🏡💡Don't Miss These Utility & Property Tax Relief Programs
Dear Neighbor,
Rising utility costs and property taxes can put real strain on working families. This week, I want to highlight two important opportunities available for support.
The Cook County Homeowner Relief Program application is open! This is a one-time $1,000 lottery-based payment intended to help eligible households meet basic needs, reduce housing cost burdens, and provide financial relief.
To be eligible, Cook County homeowners must:
Have experienced a property tax bill increase of at least 50% in tax year 2021, 2022, or 2023
Have a household income at or below 100% of the Area Median Income for the applicant's household size (AMI Guidelines)
Have a Cook County homeowner exemption on the property, which shows that it is your primary residence
Be at least 18 years old
You can fill out a short, 10 minute application at: https://hrf.cookcountyil.gov/apply. The application closes at 11:59 pm on Friday, October 10.
If you are an 8th District resident and you need assistance with the application or have questions about eligibility, you can call Commissioner Jessica Vásquez’s office at 312-603-6386. Northwest Center will also be assisting homeowners with in-person application support.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is now open for income-eligible households to receive assistance with heating and electric bills. Applications are open on October 1 for the following:
Older adults (60+)
Person(s) with a disability
Families with children age 5 and under
Households that are disconnected or in imminent disconnection status
All income-eligible households can apply starting November 1. And you can call (800) 571-2332 or visit CEDAorg.net/Bills to learn more.
Please stay in touch with our office by calling (773) 853-2570 or sending an email to will@repguzzardi.com.
All my best,
Will
Office Closure Notice
Our office will be closed on Friday, October 3 as staff will be attending community events throughout the district. We will reopen on Monday, October 6, for regular hours, from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Please contact us at (773) 853-2570 or at will@repguzzardi.com for assistance.
Fall Family Health Fair
I’m proud to partner with Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, State Sen. Graciela Guzman, Alderman Anthony Quezada, and the Kosciuszko Park Advisory Council for our annual Fall Family Health Fair. This year’s fair will be on Saturday, October 18, from 9am to 12pm at Kosciuszko Park, 2732 N Avers Ave.
Our health fair will offer a variety of free health services and resources to the community, including:
Flu shots for all ages at no cost*
Covid-19 and RSV vaccines with insurance*
Free blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol screenings
Free dental kits for kids*
Free HIV and STI testing
Information on Medicare open enrollment
We’ll also have a variety of free family-friendly activities offered at the park, including:
Free produce*
Free hot cocoa and coffee*
Free haircuts for kids
Arts and crafts
Games
*While supplies last, given out on a first come, first serve basis!
Know Your Rights Training
For their month of October meeting, the 25th District Council is partnering with the City Council’s Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights and the ACLU of Illinois for a Know Your Rights training on Thursday, October 2 at 6pm. You can join in person at Northwest Community Church, 5318 W Diversey or virtually at tinyurl.com/DC025KYR.
Puerto Rican Arts Alliance Blood Drive
The Puerto Rican Arts Alliance is hosting a blood drive on Friday, October 3, from 10am to 3pm at 3000 N Elbridge Ave. For an appointment. call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and use the sponsor code: PRAA.
31st Ward Senior Health Fair
Alderman Felix Cardona is hosting a Senior Health Fair on Friday, October 3, from 10am to 1pm at Maranatha USA, 4301 W Diversey. There will be health screenings, immunizations, and other health and community resources.