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COVID-19 Resources

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Governor JB Prizker extended the Illinois “Stay Home” order through April 30, 2020. Only essential workers are permitted to work and trips outside of the home for essential supplies are permitted.

City of Chicago

Chicago Public Schools

Illinois Resources (Daily updates and briefings by Governor Pritzker at 2:30 PM CST)

Illinois State Board of Education

Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development

CDC

World Health Organization

March 24, 2020

How is the Puerto Rican Agenda of Chicago Responding to COVID-19?

solidarity not charity

During the COVID-19 pandemic, The Puerto Rican Agenda of Chicago (Agenda) is activating partnerships and mobilizing resources to meet the needs of our community—especially those at greater risk of isolation and contracting the deadly virus.  As a population disproportionately affected by chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, HIV/AIDS, and PTSD, many Puerto Ricans are in a compromising position according to reports issued by the Sinai Urban Health Institute (https://www.chicagohealthatlas.org/sinaisurvey). The CDC has warned that older adults, and people who have underlying chronic medical conditions — such as immuno-compromising conditions — may be at risk for more severe outcomes with COVID-19.

““This is a really good way to provide that care, that love, that cultural connection during a period where there’s so much uncertainty.””

The Agenda is taking steps to ensure that community members—including older adults, people with disabilities, and climate refugees from Puerto Rico—have the tools and resources to remain healthy. Compounded by chronic health conditions, Puerto Rican families are also suffering financially; many being laid off from work, unable to pay rent, and on the brink of economic instability. For many Puerto Ricans, this deadly global pandemic is re-traumatizing due to the impact of Hurricane Maria in 2017 and the incessant earthquakes beginning in 2019. It should not go unnoticed that displaced climate refugees from Puerto Rico have endured three major catastrophic events in less than three years.

Puerto Ricans have shown to be resilient and resourceful leaders organizing for the well-being of the collective good. Through a $25,000 award from the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund, convened by The City of Chicago, Chicago Community Trust, and United Way of Metro Chicago, The Agenda is responding to this crisis through a lens of solidarity, not charity, and activating a mutual aid campaign including:

  • “La Cocina Mutua”—A partnership with the Puerto Rican Cultural Center and with a local eatery, Nellie’s Restaurant, to provide delicious, daily, and delivered hot lunches starting March 30 through April 30, 2020 for 35 elders, people with disabilities, and climate refugees from Puerto Rico;  

  • $250 cash transfers for 58 households to cover costs related to rent/mortgage, groceries/household supplies, medical attention, or any other expense compromised by the impact of COVID-19; and

  • Advocating for the suspension of rent/mortgage and resources for small businesses on Paseo Boricua.

These efforts fuel The Agenda’s continued commitment to solidarity with Puerto Rican climate refugees, families across the diaspora and here in Chicago.