The lead story in GSDC's last newsletter was about the Keep Our Homes (KOH) Campaign that was launched on the southwest side by the Greater Southwest REACH Center, NHS Chicago Lawn and the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) to help the community fight the foreclosure crisis. These partners have been instrumental in the great strides that have been made in the KOH Campaign over the last few months. 

Under the leadership of SWOP and NHS Chicago Lawn, there have been numerous meetings in the St. Nicholas of Tolentine and St. Rita's Parishes to educate its members about the KOH Campaign and to provide assistance to those who may be in the midst of or threatened with foreclosure. Close to 900 parishioners completed surveys that asked them to describe their housing situation, and then they were offered the chance to get counseling and have their questions answered. So far, the KOH Campaign has helped 13 families save their homes from foreclosures and there are over 100 cases in progress of being resolved.

In December, the Greater Southwest REACH Center hosted an information meeting at Eberhardt School. SWOP will start meeting soon with St. Mary's Star of the Sea Parish, and all partners will begin outreach to local schools and community organizations.

Greater Southwest REACH Center
a Center for Working Families
6155 S. Pulaski Road
Chicago, Illinois • 60629
(second floor of Marquette Bank)
phone: (773) 735-6727
fax: (773) 735-6592
HUD certified • non-profit