Struggle, Hope and Action in South Chicago Pt. II

Community organizations have witnessed the drastic changes in South Chicago due to the economic downturn beginning in the '70's with the steel mill closures and reaching its crisis peak in recent years.

The recent global economic crisis has had severe effects locally evidenced by the closure of a health clinic on 86^th and Exchange, the cutting of South Chicago's library staff and hours, the many vacant homes due to foreclosures and a severe increase in unemployment. 

Despite these cuts and, in part, because of them, organizations have remained a fixed presence in South Chicago and the Bush. And though all community organizations have felt the negative effects of the recession and budget cut duo, some have seen their programming expand.

Growth in the Garden

Although all organizations have experienced budget cuts, The Children's Garden, an educational center for kids ages three to five years, is expanding in this time of economic crisis.

The Garden began on 89^th and Brandon but recently moved into the first floor of a building just west of Commercial Ave. on 91^st , a space 20,000 sq feet larger than their former location in the Bush.

Sharon Berkely, executive director of the center says that their primary focus is education but it is impossible to separate the many issues impacting her student's lives. 

“I like to believe we are an extension of the community” says Berkely. “You cannot service the child without serving the parent.”

As a part of the community, Berkely listens to the parents and provides them with resources to “empower themselves.” As an educator, she centers her school on the belief that when children learn better they do better. Validation of the students feelings, cultivating skills and rewarding good behavior create a safe space for learning and personal growth, says Berkely. 

Three generations of students have passed through the Garden's doors, the majority of which are getting straight A's says Berkely who monitors former students. “I need to know that what we are doing is working,” she says, “because if its not then changes need to be made.”

Berkely's readiness to respond to the moment while partnering with other organizations has allowed her school to grow during this difficult economic period. 

“I don't think I could have done this by myself,” says Berkely. “The key to staying on top is to never forget that we need each other; how we close the gap is by working together.”

Berkely has worked in South Chicago for over 13 years. Like many who know the neighborhood's past, she describes a booming Commercial Ave. and a sense of community that drew her in the first time she began to work in the area. 

Things have changed, Berkely says. Although poverty, blight and violence have increased significantly, she says the biggest change has been in family dynamics. More children now come from single parent households or rely on grandparents as legal guardians. 

By organizing parenting workshops and penny saving drives to open savings accounts for children as well as aiding parents with food, housing, employment, domestic violence and clothing, Berkely says she is making the change she wants to see.

“When you are a program that is responsive to the need of the community” says Berkely, “you will flourish.”

Always Building

The Claretian Associates began their work towards safe housing in South Chicago in 1970's, just as the steel mills began to close. Since its founding, the Claretians have never wavered from their commitment to housing and housing related issues such as gas bill aid and weatherizing homes.

According to Angela Hurlock, executive director of the Claretians, the majority of the organization's programs do no rely on state funding, allowing them to continue their services while other organizations have been hurt by the economic depression. 

Since the Claretians opened their doors they have constructed or renovated over 130 housing units. Yet housing needs are still greatly unmet. 

Fear due to lack of documentation and shame about “failing to obtain the American Dream of owning a home,” says Hurlock, hinder people from seeking help.

Homelessness statistics further highlight the need for affordable housing. According to the Chicago Coalition for Housing, over 100,000 people are homeless in Chicago of which 45 percent are families. 

“Unfortunately, housing will always be a need,” says Hurlock. “Right now the question is, how do we house as many people as possible?”

The last series of living units opened in 2005 offered room for 29 applicants. Over 16,000 applied. 

The Claretians are looking forward to opening the application process for another seven units on 91^st and Burley in August but are concerned about how many people will apply. 

Although the Associates do not provide direct aid for those going through foreclosures, unemployment, or health issues, their large network allows them to facilitate the connection between community residents and the services sought. 

Despite the limits to their services, Hurlock says the organization is aware of the bigger picture. “You can't just build housing,” she says, “you have to help build families and communities around housing.”

By hiring almost exclusively locally and supporting other community organizations and projects such as the community gardens, the People's Park and art fairs showcasing local artists, the Claretians attempt to put into action their slogan: Building Community in South Chicago.

“The reason I came to work here,” says Hurlock, “is because I believe in my heart that where you grow up and where you live shapes you.”

Looking Forward

South Chicago is not unique in its current struggles. Housing, education, safe spaces, employment and social services are concerns across the City, especially in communities of color. But as Director for the New Communities Program at the Claretians, Jackie Samuel, says, struggle now does not mean struggle forever. 

“We are all struggling, but it takes the whole community to get together and talk about it,” says Samuel. “If we get more people engaged, this community will flourish.”