Palenque LSNA

01/17/2023

Protect the future, protect CHA land!

The federal department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was given a proposal to lease more than 23 acres of public land originally meant for housing so billionaire Joe Mansueto can construct a massive soccer training facility. This is in the ABLA community, where more than 17,000 people were displaced after their homes were demolished many years ago. They were promised they could return to newly built quality homes.

We need HUD to keep its promise of building quality public housing, not giving our land away to billionaires. Use the link below to send a letter to HUD and tell them to deny Mansueto's application and build the homes they promised instead!

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/stop-the-abla-land-grab?source=facebook

01/13/2023

An incredible group of organizers took a trip the capital in Springfield on January 5th to advocate for allocating $5 million towards The Here To Stay Community Land Trust to purchase and rehab homes in Logan Square, Avondale, Hermosa and Humboldt Park.

Thanks to the work of the community and the work of State Rep. Will Guzzardi, State Sen. Cristina Paciones-Zayas and State Sen. Omar Aquino. This work could not be done without the efforts of our communities!

01/11/2023

VICTORY: The Here To Stay Community Land Trust was just allocated $5 million to purchase and rehab homes in Logan Square, Avondale, Hermosa and Humboldt Park!

01/09/2023

‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Logan Square Residents See Property Tax Hikes

'Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Logan Square Residents See Property Tax Hikes

“It’s shocking some people have gone from having to pay $4,000 to $6,000, and a lot of these notices came right before Christmas,” Diaz said in reference to recent property tax bills. “It’s been very emotional. Your home is an emotional topic.”

As property taxes spike and community members remain on fixed incomes, Diaz said, “It’s not an even playing field for working class families.”

“We want them to understand what programs are out there to help them,” Diaz said. “We want them to appeal their property taxes as much as possible, if they qualify for senior property tax exemptions or long time homeowner exemption.”

Some longtime Latino residents in the Logan Square community say they don’t know how long they will be able to keep paying property tax hikes, maintain a home and survive.

01/09/2023

The McAuliffe Robonaunts earned the Core Values Award at this year's city qualifiers competition, and they will be advancing to the Illinois state qualifiers in Elgin on January 14th! 🤖🎉

The theme for this year's competition was SUPERPOWERED, which focused on having teams look at how energy is used around the country and in their communities. The team developed a well thought out project on how to make Chicago CTA buses more efficient for the environment and saving millions of dollars towards the city of Chicago budget. Support from the Palenque LSNA parent and staff community helped make these events possible and everyone is excited to see this team’s efforts continue on!

01/06/2023

Join the Mayoral Race Disability Candidates' Forum tomorrow to hear from the candidates themselves discuss important issues impacting all of us.

The Mayor of Chicago has a huge impact on services, programs, and legislation that impact everyone living in or visiting Chicago, like the CTA, bike lanes, traffic tickets, and the distribution of resources. Join us at Access Living on 1/7/23 to hear from the candidates themselves about how they would support or oppose some of these key issue areas. https://www.accessliving.org/get-involved/the-2023-disability-mayoral-candidates-forum/

01/05/2023

Class action: Cook County's tax sale process discriminates vs Black, Latino homeowners

Class action: Cook County's tax sale process discriminates vs Black, Latino homeowners

"The Cook County Treasurer’s Office is facing a class action lawsuit accusing it of discriminating against Black and Latino homeowners in the way it acquires and disposes of properties whose owners are delinquent on taxes."

Lawsuit claims delinquent tax policy unconstitutionally robs property owners of equity, selling off homes worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to investors to settle property tax debts of as little as severl thousand dollars

01/04/2023

Just before the end of 2022, we convened staff, partners, and other stakeholders to brainstorm designs for an exciting new project: a mosaic art installation on the facade of our office building in Logan Square! Stay tuned for more information as we turn this dream into reality. Thanks to Green Star Movement, Innovation80, Mellon Foundation, and Elevated Chicago for your partnership, without which this project would not be possible!

01/03/2023

$225 Million for Affordable Housing in IL Now!

