tuesdays from 12-2 p.m. at 1545 W. Morse.

$42 million in water assistance available

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently announced the new $42 million Low-Income Household Water Assistance Plan, under the Help Illinois Families initiative, to help low-income families unable to pay water and sewer bills avoid shutoffs. Apply for assistance by visiting DCEO’s website or contacting the real-time assistance hotline service at 1-833-711-0374.

Volunteer help needed in the 40th ward!

Alderman Vasquez's office needs volunteers to help deliver K95 masks to our neighbors in need. If you are available and interested in being a part of either the K95 Driver Drop off Team or their Neighbor Network Precinct Partner program, please fill out the form so they can contact you.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 773-769-1717 if we can help you with anything.

Sincerely,

Mike Simmons

State Senator | 7th District