Pick an issue to find local services, contacts, and meeting times.
Tenant protection, homeowner programs, and unhoused neighbor resources.
Tenant Landlord Problem Solving
SquaredAway helps tenants solve home-related problems with landlords quickly and effectively—whether it's a broken refrigerator, bed bugs, or lease questions.
Official Tenant Ordinance Guide
Review the official Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance summary outlining core rights, lease rules, and security deposit protections in English.
Financial Assistance
Provides financial assistance to Chicago residents at risk of losing their homes due to unexpected financial hardship like job loss or medical bills.
Representation for Housing Matters
Provides free legal representation in housing court and for other related matters.
Metropolitan Tenants Organization
Access vital tenant advocacy templates for addressing bed bugs, demanding essential services (heat/utilities), requesting rent reductions, or terminating your tenancy under the RLTO.
Injustice Watch Investigation Guide
Step-by-step instructions on how to use public databases to research building code violations, find property ownership behind LLCs, and check landlord court records in Cook County.
Browse active affordable rental developments across the city.
Lower Your Property Taxes
Most homeowners are eligible if they own and occupy the property as their principal residence. Provides savings by reducing EAV.
Auto-Renewal: Yes | Missing Years: Redeem 2021–2025 via Cert of Error.
Age 65+ Homeowners
For senior homeowners 65 or older who own and occupy their primary residence, reducing EAV for property tax savings.
Auto-Renewal: Yes | Missing Years: Redeem 2021–2025 via Cert of Error.
Household Income $65,000 or Less
Provides significant savings by "freezing" the equalized assessed value of an eligible property.
Auto-Renewal: No (Must file annually) | Missing Years: 2021–2025.
Property Tax Reduction
For homeowners who are disabled or became disabled during the tax year, providing an annual reduction in EAV.
Auto-Renewal: Yes (New state legislation) | Missing Years: 2021–2025.
Active Conflict Returnees
Provides veterans returning from active duty in armed conflict with an EAV reduction for each taxable year in which they return.
Auto-Renewal: No (Must file annually).
Service-Connected Disability
Provides veterans with a service-connected disability certified by the VA with an EAV deduction depending on disability level.
Auto-Renewal: No (Must file annually).
World War II Veterans
Allows WWII veterans (service between Dec 7, 1941 and Dec 31, 1946) to receive property tax savings regardless of disability rating.
Auto-Renewal: Yes | Missing Years: 2024 & 2025.
Expanded Relief for Significant Assessment Increases
Provides an expanded Homeowner Exemption with no maximum amount for homeowners who meet income/residency and experience large assessment spikes.
Auto-Renewal: No (Applications mailed to qualifying properties).
Remodeling & Value Protection
Allows home improvements (square footage, flood damage repair) without being taxed on up to $75,000 of added value for up to four years.
Auto-Applied: Yes (No application required).
If an exemption was not applied to your property tax bill, homeowners may be able to apply for a refund through the Certificate of Error process. Homeowners can now file for past exemptions for tax years 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021.
Home Assistance
Assistance for first-time home buyers, homeowners, landlords, and renters.
Add Units to Your Property
The ADU Ordinance was expanded in September 2025 to allow access more broadly across Chicago. Homeowners can build conversion units or coach houses for extra income or multi-generational living.
Department of Housing
City-supported rental subsidy programs provide stability for families and benefits for landlords, including financial incentives, lower advertising costs, and tenant support.
Official City Guide • PDF
Comprehensive Department of Housing guide covering the Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO), tenant rights, evictions, right to counsel, and community resources.
Resources for Landlords
Includes Rights & Rules, Security Deposit Rates, Housing Assistance, Eviction Protection, and more.
No Cost Security Devices - Income Based
Residents and businesses can explore financial assistance and free security equipment like alarm systems, motion-sensor lights, and security cameras.
Resources for Homebuyers
Covers Affordable Housing, Foreclosure Prevention Counseling, Tax Breaks, Neighborhood Homes, and more.