Housing should be a basic human right, but the reality is that it's becoming increasingly unaffordable for too many people. It's time to take action and demand change. Here's a quick action you can take. https://p2a.co/FR1NpdB

Will Guzzardi | Omar Aquino | State Senator Cristina H Pacione-Zayas

12/29/2022

What a year it has been! As 2022 comes to a close, we ask you to please consider supporting our Palenque. It is with your contributions that we can continue to take care of one another and take strategic action for systemic change and a just, resilient, and joyful future. Join our Palenque today!

You can even extend your contribution over monthly payments as a Sustaining Donor to make a difference all year long!
https://lsna.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate

12/27/2022

We are thrilled to be a member of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Community Alliance for Regional Equity! Over the next year, we will work together to achieve more equitable outcomes and opportunities across the Chicago metropolitan area.

cmap.is/communityalliance

12/26/2022

As 2022 comes to a close, please consider supporting our Palenque. You can even extend your contribution over monthly payments as a Sustaining Donor to make a difference all year long!
https://lsna.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate

Stand with us as we take care of one another and take strategic action for systemic change and a just, resilient, and joyful future.

12/22/2022

Palenque LSNA’s office will be closed December 22nd-January 3rd, allowing our staff to take some much deserved time to recharge. We hope you all are able to find space for celebration, relaxation, and joy for yourself and your loved ones over the holiday season. We are looking forward to entering the new year with full cups and big plans! Happy holidays from us to you, we will see you in 2023! 🎉

12/20/2022

This year, stand with us as we take care of one another and take strategic action for systemic change and a just, resilient, and joyful future. You can even extend your contribution over monthly payments as a Sustaining Donor to make a difference all year long!
https://lsna.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate

12/19/2022

Commentary: Experiments show innovative ways to create housing stability in Chicago

Our very own Juliet De Jesus Alejandre (Executive Director) and Christian Diaz (Director of Housing) speaking on experiments showing innovative ways to create housing stability in Chicago!

"Local experiments show there are innovative ways to create housing stability in Chicago, but we need more allies in our struggle for housing justice, so this is an invitation to stand in solidarity with us. Violence, crime and population loss are the byproducts of harmful investment and speculative disinvestment and they hurt us all, not just targeted and vulnerable populations."

Local victories show it is possible to change the rules of development, say directors of a community organization.

12/19/2022

TONIGHT! food at 6:00 PM at Grace United Methodist Church followed by a rally at 7:00

Mayor Lightfoot has been blocking the Bring Chicago Home proposal to increase the city's real estate transfer tax to create dedicated funding to address homelessness. She won't come to the table to negotiate with us, so we are bringing the table to her house.

https://fb.me/e/2dgrdZOUP

12/16/2022

Join Dill Pickle Food Co-op on Sunday December 18th, 2-5pm, for their Holi-(Dill)-Day Party! The event will be celebrating Bodhi Day, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. There will be music, food, and contests for all to enjoy!

Make sure to wear your festive gear for a chance to win the ugly holiday sweater contest. Stop by to enjoy all the rituals of this season this Sunday at the Dill Pickle Food Co-op.

12/15/2022

Our incredible partners at Grassroots Collaborative, in collaboration with other wonderful organizations, have formed a coalition called People's Unity Platform and they need our support to show up at the People’s Unity Platform launch on Saturday!

By attending the launch, you can help show a united movement across issues and neighborhoods, ready to hold whoever wins accountable for moving these solutions forward. Together we can finally end business as usual at City Hall and improve the lives of our families and neighbors.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/peoples-unity-platform-tickets-481999983927?emci=b8d2e684-827a-ed11-819c-000d3a9eb474&emdi=9e77683a-af7b-ed11-9d7a-000d3a9eb913&ceid=27345612

12/15/2022

Palenque LSNA staff gathered together today for a little holiday fun! Gifts were exchanged, karaoke was performed, laughs were had, and joy filled the room! We are all looking forward to some rest and recharging this end of year season and we hope the same for you and yours ❤️

12/14/2022

Chicago Taps Brakes on Gentrification With a Tax on Teardowns

Chicago Taps Brakes on Gentrification With a Tax on Teardowns

With multi-unit dwellings giving way to single-unit homes, Logan Square leaders pushed for measures to keep the neighborhood’s Latino population in place.

