Violence Impact Team “Lights in the Night” Event at Parkway Gardens

Violence is the most prominent issue we face in our community.

Project H.O.O.D. has been creating unique events and programs geared toward bringing awareness of our efforts to curb violence in the Woodlawn/Englewood communities since its conception. 

It is difficult to concentrate on improving living conditions when your chief concern is the safety of your family. 

Pastor Corey Brooks, in his vision for the betterment of the entire community, recognizes the necessity to address violence as a primary issue. He created a division in Project H.O.O.D. whose sole purpose is to combat gun violence.

He recruited and hired a team of trained violence specialists who target high-risk individuals who are the most likely to use a gun or be the victim of gun violence. 

Well-equipped for this work, Project H.O.O.D.’s violence specialists are lifelong residents of Woodlawn, with a history that allows easy associability to the target population and the community at large. In 2021, the Violence Impact Team has engaged over 24,000 community members so far.

Combating violence is no easy task. 

A few dedicated individuals, along with the hard work of the Chicago Police Department, can’t get the job done: It takes the entire community! 

The Violence Impact Team also takes their mobile resource table block-by-block to different areas of the community, violence hot-spots, and bus stops.

The “Lights in the Night” events are an opportunity to bring the community together block-by-block to break bread together and enjoy a movie. They are a great time to have neighborly discussions with residents about ways and means to make our community safe.

October 8, 2021, Project H.O.O.D hosted a Lights in the Night event at Parkway Garden Apartment Complex at 6400 South King Drive in Chicago. Over 200 residents enjoyed food and refreshments. There was a resources table that provided job references and services, along with masks, sanitizer, and other PPE. The kids played in a bounce house and danced to the DJ’s lively music.

It was fun for all!

Our team says: If we can eat and laugh together, we can live in peace together!