On December 8th, Related Midwest executives, including President Curt Bailey, bundled up to sleep overnight to address some of Chicago’s most persistent and least seen problems. They were guests of Pastor Corey Brooks of New Beginnings Church Chicago and the founder of Project H.O.O.D. (Helping Others Obtain Destiny), who is holding a 100-day Tent-A-Thon campout in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood. In 2011, Pastor Brooks camped out on the roof of an abandoned motel to draw attention to the crime, violence and lack of opportunity his fellow South Siders were facing. Ten years later, Project H.O.O.D. continues to bring professional and personal opportunities to the people of Woodlawn, Englewood and the surrounding communities. Still, these neighborhoods continue to struggle due to decades of systemic underinvestment. The Tent-A-Thon calls attention to these ongoing issues and is helping Project H.O.O.D. raise money for a permanent community center where the team can better serve the South and West Sides of Chicago. “When parts of Chicago that are hurting get better, that makes everything better,” Pastor Brooks said on the roof. Related Midwest is proud to work with Pastor Brooks and Project H.O.O.D. to support residents on the South and West Sides, along with other local non-profits like After School Matters and Future Ties, which provide safe recreation, professional education and flexible support to residents and community members. These partnerships are critical because of their power to respond directly to the community’s needs and direct the company's efforts to be of service. With the help of the community—and other business leaders who want to make a lasting impact—Pastor Brooks will reach his fundraising goal and build a safe place for the community to gather and access services.
