| Our Tax dollars pay for a multitude of services here in the city of Chicago. Many of which we know nothing about. If you have to request any of these services. Contact both the ward office and city hall. Reporting to the ward office alone has proved to be ineffective. Repeat your calls daily or weekly if necessary until the problem has been solved. |
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Tips on Calling 311 The following are the principal functions of the 311 system:
You can call 311 to find out what Police District and beat you live in, as well as the date, time and location of your next beat meeting. In addition, 311 allows you easy access to non-emergency police services, from filing police reports to talking to police personnel in your district. Remember, if the incident that you are reporting has occurred and the offender is gone from the scene you call 311. However, if the incident you are reporting is occurring now, and the presence of a police officer will help resolve it, (writing a parking ticket, quieting loud neighbors, etc.) dial 911. 311 operators can tell you what political district (federal, state or municipal) you live in, as well as the address and telephone number of your Alderman, so you can forward your questions and/or concerns. 311 operators can provide information on City and neighborhood events, including parades, Grant and Millennium Parks festivals, Chicago Public Library programs and more. Residents of Chicago can call 311 to request numerous City Services. Some of these services include the need for garbage cans (to prevent the presence of rats in a neigborhood), reporting stray animals that are a threat to the community, and towing abandoned vehicles. Those who find themselves homeless can call 311 to request information about shelters from the Department of Human Services. Remember, it is important to relay as much information as possible to the operator so that the City can service you as quickly and efficiently as possible. The City of Chicago offers Chicago residents a variety of programs designed to improve the quality of life. These programs include "City Mortgage" which is a Department of Housing program that helps low and middle income families secure low interst mortgages with small down payments. The Tax Assistance Center offers advice on how to fill out complicated tax forms and determine if individuals are eligible for benefits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. For more information on these programs, simply call 311. Finally, if you are unsure where to go for services and programs within the City of Chicago, or to which department you should direct your questions and/or concerns, 311 operators will be able to direct you to the appropriate parties. |


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