With multi-unit dwellings giving way to single-unit homes, Logan Square leaders pushed for measures to keep the neighborhood’s Latino population in place.

12/13/2022

Protesters decry ‘broken promises’ on affordable housing at Lathrop Homes

"For the 10th straight year, the Logan Square Ecumenical Alliance gathered Chicagoans Saturday morning to demonstrate against vacant buildings and a lack of affordable housing in the Lathrop Homes development on the North Side."

“I just get angry at the way people have been forgotten and moved out of the way to make room for people who already have power,” -Juan Pablo Herrera, a pastor at Urban Village Church’s Wicker Park location

Despite the city revamping 414 units at the Lathrop Homes in 2019, less than a quarter were marked affordable and about 36% were set aside for public housing — which advocates say was done to push out low income residents.

12/13/2022

This year, stand with us as we take care of one another and take strategic action for systemic change and a just, resilient, and joyful future. You can even extend your contribution over monthly payments as a Sustaining Donor to make a difference all year long!
https://lsna.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate

12/12/2022

Latino Communities ‘Shocked’ By Property Tax Increase, Neighborhood Advocates Say

“We know these property tax increases are due to demolitions, to new construction and to speculation in the housing market, which for some reason increases the value of land when White people deem a neighborhood is desirable,” Diaz said.

Many Cook County residents received an unwelcome surprise this month when their new property tax bill arrived with a hefty hike. The increase was especially noticeable for those living in largely Latino communities, according to an analysis by the Cook County Treasurer’s office.

12/12/2022

Demand your members of Congress deliver immigrant justice during lame duck!

CALL TO ACTION: Please take 30 seconds to contact your senators and representatives today!

I just took action to push my Senator and member of congress to deliver justice for immigrants before the end of the year. Click below to do the same!

12/09/2022

TOMORROW MORNING AT 10AM!!

As another winter begins, the Chicago Housing Authority continues to neglect 11 vacant Lathrop buildings south of Diversey.

Once again, promises are broken. Once again, there’s no room at the inn.

For its 10th anniversary, the annual Las Posadas procession is returning to the place where it began in 2012 – the Lathrop Homes.

JOIN US on Saturday, December 10, as we gather at 10 AM at the corner of Leavitt & Diversey. We will make several brief stops and conclude with a brief program and refreshments at 2915 N. Leavitt.

The procession is sponsored by the Logan Square Ecumenical Alliance in cooperation with the Preserve Lathrop Homes Campaign.

Las Posadas is a Latin American pre-Christmas tradition which reenacts the story of Bethlehem. Families and individuals follow Mary and Joseph in their search for a room at an inn. They are turned away until the last stop, where they are welcomed and go celebration.

LSEA includes churches from various denominations. People of all faiths, or of no affiliation, are welcome to participate!

12/06/2022

This year, stand with us as we take care of one another and take strategic action for systemic change and a just, resilient, and joyful future. You can even extend your contribution over monthly payments as a Sustaining Donor to make a difference all year long!
https://lsna.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate

12/02/2022

“Creativity doesn’t wait for that perfect moment . It fashions it’s own perfect moments out of ordinary ones” - Bruce Garrabrant

That’s what parent mentors do every Friday creating those perfect moments.

11/24/2022

The holidays can be tough, especially for those struggling with or issues. Know that it’s okay to not be okay and to seek help when you need it at 312.747.1020 or MentalHealth.Chicago.gov.

11/22/2022

Thank you to our partners and supporters who have donated items or made financial contributions to support the winter coat drive for families seeking asylum in Chicago. We have collected a few hundred coats and winter accessories and over $1,000 in donations. Please contact us at 773-384-4370 if you want to donate winter coats and accessories or visit www.palenquelsna.org to make a financial contribution.