Soup Kitchen • Tuesdays @ 12 PM
Location: 1641 S Allport St, Chicago, IL 60608
Free hot meals for all those in need—no community residency requirement.
Soup Kitchen & Food Pantry
Location: 1919 S. Ashland Ave.
Soup kitchen Mondays, Fridays, & Saturdays @ 12:30 PM. Food pantry Tuesdays 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (2 bags per family, limited supply).
Advocacy & Legal Aid
Provides a free legal helpline, youth scholarships, mutual aid funds, and emergency shelter guidance (call 311 for immediate shelter placement).
Housing Crisis & Prevention Funding
Provides flexible financial support for rent, mortgages, security deposits, and utilities to stabilize households facing housing emergencies.
Report neighborhood issues, check street sweeping, and track requests.
Direct City Submissions
Submit service requests for potholes, missed garbage collection, graffiti removal, rat abatement, tree trimming, building violations, and fly dumping.
Official 2026 PDF Guide
Download the official 2025/2026 street sweeping schedule for the 25th Ward to avoid parking tickets and keep our streets clean.
Pickup Calendars
Find your specific recycling pickup day, check how holiday schedules affect your block, and sign up for reminders so you never miss a collection.
Disposal Rules
Check what items are accepted in blue bins versus garbage carts, and learn proper disposal rules for common household items.
Want to make sure your request is logged correctly? Follow these 4 quick steps when calling the ward office at (773) 523-4100:
Explore local elementary and high schools, admissions, support services, LSCs, and youth programming.
Pilsen Area • Public
Specialty: Pre-K to 8th
Enrollment: 330 students
Pilsen Area • Public
Specialty: Pre-K to 8th
Enrollment: 257 students
Pilsen Area • Public
Specialty: Dual Language Magnet
Enrollment: 236 students
Pilsen Area • Public
Specialty: Pre-K to 8th
Enrollment: 275 students
Pilsen Area • Public
Specialty: STEM Magnet
Enrollment: 304 students
Pilsen Area • Public
Specialty: Dual Language
Enrollment: 509 students
Pilsen Area • Public
Specialty: Fine Arts Magnet
Enrollment: 482 students
Little Village • Public
Specialty: Pre-K to 8th
Enrollment: 267 students
Pilsen Area • Public
Specialty: Fine Arts Magnet
Enrollment: 330 students
Pilsen Area • Public
Specialty: Bilingual EL Gifted
Enrollment: 269 students
Pilsen Area • Public
Specialty: IB World School
Enrollment: 314 students
Little Village • Charter
Specialty: Charter Program
Enrollment: 229 students
Pilsen Area • Parochial
Little Village • Parochial
Pilsen Area • Parochial
Little Village • Parochial
Pilsen • Private
Pilsen Area • Private
Little Village • Parochial
Pilsen Area • Public High
Specialty: Competency Based Learning
Enrollment: 1,574 students
Little Village • Public High
Specialty: IB Program
Enrollment: 509 students
Pilsen Area • Alternative
Specialty: Re-engage 16+ youth
Enrollment: 137 students
Pilsen Area • Charter/Career
Specialty: Health Sciences
Enrollment: 553 students
Pilsen Area • Alternative
Specialty: Re-engage 16+ youth
Enrollment: 76 students
Pilsen Area • Private High
Little Village • Private High
CPS Admissions
Apply to elementary and high schools across the district using GoCPS.
Admissions Guidelines
Learn how tier scores, cutoff scores, and random lotteries work for selective enrollment.
Admissions Guidelines
Guidelines and procedures for enrolling children turning 5 after the cutoff.
Academic Support
Information on district-wide testing, NWEA MAP assessments, and benchmarks.
Student Support Services
Navigating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), evaluations, and specialized support.
Elected Governance
For the first time in city history, Chicago has a school board chosen by voters instead of just picked by the mayor. By 2027, the board is growing to 21 elected members to manage a $10B budget, approve union contracts, and set district rules.
