City of Chicago's Resident Service Fairs

Published: March 14, 2016

To Download the flier click here

City of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel Invites ALL Chicago Residents to Attend the Chicago Resident Service Fairs.

TALK WITH EXPERTS AND ACCESS ESSENTIAL SERVICES IN YOUR COMMUNITY!
Click the link here to download the flier!

A wide range of services and resources, including:

Home Buyer Assistance Programs
Youth and Senior Programs
Job and Skills Training
Income Tax and Financial Assistance
Blood Pressure Checks and Vaccines
Basic Neighborhood Services and Much More!

These free Resident Service Fairs will begin on Saturday, March 19th and run over the next two months in different locations throughout Chicago. These will be one-stop workshops where residents can speak with experts from different city agencies to learn more about the many services that are already available, as well as new initiatives that we are launching. These include everything from basic neighborhood services like recycling and garbage collection to programs offering tax guidance, financial advice, job and skills training, and much more. Information will also be available on new City initiatives like our new Homebuyer Assistance program, which helps homebuyers access financial assistance for their down payment and closing costs on a new home.

At these events, personal wellness services will be available for you and your family, including blood pressure screenings and vaccines. Representatives from different city agencies will be on hand to answer any questions that you may have about these programs. We hope to see you there!

ATTEND ANY OF THE UPCOMING EVENTS:

Saturday, March 19, 2016
10 am to 2 pm
South Shore Cultural Center
7059 S. South Shore Driver
Saturday, April 2nd, 2016
10 am to 2 pm
Wilbur Wright College
4300 N Narragansett Avenue
Saturday, April 9th, 2016
10 am to 2 pm
Richard J. Daley College
7500 S Pulaski Road
Saturday, April 16, 2016
10 am to 2 pm
Arturo Velasquez Institute
2800 S. Western Avenue
Saturday, May 7, 2016
10 am to 2 pm
Simeon Career Academy
8147 S Vincennes Avenue

ATTEND A WORKSHOP, ASK QUESTIONS, GET ANSWERS:
(topics may vary from location to location)

Home Buyer Assistance Program: Are you thinking of buying and would like to if there are any lending or financial assistance available? At this workshop you will learn about the recently announced Home Buyer Assistance Program and get information on down payment assistance. You will also learn information about the City's Tax Smart program designed provide financial support in neighborhood based programs.
Presenting Agency: Department of Planning and Development (DPD)

Introduction to the Home buying Process: Buying a home is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. This is an important workshop on the home purchase process, affordability, mortgage-readiness, and other considerations you need to make when purchasing a home. Ask questions, get answers!
Presenting Agency: Department of Planning and Development (DPD)

Personal Finance and Tax Basics for Homeowners: This workshop will give an introductory understanding of personal finance and tax basics. By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to create a monthly spending plan, identify their financial needs and wants, save using a money management technique, and have a basic understanding of taxes and how they relate to home ownership.
Presenting Agency: Center for Economic Progress (CEP)

Jump Starting your Job Search: This workshop will provide knowledge about your local public workforce center and how to use it to find a job or increase your workplace skills. By the end of the workshop, participants will know where their local workforce center is and what it job or training programs it offers. Residents will find out which jobs are in high demand in Chicago, and they will gain knowledge about how to write resumes and prepare for interviews.
Presenting Agency: Employment & Employer Services, Inc.

How to Start A Business: If you have a business idea or want to pursue your business idea. Know what it takes to get it done. Attendees of this workshop will hear from experts on how to successfully open a business. Where to start the process and how business growth happens. Some of the topics will help entrepreneurs minimize costly mistakes and offer tips to streamline the process.
Presenting Agency: Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP).