Special thanks to HANA Center, Chicago Cares, Pilsen Stand Up, St Norbert Sharing Ministry, Sidley Austin LLP, the LARES Program at University of Illinois Chicago, the Ramirez-Espejo Family, the Migliori Family, the Ramirez Family, the Murphy Family, and families from the 35th Ward.

11/21/2022

Another successful day at schools with parent mentors!
We were happy to see many families and share community resources like Chicago Connected, Affordable Connectivity Program, Know Your Rights, Immigrant Family Support Program.

11/18/2022

More than 100 parent mentors gathered today at Funston elementary school to share their stories and plan how they are going to reach their goals as the shining starts they are!
Parent mentors want to go back to school to be Teachers, Teachers Aid, SECA, Clerks and much more!!!🔥

11/18/2022

Call to action! 📢

With the weather getting colder and snow beginning to fall our community needs access to winter gear! Donate today to provide coats to our new neighbors seeking asylum.

You may donate funds directly through the link/QR Code below or by dropping off new winter gear (coats, hats. gloves, scarves). Drop off donations until November 22nd, 9am-4pm at the Palenque LSNA office.

https://lsna.app.neoncrm.com/forms/winter-drive-2022

11/16/2022

Photos from Chicago's 35th Ward Alderman's post

11/12/2022

Palenque LSNA Community Navigators are at McCormick YMCA 1834 N. Lawndale Ave!!!!
They are providing great resources like Chicago Connected internet at no cost, affordable connectivity program , Know Your Rights on immigration and the new Immigrant Family support program.
Happening Now until 2pm
Stop by and visit their table!

11/11/2022

Photos from Alonso Zaragoza's post

11/11/2022

CALL TO ACTION! 📢

As of October 15, over 3,300 asylum seekers have been bussed from Texas to Chicago and are in need of housing, clothing, food, and other necessities. Palenque LSNA is responding by organizing a winter coat and donation drive. Join us in support of our new neighbors by donating today.

You may donate funds directly through the link/QR Code below or by dropping off new winter gear (coats, hats. gloves, scarves). Drop off donations until November 22nd, 9am-4pm at the Palenque LSNA office.

https://lsna.app.neoncrm.com/forms/winter-drive-2022

11/09/2022

11/07/2022

Donations Needed!

In the last few weeks, thousands of people have arrived in Chicago seeking asylum, all in need of winter essentials. Help us provide warm coats and winter accessories to our new neighbors for their first winter in Chicago. Our goal is to secure 1,000 coats before the start of winter - you can support that goal by donating today. https://lsna.app.neoncrm.com/forms/winter-drive-2022

In our Palenque, we take care of one another. With your support, we have connected families in our community to over $1.5 million in pandemic relief since 2020. You have helped families buy groceries, pay their rent and bills, and cover their meds. We are now asking our community to once again come together in the spirit of Palenque, in solidarity and support of the thousands of people seeking asylum in Chicago.

11/06/2022

Palenque LSNA’s Noche de Calaveras features community altar to fallen cyclists

Palenque LSNA’s Noche de Calaveras features community altar to fallen cyclists:

"Dia de los Mu***os altars, or ofrendas, are created in memory of those who have died, and invite the spirit of the deceased to visit, with bright decorations, flowers, food and drink. Rios-Sierra said she was inspired to create a community altar to cyclists because of the surge in people on foot or bicycle killed by drivers since the pandemic. 'This year I was inspired by the work Palenque did with [the equitable transit-oriented development think tank] Elevate Chicago that had a lot to do with equitable development and walkability of our neighborhoods,' she said. 'I did a little research and realized there’s a whole database on bicyclist and pedestrian deaths. I thought that was so sad. There were a lot more deaths during the pandemic. The number of people killed on the streets was higher. I thought it was time to create a space to honor those people who had been lost.'"

The event featured performances, family activities and an altar for fallen bikers created by Norma Rios-Sierra, Palenque’s cultural events manager.

11/05/2022

Palenque LSNA was present at the Health Fair at Koz park passing out
information about “Know Your Rights” and many other resources!