Neighborhood Governance
Every public school has an LSC made up of parents, community members, and teachers. They vote on school budgets, approve improvement plans, and evaluate principals to give families direct power in neighborhood schools.
City Youth Employment
Formerly One Summer Chicago. Connects youth and young adults ages 14 to 24 with paid summer and year-round work experience and internships across the city.
Free Arts & Culture
The award-winning youth initiative of the National Museum of Mexican Art, offering free arts, media, and culture programming to teens and young adults since 1997.
After-School & Teen Club
Located at 2801 S. Ridgeway. Serving South Lawndale youth with after-school hours (ages 6–12) and teen after-hours programs (ages 13–18).
Environmental Leadership
Little Village Environmental Justice Organization's summer organizing leadership program and paid cohorts for youth ages 16–24 focusing on local environmental equity and campaigns.
Uniting Voices Chicago
World-class music education and leadership incubation for youth, rehearsing at Union League Boys & Girls Clubs Club One (2157 W. 19th St.).
Youth Art Classes
Located at 1637 W. 18th St. Offers affordable classes, workshops, and youth art programs spanning printmaking, drawing, painting, watercolor, collage, and crafts.
Youth Sports & Baseball
Community-based youth baseball and softball organization operating out of Harrison Park for children ages 4–16, teaching teamwork and life skills.
Teen Mentorship & Leadership
Offers teen mentorship, Teen Leaders Club, Safe Spaces ("My Chi, My Future" job training), and youth development programs across local YMCAs.
Explore local parks, advisory councils, fieldhouse hours, and library branches.
Little Village Park
Advisory Council: Mercedes Alvarez - President
Email: [email protected]
Meeting Details:
Last Wednesday of every month 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Fieldhouse Hours:
N/A
Pilsen Area Park
Advisory Council: Tina Iturralde - President
Phone: (773) 961-4001
Email: [email protected]
Meeting Details:
3rd Tuesday of every month at 6 pm
Fieldhouse Hours:
Monday: 8:30-8:30pm
Tuesday: 8:30-9:00pm
Wednesday: 8:30-8:30pm
Thursday: 8:30-9:00pm
Friday: 8:30-8:30pm
Saturday: 9:00-5:00pm
Sunday: CLOSED
Pilsen Area Park
Advisory Council: Joe Ramirez - President
Email: [email protected]
Meeting Details:
3rd Monday of the month at 6:00pm
Fieldhouse Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9:00am-9:00pm
Saturday: 9:00-5:00pm
Sunday: CLOSED
Public Library Branch
2311 S. Kedzie Ave.
Chicago, IL 60623
Hours:
Mon: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tues: 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Wed: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thur: 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Fri: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sun: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Public Library Branch
1805 S. Loomis St.
Chicago, IL 60608
Hours:
Mon: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tues: 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Wed: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thur: 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Fri: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sun: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Chambers of commerce, business resources, grants, and worker protections.
Chamber & Tax Levy
Supporting Chicago's second-highest revenue shopping corridor since 1989. Hosts the annual Mexican Independence Parade on 26th St. SSA#25 provides commercial corridor marketing and cleanliness services.
Local Business Association
Longstanding organization comprised of local mom and pop business owners along 18th Street. Known for historic children's programming and the annual 18th Street Independence Day Parade.
Food Access & Retail
Supports food entrepreneurs and food-focused organizations in communities working to increase access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food.
Corridor Revitalization
Revitalizes commercial corridors and supports small businesses specifically in the South Lawndale community affected by economic disruption.
City Funding
Helps pay for new construction or building renovation projects throughout the city at three funding levels depending on project scope.
Commercial Grants
Provides grants up to $250,000 for the construction or rehabilitation of properties that support new or expanding businesses or cultural assets.
City Partnership
Partner with the Office of the City Clerk to offer discounts or benefits to CityKey cardholders and promote your local business.
Enforcement & Compliance
Oversees Chicago's landmark labor laws through engagement and enforcement, processing complaints and mediating disputes.
