FAQ 

Why is Project H.O.O.D. building a Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center?

From the early days of sitting on the roof-top of an abandoned motel, Project H.O.O.D. Founder Pastor Corey Brooks recognized the need for a community center to function as a hub for social interaction and a vehicle for social change; where diversity-equity-inclusion is the gateway to all activities. Now, after 10 years in existence, we have outgrown our space and need to expand our footprint so we can continue to meet the growing needs of the communities we serve. With increased capacity, Project H.O.O.D. will be able to train and upskill more local residents and connect them with vocational employment opportunities, like the construction and hospitality industries that desperately need talent and are committed to hiring underrepresented and minority populations.

Why Woodlawn?

Woodlawn is a historic and important community in our great city of Chicago. In 1893, Woodlawn hosted the World's Columbian Exposition and brought with it 20,000 new residents and businesses. As the Great Migration brought southern blacks to Chicago, Woodlawn remained out of reach because of Restrictive Covenants. Once these laws were ruled illegal in 1940, blacks moved into the area. In 1960, Woodlawn had a population of over 80,000 residents. Because of blight, neglect, drug proliferation, gangs, and racial profiling, the population dwindled to 27,000. Crime enveloped the community and children had no place to run and play. This is where Pastor Brooks decided to continue his ministry. Brooks, and so many others, want to see Woodlawn thrive again.

What will happen to Project H.O.O.D.’s existing facility?

Project H.O.O.D. shares space in the New Beginning Church. We do not own our own facility.

Who does Project H.O.O.D. currently serve?

We currently serve more than 1,500 local at-risk youth and 2,500 adults in transition in Woodlawn, Englewood, and surrounding areas. While we are changing the trajectory of thousands of lives, there is an opportunity to do much more if we increase our capacity to serve. Our goal is to double our impact in the next 5 years by scaling our services to reduce violence, improve physical and emotional health, promote academic success, and build wealth and financial independence.

What are some of Project H.O.O.D.’s current programs?

  • All Women’s Electrical Class

  • B.U.I.L.D. Entrepreneurship Program

  • Business and Entrepreneur Hub

  • College Scholarship Winners

  • Hospitality and Food Service

  • Construction Cohorts

  • Food Giveaway

  • Girls Who Code

  • Hoops in the Hood

  • Light in the Night

  • Job Fair

  • Legal Clinic

  • Media

  • ProjectCHOICES

  • ProjectREFUGE

  • Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway

  • U Turn Boot Camp

  • Virtual Learning

  • Women’s Entrepreneur Center

  • Stocks and Investing Class

Does Project H.O.O.D. partner with other organizations?

Yes, we work with many partners to deliver high-impact programmatic services; efficiently and effectively.

Here are a few of our partners:

  • Association of Builders & Contractors

  • Black Village Foundation

  • Chicago Police Department

  • Chicago State University

  • Chicago Urban League

  • City of Chicago

  • Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation

  • Guaranteed Rate Foundation

  • Hire360

  • Howard Brown Health

  • Kennedy-King College

  • Metropolitan Family Services

  • University of Chicago

Is there a need for a Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center in Woodlawn?

The 85,000 sq ft facility will be the first of its kind in Woodland and is the linchpin of Project H.O.O.D.'s sustainable model for economic innovation and transformation. Economic development is desperately needed to help reverse the culture of crime, high unemployment, and hopelessness that plague our communities.

What does economic development mean?

Economic Development is the creation of wealth from which community benefits are realized. It is more than a jobs program, it's an investment in growing your economy and enhancing the prosperity and quality of life for all residents. Economic development means different things to different people.

How will the Center meet the needs of the community?

Our new center is an investment in people and communities. It will:

  • Bring education, job training, entrepreneurial & employment resources, and locally owned businesses all under one roof to build wealth and spur economic development along South King Drive’s commercial corridor

  • Provide a safe space to empower, inform and equip marginalized youths and adults, with the resources to become gainfully employed, financially independent, and upwardly mobile community members

  • Create new business opportunities for local residents. 4 new storefronts and 3 new locally owned franchises will expand retail development and economic opportunity

  • Enhance physical, mental, and social well-being, holistically by adding mental health services that address depression and trauma resulting from gun and domestic violence, nutrition, and health literacy, and more after school and summer programs

  • Jump-start the much-needed revitalization of South King Drive. It will be a multi-generational gathering place to learn, play and interact. Our new center will physically transform the area and be a beacon of prosperity, positivity, and peace for generations to come.

Who will the Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center serve?

