CHICAGO, Aug. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, Inc. (NHS) has applied creative designs and literally painted the streets of routes designed by the CPS Safe Passage Program from closed schools to receiving schools in the North Lawndale and Englewood communities.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130823/DC68928)
"Safe neighborhoods are integral to the fulfillment of NHS' mission and continue to be a vital component in our programs and services as we search for innovative ways to meet the changing needs of Chicago's residents," said Ed Jacob, executive director of NHS. "These projects were important community engagement activities as NHS mobilized volunteers, residents, school staff and community partners to create a positive image in these neighborhoods."
The projects were completed in partnership with NeighborWorks America®, the City of Chicago Mayor's office of Public Engagement, Chicago Department of Transportation, Allstate Insurance, Chicago Public Schools (CPS), Target Area Development Corporation, Teamwork Englewood, local artists, children and safety patrols.
"NeighborWorks® America is a strong supporter of safe communities as a part of an overall effort to strengthen neighborhoods," states John Santner, Midwest Region Director. "We are very excited to be supporting the Safe Passage program and helping NHS of Chicago make the community safer for children and their families."
Over 160 volunteers participated in the week-long projects, in North Lawndale, painting the pavement on Albany Avenue from the recently closed Pope Elementary School to receiving school Johnson Elementary, and in Englewood, painting the path between the closed Mays Elementary to its reopened location in the former Banacker School. The streets are painted vibrant colors in geometric designs with the goal of creating excitement among children and parents and providing a welcoming image to the school.
"Allstate is proud to partner with NHS, which continues to create positive change in this community. We share the city's commitment to ensure our young people get to school safely and get the education they deserve," said Vicky Dinges, vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility.
Established in 1975, NHS of Chicago is the city's largest nonprofit community development organization committed to providing Chicago, Kane County and South Cook County residents with affordable resources so they can buy, fix, and keep their homes. Since its creation, NHS has created over 4,200 new homeowners. NHS also works to stimulate community reinvestment through a partnership of residents, businesses, and government. With this help, NHS has leveraged investment of more than $1.1 billion in Chicago's neighborhoods. NHS Chicago is part of the NeighborWorks® America network, which includes 235 independent, community-based nonprofit organizations serving more than 4,500 communities nationwide. For more information on NHS, call (773) 329-4010 or visit www.nhschicago.org.
Contact: Mary Carlson, NHS of Chicago
(773) 329-4129, 773-837-8388 (cell)
mcarlson@nhschicago.org
SOURCE Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, Inc. (NHS)