Wage Standards
As of July 1, 2026, general minimum wage is $17.05/hr (4+ employees). Tipped workers: $12.96/hr. City contracts: $18.50/hr.
Employee Benefits
Mandates paid leave and sick leave. Employees accrue 1 hour of paid leave and 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 35 hours worked after 80 hours in a 120-day period.
Scheduling Rights
Requires predictable schedules and compensation for changes in covered industries (building services, healthcare, hotels, manufacturing, restaurants, retail, warehouse).
Enforcement
Employers must pay full wages and benefits in a timely manner. The Office of Labor Standards investigates and recoups stolen wages for workers.
Special Protections
Nannies, care workers, and home cleaners have the right to a written contract in their preferred language, minimum wage ($17.05), breaks, and overtime.
Community-led safety programs, mental health support, immigrant rights, and police resources.
24/7 confidential mental health and emotional distress support.
Call 911 and request a non-police clinician/EMT team for mental health emergencies.
Submit service requests, report neighborhood issues, and track requests.
Connect with local health, food, housing, and social services assistance.
24-hour confidential support for domestic violence victims and families.
24-hour support, crisis intervention, and advocacy services.
Violence Reduction
A community-led initiative uniting Chicagoans to address historic disinvestment, heal our neighborhoods, and advance a holistic public health approach to safety.
Little Village Safety & Youth
Takes a trauma-informed approach to building safety and promoting peace in Little Village. Coordinates the Safe Passage program to ensure secure routes for students and families traveling to and from ward schools.
Violence Prevention & Youth
Features street outreach workers, violence interrupters, restorative justice practitioners, and youth programming including sports, mentorship, case management, and court advocacy.
Domestic & Sexual Violence Support
Empowers Latinas by providing bilingual (Spanish/English) services reflecting their values and culture. Offers confidential counseling, legal advocacy, and crisis support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
LGBTQ+ & Health Services
Provides holistic planning and coordination of health services to support the LGBTQ+ community and Latinos at risk of or living with HIV/AIDS and/or disabilities, empowering them to live and work in the community.
Government Accountability
Holds city officials and actors accountable. Report misconduct, waste, abuse, or mismanagement by calling (833) 825-5244 or emailing [email protected].
Crisis Care Program
24-hour walk-in or phone-in crisis care as an alternative to hospitals or police.
Location: 2259 S. Damen Ave.
Phone: (773) 820-9003
Bilingual Healthcare
Provides bilingual, bicultural healthcare. Partnered with local schools (Juarez Academy, Orozco Elementary, and Little Village High Campus) to provide onsite behavioral and mental health specialists.
Youth Crisis Services
Statewide crisis program providing intensive mental health services for youth needing psychiatric care or hospitalization. Contact the CARES line at 800-345-9049.
Centralized Resources
Created in partnership with immigrant rights organizations and legal aid providers across Illinois to share reliable legal guidance, community support, and multi-language resource guides.
Legal Defense & Scholarships
Connect with Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) partner organizations to renew DACA, access DACA renewal scholarships, and receive trusted legal support.
ICE Detention Referral
Submit a direct referral to the Centralized Referral System for Illinois residents detained by ICE who need legal representation. Follow up provided within 48 hours.
Nonprofit Network
Connect with over 60 ICIRR partner organizations across Illinois providing specialized case management and legal services for immigrants and refugees.
Know Your Rights
The ITPA prohibits Illinois landlords from harassing, threatening, or evicting tenants based on any perceived immigration or citizenship status.
Immigration Legal Matters
Official Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights referral directory for trusted immigration legal assistance.
Police District
Commander: Michael Santos
3315 West Ogden Avenue
Chicago, IL 60623
Phone: 312-747-7511
Email: [email protected]
Police District
Commander: Terence Forbes Jr.
1412 S. Blue Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608
Phone: 312-746-8396
Email: [email protected]
Police Accountability
An independent city agency that processes intakes for all complaints regarding police misconduct by Chicago Police Officers.
Explore our community gatherings and organizing work across the 25th Ward.