CHICAGO (WLS) — The upcoming Project HOOD Center, set to rise on Chicago’s South Side, promises a host of community-focused features such as a full-length basketball court, a trade school, and even a bank.
On Sunday, around 1,000 men gathered to celebrate the center’s development, marking the area as a violence-free zone.
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The event was a moment of celebration, particularly for local faith leaders who have long awaited the completion of the Project HOOD center.
For nearly 15 years, Pastor Corey Brooks of New Beginnings Church has been dedicated to bringing this vital resource to the community.
“It’s about transformation and opportunity,” Brooks stated. “It’s about providing people the chance to change their lives and take responsibility for themselves.”
During the Sunday gathering, attendees got a sneak peek of the progress, with the facility soon to open near East 67th Street and South Martin Luther King Drive, in the vicinity of Greater Grand Crossing and Woodlawn.
Pastor Brooks wanted as many men as possible to join Sunday, including pastors, community leaders, former gang members and business leaders, as well as residents.
“That’s important, because with so much violence going on in the city of Chicago, we need safe spaces,” Brooks said. “We need spaces where people can have opportunities, spaces where people can have transformation.”
The center will have all sorts of resources and amenities, including a trade school, dance studio, theatre, basketball court and swimming pool, among many other things.
A pastor from New York, Gilford Monrose, was also in attendance Sunday, saying this is something that’s needed in every city.
“I think that’s something the city itself needs to embrace,” Monrose said. “Faith leaders coming together helping young people staying away from violence.”
With these resources and the help of local community leaders, it’s a dream coming to fruition in hopes of creating opportunities for everyone in Chicago.
“I remember many years ago it was just a motel here, and he sacrificed, because he saw a vision,” community mentor Vondale Singleton said. “He said, it’s not the ‘O Block,’ it’s the opportunity block.”
The hope is that the construction will all be done by October.
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