Peters encourages community groups to apply for new round of anti-violence funding

Chicago - A second round of anti-violence funding to empower community groups to develop evidence-based strategies to combat firearm violence is now available thanks to the efforts of Senator Robert Peters.

“Today, communities are a step closer to addressing the problem of firearm violence with this round of funding now available to community groups,” said Peters (D- Chicago). “I encourage all eligible organizations to apply, get GATA-certified so we can work hand-in-hand with affected communities, intervening with at-risk youth, supporting survivors and working from a grass roots level. We want every single community to get the public safety everyone deserves.”  

The funds are available as a result of last year’s passage of the Reimagine Public Safety Act, spearheaded by Peters. The law created violence prevention grants for research-backed services like summer and after-school programming, job training and placement, high-risk youth intervention services, violence interruption, case management, trauma-informed mental health care supported by Medicaid and more.

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Hunter encourages homeowners to apply for financial assistance

CHICAGO – The Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund application recently opened, and State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is encouraging homeowners who have been impacted by COVID-19 pandemic to apply.

“A lot of people have fallen behind on their mortgage payments due to COVID-19 and could benefit greatly from this program,” Hunter said. “This program ensures homeowners much-needed relief and can help them avoid debt and even foreclosure.”

The ILHAF provides up to $30,000 for homeowners who have outstanding housing payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This free assistance fund will provide $309 million in total to cover a multitude of housing costs including past-due mortgage payments, property taxes, property insurance, and delinquent homeowner or condo association fees.

Read more: Hunter encourages homeowners to apply for financial assistance

Van Pelt encourages schools to apply for Phillip Jackson Freedom School Grant

The application deadline has been extended to May 6

CHICAGO – The deadline to apply for the Phillip Jackson Freedom School Grant has been extended, and State Senator Patricia Van Pelt encouraging all who are eligible to apply.

“While students are getting a standardized education, many children could benefit from an extra system of support,” Van Pelt said. “Today’s Freedom Schools carry the essence of the movement that preceded them, and can offer a load of knowledge to those who take advantage of it.”

The Phillip Jackson Freedom Schools Grant establishes a Freedom School network to supplement public school learning by creating programs that improve the odds for disadvantaged children.

Read more: Van Pelt encourages schools to apply for Phillip Jackson Freedom School Grant

Chicago carjacking victims off the hook for towing fees thanks to Aquino’s efforts

CHICAGO – Carjackings are on the rise across Chicago, often leaving victims to pay the price for someone else’s doing when they go to retrieve their vehicle from an impound lot. This all-too-common circumstance led State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) to lead conversations about why victims shouldn’t be on the hook for these fees.

“When someone is a victim of a carjacking, they are already dealing with a traumatic experience that could be worsened by burdensome fees they weren’t even at fault for,” Aquino said. “Ending this practice is about economic security for folks who have already been victimized.”

Chicago will no longer force victims of carjackings to pay for towing and storage fees to retrieve their vehicles. The City Council voted unanimously this week to approve a measure to waive such fees if the victim is able to obtain a police report verifying their car was stolen. 

Read more: Chicago carjacking victims off the hook for towing fees thanks to Aquino’s efforts