To reduce the possibility of COVID-19 cases, the downtown branch of the Cook County Assessor’s Office is closed to the public for two weeks beginning on Monday, August 17, 2020.

Services are still accessible online. Additionally, over the phone appointments can be scheduled and in-person appointments are still available at the Markham and Skokie branch offices. Regular contact by email, phone and social media is also available. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.

Calling all South Side business owners! Are you interested in a chance to win prizes up to $8,000? Has your business added value to your life, the life of your family, a community, or an industry? If this sounds like you, be sure to apply for the 7th annual South Side Pitch virtual competition by August 24. 

CHICAGO – Illinoisans across the state have faced financial struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic — but those on Chicago’s South Side have been disproportionately affected. Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is urging those residents to apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program.

“People desperately need help with rent,” Hunter said. “Though residents can’t get evicted right now, they will still need to pay their rent at some point. It’s my hope the program will help those who have been unemployed or not receiving income due to COVID-19 to catch up on their bills.”

Earlier this week, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) announced $150 million in available funds to help residents across the state during this national emergency by introducing the largest housing assistance program in the nation.

Tenants whose applications are approved will receive one-time grants of up to $5,000 paid directly to their landlords to cover missed rent payments beginning March 2020 and prepay payments through December 2020, or until the $5,000 is exhausted, whichever comes first. 

Tenants are eligible if:

• Their household income before March 1, 2020 was at or below 80% of the Area Median Income, 
• An adult member of the household had a loss of income due to the COVID-19 crisis on or after March 1, 2020; or
• A household has an unpaid rent balance that began on or after March 1, 2020.

 “Helping people most in need is what the government is supposed to do,” Hunter said. “I’m proud our state is able to do something impactful during this time.”

Residents who are eligible may apply online at era.idha.org. Applications for ERA will be accepted now through Aug. 21.

Please note, applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the application window may close early due to high volume.

As Cook County recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, reopening efforts will depend on public health testing, contact tracing, a sustained healthcare system capacity to respond to new outbreaks and public compliance with existing containment and mitigation efforts. The Hektoen Institute in collaboration with Cook County Department of Health and the Illinois Department of Public Health will participate in addressing the contact tracing component.

The Hektoen Institute is currently accepting resumes from residents of Cook County who are interested in working to stop the spread of COVID-19. Hektoen in collaboration with the Cook County Department of Public Health will offer full-time, temporary Contact Tracer positions with full benefits, and will provide training to develop skills and career paths in public health and patient care. These positions are temporary in nature and will last for 6 months. Approximately 50-60 positions will be filled, including contact tracers, case investigators, and case investigator supervisors.

You can find more information on Hektoen’s COVID-19 webpage: https://www.hektoen.org/hektoen-covid-19-contact-tracing-initiative/