How to Become Certified with the City of Chicago: Are you interested in knowing the benefits of being a certified business? This workshop will provide information on who is qualified to be certified as a Minority or Women-Owned, or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. The Department of Procurement Services is the certifying agency for the following certifications: Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE), Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), and Business Enterprise for People with Disabilities (BEPD), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE). Find out what documents are needed when submitting an application and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
Presenting Agency: Chicago Department of Procurement Services (DPS)

VISIT WITH NEARLY 30 AGENCIES PROVIDING SERVICES ON THE SPOT:

Home Ownership

Home Buyer Assistance Program: Residents interested in applying for a home loan can apply for down payment loan on the spot. The Home Buyer Assistance program will encourage homeownership by providing down payment assistance. The Department of Planning and Development along with partner agencies and lenders will provide workshops and be on hand to answer questions and walk residents through the process.
Home buying Process: Residents can learn what it takes to purchase a home. Everything from home purchase process, affordability, mortgage-readiness and other considerations in purchasing a home. Attend a workshop or talk to representatives from the Department of Planning and Development and partner agencies will be there to answer questions and walk residents through the process.
Mortgage Check-up: Home owners need all the support they can get. Come and learn about resources on loan modification, refinancing, homeowners insurance and property taxes. The Department of Planning and Development's partner agencies will answer questions.

Economic Growth

Did you know the City is selling vacant lots for $1? There are two programs available to residents who want to buy vacant land, either in your neighborhood or in other parts to the City, talk to the experts and learn the steps to own your own piece of Chicago! The Department of Planning and Development will be on hand to answer questions and walk residents through the process.
Job skills and training opportunities: The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership will be at every location providing information and help orientate you on job opportunities and training programs. Did you know that the City of Chicago requires city construction project to hire local. Learn how the program works, where to apply for future construction jobs in or near your community. Residents can also learn about other job opportunities and workforce training programs available to you.
Summer Jobs: One Summer Chicago is Chicago's largest youth jobs program. Youth can learn about OSC job opportunities and apply online right on site. The Department of Family and Support Services will have staff available to address questions and register online.
Tax assistance and Financial Advice: The City of Chicago offers Earned Income Tax Credit /EITC program to qualified residents at various locations throughout the city. Residents can learn where to go forget free tax preparation tips and free financial advice from the Center for Economic Progress (CEP). CEP will only be on hand at select locations and offer workshops and staff from the Department of Family and Support Services will be on hand to provide information.

Building Blocks, Communities

Building or rehabbing your home? Get information about building requirements, building permits and remain compliant. Are you working with a licensed contractor/architect? Learn how to look them up. Report an abandoned property on your block. The Department of Buildings can look up your property right on the spot. You may also file a complaint or get information about the inspection process and more!
Are you saving money on your water bill? If you have not installed your water meter, come and sign up, in doing so you will save money and water! You can also learn about repairs to your home's water drains and when the City is required to fix it! Representatives from the Department of Water Management will be on-hand to sign you up for the Meter Program and answer your questions.
Recycling! Get the facts on recycling "using Blue Bags" and help promote a healthy environment. Your entire family can learn about recycling the right way, and explain what goes in the Blue Carts and the Blue Bags. Representatives from the Department of Streets and Sanitation will be on hand to provide you all the details!

Personal Wellness

Health services at your disposal: When was the last time you got your blood pressure screening? Come to any location and get it done. Several locations will provide vaccines. The Flue shot will only be available at Southshore on March 19th. You can also learn about lead abatement and learn how the Department of Health works with residents to reduce lead hazards in your home!
Senior Citizens are among the Chicago's most active residents. The city offers an array of services to senior at several locations throughout the City - everything from free meals, dance lessons and health and fitness. There are also essential city services and resources available to seniors across several agencies.
Accessible home modification services: Make your home accessible, apply for home modification! You can also learn about homemaker services and other important services for people with disabilities. The Department of People With Disabilities will have staff on hand to explain about all the programs available to people with disabilities and the elderly.
Need a companion, how about a puppy? Come and adopt a dog and get information on being a responsible pet ownership. The Commission on Animal Care and Control will be at each location providing information about their adoption programs, reduced spay and neuter and vaccines. They also have important information about preventive measures residents can take to keep their pets safe from the Canine Influenza Virus (CIV).

There will be many more agencies and services to serve you at the service fairs

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