All residents of Woodlawn, Englewood, and surrounding areas will have access to our programs and facilities. We serve all residents regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, physical ability, or identity. Free membership will be available for Parkway Gardens residents and free gym access to all students in grades 6-12, immediately after school. This facility, along with additional programming will help Project H.O.O.D. provide year-round opportunities for marginalized segments of our population and address important needs identified by our community.

When will the Center be built?

We will begin construction when our fundraising goals are met. We expect to break ground in spring 2022. The facility opening date is estimated to occur 18- 24 months after the start of construction.

What recreational spaces are in the Center?

There is a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment to promote good health and exercise. There will be intramural sports spaces for a variety of sports such as golf and a batting cage, and courts for other sports like basketball, volleyball, and badminton, and a swimming pool for adults and children.

Will there be any programs for the humanities?

Yes, a performing arts theater will host performances by local members, schools, and neighborhood groups; including plays, music recitals, open-mics, and lectures. Collaborative spaces for art, music and video production will give youth and adults a chance to learn, express, and exhibit their thoughts in a variety of artistic mediums: Drawing, painting, pottery, music, photography, TV, and film.

After it is built, will the Center be economically sustainable?

The Center is projected to be financially self-sufficient within the first five years. The main sources of revenue will be Rental Income, Private Donations, Memberships, Grants, and Special Events. See income and expense projections below.

Why a Capital Campaign?

Project H.O.O.D. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that allows donors to make tax-deductible contributions. The purpose of the capital campaign is to raise funds specifically earmarked for the construction of the new Center. It also provides opportunities for businesses, foundations, and individuals to help us fulfill Project H.O.O.D.’s vision of ending violence and rebuilding communities, one neighborhood at a time.

Are there naming opportunities for the Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center?

Yes, naming rights are available for the Performing Arts Center, Gymnasium, Fitness Center, Aquatic Center, Entrepreneurial School, and more. These opportunities are available to foundations, corporations, and individual donors. For more information visit projethood.org/community-center. For more information contact Capital Campaign Director Mary Lou Hutchinson.

Where will the Center be located?

Project H.O.O.D.’s Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center will be located on the vacant lot at 6615 South King Drive across the street from New Beginnings Church in Woodlawn, a Southside neighborhood of Chicago. In 2011, Pastor Brooks sat on the roof of an abandoned motel for 94 days during a cold Chicago winter until he raised enough money to buy the property and demolish the motel to make way for a future community center.

Has Project H.O.O.D. received any government grants?

To date, we have received a $2 million DCEO (Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity) grant from the State of Illinois.

What programs will be offered at the new Center?

We are committing to building a Center that is tightly aligned with our community and our programmatic goals, mission, and values. While violence prevention, entrepreneurial and workforce training, education and community health and wellness are at the core of our programming, we are nimble to adapt to changing demands. As an example, the COVID-19 crisis highlighted inequalities that disproportionately affect people from marginalized backgrounds. These disparities then lead to an increase in demand for individual and family services ranging from basic necessities like access to food and baby diapers to health screenings and COVID-19 vaccinations to virtual learning and violence trauma counseling. As a result, Project H.O.O.D. gave away 1.8 million pounds of food during our Pandemic Food Relief events. Thousands of COVID screenings and vaccinations were administered with more on the way. Virtual learning was set up to assist children with distant learning and our Violence Prevention team provided additional resources and social support.

How much will it cost to belong to the Center?

Pricing has not yet been established; however, open gym space for 6-12 graders M-F during the school year will be free for residents. A fee will be charged for the fitness center, fitness programs, and other programs so the facility can function in an economically sustainable manner. Project H.O.O.D. offers scholarships for residents, which will be available for fitness memberships.

Will the community be able to use space in the Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center for meetings?

Yes, there will be meeting rooms and a multipurpose room that can be used for a variety of programs and

functions, including community meetings.

Is there parking for the new Center?

Visitors will have access to free street parking as well as free parking at New Beginnings Church across the street.

What strategies will be used to attract and engage the folks who could benefit the most from this facility?

Project H.O.O.D.’s Violence Prevention team are our ambassadors on the ground and throughout the community, working tirelessly to mitigate retaliation and engage new and existing participants in our programs. In addition, we have a new Director of Government & Community Relations who has adopted an outreach strategy entitled “Making our Community Better Together” to reach deeper into our community to serve those who have not been served in the past through our programs and services.

Are pictures available to see what the building will look like?

Please visit projecthood.com/community-center to see a preview of the design and learn more.

How can you help?

DONATE TODAY! We are seeking catalytic partners to help us “be the change” by investing in a shared belief that;

  • Personal responsibility is paramount

  • Education creates possibilities

  • All people deserve another chance

  • Safety is unconditional

  • Community care is the best care