New Beginnings Church launches Project H.O.O.D.

To bring attention to the extreme violence on Chicago’s south side Woodlawn and Englewood communities, a local pastor is camping out in a tent on the roof of an abandoned motel for 21 days or until the funds are raised to build a community center through Project H.O.O.D. (Helping Others Obtain Destiny).

New Beginnings Church formalized a community initiative called “Operation Shutdown,” partnered with local police and the city of Chicago and played a major role in closing the motel. Today the fight continues as the church works hard to build a community center and thriving businesses where the motel encouraging crime once stood. Pastor Brooks believes “If the community changes, the people will change.” At the heart of this movement is “Project H.O.O.D.” a campaign spearheaded by Pastor Brooks and New Beginnings Church to replace the motel with an oasis for the residents of the West Woodlawn community.

When asked why the campaign, Pastor Brooks said, “This past Saturday, at my church was the funeral of a 17- year-old boy, murdered in this neighborhood. During the funeral, shooting broke out right in front of the church! During the funeral, I made an appeal to STOP the violence and 4 guns, one of which was a semi-automatic weapon, were turned in at the altar.

I can’t sit back and let another resident of this community endure any more violence. On this Tuesday, my church will bring the reality of what our people live to the forefront, and show why this center is needed. There will be 10 caskets lined up in front of the church representing the 10 teens killed in our community this past summer. I will be camping out on the roof top of the motel living in a tent for 21 days or until the funds are raised.” Project H.O.O.D. will focus on Helping Others Obtain Destiny and restore the village values our community has lost. A host of local politicians, pastors, community leaders and residents are expected to be in attendance.