Cassidy Secures Additional Funding to Invest in Community Security

CHICAGO — Working to expand an initiative that resulted in over $320,000 in funding to 45 neighborhood businesses for security improvements including cameras, deadbolts, outdoor lighting, window security bars and safety courses, Illinois state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, is partnering with Rogers Park Business Alliance to relaunch the 14th District Small Business Security Infrastructure Grant.

“Building up the security of our small businesses means we’re directly investing in the safety of our local families,” said Cassidy. “It’s been a scary few months. We’ve seen families torn apart and businesses close their doors to protect themselves from a regime that seeks to divide and dehumanize. I encourage the small businesses around our community to apply for this grant. Safety is of the utmost importance to keep our communities thriving.”

The grant, led by Cassidy and funded through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), will provide community businesses funds to install emergency door-buzzers. The initiative seeks to improve the safety and security of small business owners in response to the fear and disruption caused by recent ICE/CBP operations in local commercial corridors around the city of Chicago.

“We at South of the Border Restaurant feel more alert and secure with this 14th district security initiative grant. I would like to thank Representative Cassidy and the 14th District staff for your support for small businesses,” said Antonio Diaz, owner of South of the Border Restaurant. “We were able to install cameras inside the business, the back alley and in front of our business. In addition, we at South of the Border restaurant are in the process of getting new glass windows for the front of the store.”

“This grant allowed us to update our security system to a modern, user-friendly setup that helps my staff and myself feel more peace of mind,” said Jenni Smith, owner of R Public House.Over the spring legislative session, Cassidy secured a general security grant for small businesses in her communities. This additional effort will provide and install basic door entry control systems for up to 90 vulnerable, for-profit brick-and-mortar businesses within Cassidy’s 14th District. Eligible businesses must be located in the district, be in good standing with the State of Illinois, hold a valid Chicago business license, and complete the required application. 

More information on the grant can be found at www.14sbsig.org. Applications can be found in both English and Spanish.

English: www.tinyurl.com/DoorBuzzerProgram
Spanish: www.tinyurl.com/TimbresDePuerta