Community Resources

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Connect with your Community

Navigating local, state, and federal government can be difficult, even daunting. If you’re looking to get involved with your community, you might not even know where to start. For example, if you’re not familiar with Chicago’s aldermanic system, you might be asking yourself, “What even is an Alderman?” or “What ward do I even live in?” This list of resources can help you can connect with your local officials and community.

Public Health Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides community resources and will update information on COVID-19 as it becomes available.

Chicago Department of Public Health

Stay up-to-date on information from the Chicago Department of Public Health by visiting the COVID-19 resource webpage. Sign-up for news alerts, see frequently asked questions, and learn what you need to do to remain safe and healthy.

Cook County Public Health

The Cook County Department of Public Health is working with all levels of government to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Illinois Department of Public Health

Find interim Business and Organization Guidance that may help prevent workplace exposure to acute respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, in non-healthcare settings.  The guidance also provides planning considerations if there are more widespread, community outbreaks. Learn more at: http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus/business-guidance

National Alliance on Mental Illness

NAMI promotes community wellness, break down barriers to mental health care and provide support and expertise for family, professionals and individuals in Chicago and beyond. Visit: http://namichicago.org

Find Your Ward

Your ward provides residential resources including garage sale permits, block party permits, local street work information, parking information. Business resources including zoning requests, chambers of commerce, and licenses.

Safety and Crime Reports

Ravenswood is part of the 19th and 20th Police District. View crime incidents, district events, community alerts, press releases, and wanted fugitive information

Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS)

CAPS is the partnership between the police and the community. Find more information about meeting with your Beat Officer. Learn more about CAPS here.

Public Services & Community Resources

Senior Services

Northeast (Levy) Senior Center

The Northeast (Levy) Regional Center serves as a community focal point for neighborhood residents who are 60+, their spouses, and caregivers. The center has a range of social, educational & recreational activities are available.

Community Resources

Sulzer Regional Library

Sulzer Library is one of the larger libraries on the northside, primarily serving Ravenswood and Lincoln Square. They also offer a variety of community programs, meeting spaces, and educational activities. Sulzer is also home to the Northside Neighborhood History Collection.

Additional Nearby Libraries

Budlong Woods Library | Bezazian Library | Uptown Library

Neighborhood Parks

There are a number of green spaces and parks in the neighborhood, each offering their own unique programs and amenities. We can also connect you with volunteer opportunities. Visit our Community Greening page here.

Neighborhood Groups & Block Clubs

• Bowmanville Community Organization
• Heart of Lincoln Square Neighbors Association
• Northcenter Neighborhood Association
• Ravenswood Neighbors Association

Public Services

Food Pantries

Neighborhood food pantries that serve Ravenswood include Common Pantry, Friendship Center, and Ravenswood Community Services.

Illinois Department of Employment Security

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) is the department of the Illinois government that administers state unemployment benefits, runs the employment service and Illinois Job Bank, and publishes labor market information.

Supplemental Nutrition Assitance Program (SNAP)

SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency.

Federal and State

Information for our state and federal representatives, senators officials and organizations

Senator Richard Durbin

Senator Durbin can assist with immigration, VA benefits, Social Security, and more. On his website, you can view his voting record as well as his key issues. You can contact him about primarily federal issues.

U.S. Representative Mike Quigley

Congressman Mike Quigley represents the 5th District of Illinois. You can contact him about help with a federal agency, birth certificates, consumer protection, grants, healthcare, internships, identity theft, passports, visiting Washington D.C., and much more

Illinois Government

Resources for all things Illinois. Information regarding business, residency, employment, and education

Attorney General Kwame Raoul

Submit consumer and health care complaints. Resources for identity theft, student loan debt assistance, and victims of crimes. Various hotlines to report crimes.

Secretary of State Jesse White

Important information for motorists and new drivers as well as new Real ID information. Resources for businesses, literary services, senior citizens and much more.

State Representative Greg Harris

Greg Harris is representative of the 13th district, which includes parts of Ravenswood. Contact his office regarding state legislation.

State Senator Heather Steans

Heather Steans is the State Senator of the 7th District, which includes most of Ravenswood. Reach out to her office regarding district issues and state legislation.

State Representative Sara Feigenholtz

Sara Feigenholtz is the State Senator of the 12th District, which includes parts of Ravenswood. Reach out to her office regarding district issues and state legislation.

State Representative Ann Williams

Ann Williams is the State Senator of the 11th District, which includes parts of Ravenswood. Reach out to her office regarding district issues and state legislation.

Cook County Government

Find resources for construction permits, voter registrations, jobs, property information, highway issues, and more. Request marriage certificates, jury duty postponement, and more.