Habitat for Humanity Breaks Ground For Development In West Pullman

Habitat for Humanity Chicago recently hosted a groundbreaking for its 20-unit townhome development at 955 W. 115th St. PHOTO BY TIA CAROL JONES.
Habitat for Humanity Chicago recently hosted a groundbreaking for its 20-unit townhome development at 955 W. 115th St. PHOTO BY TIA CAROL JONES.

Habitat for Humanity Breaks Ground For Development In West Pullman 

By Tia Carol Jones

Habitat for Humanity recently broke ground on a 20-unit townhome development in West Pullman.

Habitat for Humanity Chicago focuses its work on healthy neighborhoods. It does that work in West Pullman, where it has been for 12 years, Greater Grand Crossing and Austin. Habitat for Humanity Chicago centers on four key impact areas: improving the neighborhood housing market, enhancing the neighborhood image, improving the physical conditions and connecting the community. The organization does this work in West Pullman with the Far South Chicago Coalition.

“This is a really celebratory moment for us and you all being here are part of what makes this work happen and make it so powerful,” said Jen Parks, Habitat for Humanity Chicago.

Parks said the townhome development project has been something Habitat for Humanity Chicago has wanted to do for several years. She said the townhome development is building on the work Habitat for Humanity has been doing in the community. Habitat has constructed 38 single family homes in West Pullman, with another four in construction. Morgan Park Commons is also slated for the community. That development is being led by Far South Community Development Corporation.

“This work is in relationship; we do not do this work alone. It is all about us coming together and making stronger neighborhoods with our neighbors. That is the work of Habitat for Humanity Chicago,” Parks said.

Neville Reid, Vice President of Habitat for Humanity Chicago’s Board of Directors, said that homes are shelters from the storm and anchors for families. Reid added that one of his children has participated in a Habitat build.

“Through Habitat we hope to perpetuate those values of love and humility, built on stability, through the process of working with homeowners to build a home and then inspire the community. Through these homes, we are increasing the likelihood of my experience as a child being duplicated in other neighborhoods,” he said.

Reid said that homeownership strengthens families, stabilizes neighborhoods, builds household wealth and inspires community pride. He said the real long-term benefit of building homes is that the development projects also help build better people.

Northern Trust is sponsoring one of the 20 townhome units that Habitat For Humanity Chicago is building at 955 W. 115th St. Shana Hayes, Chief Impact Officer for Northern Trust, said the financial institution is proud to support communities in the city of Chicago and intertwined with the needs of the city and its citizens.

“Today’s groundbreaking with Habitat is a unique opportunity for us to take it one step further, together, to create someone’s backyard,” Hayes said.


Hayes talked about how Northern Trust concentrates its giving in four areas to create opportunities to achieve long-term financial success. Those four areas are food, housing, healthcare and education. She said studies have shown that when basic human needs are met, benchmarks of long-term financial success rise substantially and paths to improved opportunities become more accessible.

Ronnie Mosley, 21st Ward Alderman, talked about all of the economic development projects coming to and already in the Ward, including the Red Line Extension, Morgan Park Commons and Far South CDC Marketplace.

“These projects reflect our dedication to fostering a thriving and inclusive community, and West Pullman has always been home to a robust and hardworking community. This development by Habitat for Humanity continues that legacy and is about building dreams, fostering stability and continuing to create opportunities for homeownership,” Mosley said.

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

Peggy Riggins