Township Updates for April 27, 2020

Oak Park Township Updates - Effective April 27, 2020

Evaluation of Phased Reopening
As a result of Governor Pritzker’s extension of the Shelter in Place order until May 30th, the Oak Park Township Board of Trustees and staff leadership are evaluating processes for a phased reopening.  We will be following the guidance of the Village of Oak Park Public Health Department as well as state and federal officials to ensure the health and safety of staff, volunteers and clients.  Please continue to access our website and Facebook page for updates.  For the Governor’s press release on the Shelter in Place order which includes details on modifications for businesses effective May 1st, please click here.

COVID-19 Community Resource Guide
The Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township has created a resource guide available at this link:  bit.ly/oprfguide.  It lists social service agencies and organizations throughout the area accessible or via phone and text.  The organizations listed are accepting clients and providing resources to all residents during this time.  This guide is intended to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement to any particular group or service.  This guide does not constitute legal or health advice and is subject to change without notice.

Home Delivered Meals and “Take Out” Meal Distribution
Older adults who have requested meals are receiving them every other week in the form of shelf stable and frozen nutritionally balanced meals.  We are also providing “take out” lunches to older adults who are able to pick them up at our Senior Services building.  With the help of staff and pre-screened volunteers, we are limiting face-to-face contact with others out of health concerns for everyone. During May, meals will be distributed on 5/4, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, and 5/29. For detailed schedules and updates, please see our Senior Services webpage at https://oakparktownship.org/senior-services/.

Appeals Deadline is May 1st
Oak Park residents have until Friday, May 1st, to file a property tax appeal.  Those who need assistance in filing an appeal can call 708-383-8005 for a phone appointment with a member of the Oak Park Township Assessor’s office.

General Assistance Phone Appointments
Financial assistance for residents meeting guidelines from the Illinois Department of Human Services is administered through Oak Park Township’s General Assistance Department.  Residents without minor children, not receiving government-sponsored assistance, and meeting income requirements may visit  https://oakparktownship.org/general-assistance/ to learn more about eligibility and to download an application.  The phone number for additional information is 708-383-8005, ext. 123.

Other Township Services
Administrative staff, the Assessor’s Office, and General Assistance staff are providing information, assistance and referrals over the phone. Youth Services and Senior Services are in contact with the individuals and families with which they work, and are offering assistance to our community partners.  Currently, a limited amount of Medical Equipment is available; however, we are not accepting donations at this time.  Please call 708-383-8005 for more information.

If you or someone you know is in need of Township services, please call 708-383-8005 for Administrative Services, General Assistance or the Assessor’s Office, 708-383-8060 for Senior Services, 708-383-4806 for Transportation, or 708-445-2727 for Youth Services. Phones will be answered from 9am to 5pm weekdays. You may leave a message at other times and staff will get back to you the next business day.

Distribution of Cloth Face Masks
The Oak Park Police Department at Village Hall, 123 Madison, distributed over 80 cloth face coverings to residents this past Saturday.  The masks were provided by volunteers coordinated by the Oak Park Park District. Very limited supplies remain, however the Park District was expected to deliver more masks this afternoon.  The Police Department will collect names and addresses of those in need of mask if there are none available.  The Village will then make arrangements to deliver the mask once they are available again.  The non-emergency phone number for the Police Department is 708-386-3800.