Published: November 19, 2009

On Wednesday November 18 2009, at a reception in Pilsen, The Resurrection Project (TRP) received Bank of America’s prestigious Neighborhood Builders ® Award, which includes a $200,000 unrestricted grant in general operating funds to support the organization’s work in community development.   The Award recognizes TRP as a leader in the community in its efforts to improve the quality of life for families on Chicago’s southwest side through initiatives such as financial literacy education, building affordable housing and community organizing efforts.

“It is truly an honor for TRP’s’ work to be recognized by such prestigious award from Bank of America. For close to 20 years we have been challenging people to act on their faith and values and to build relationships to build healthier communities. We are proud of our work and our service to others,” said Raul I. Raymundo, TRP’s CEO. Below is Raul I. Raymundo’s accepting the award.

During the last 2 decades, The Resurrection Project has transformed an initial $30,000 in seed money into almost $200 million in community investment through the development of more than 350 units of affordable housing and 41,000 square-feet of commercial and community space, and by closing over 800 mortgage loans.  TRP has also built two community family centers and recently opened Casa Morelos, a 45 unit low income housing tax credit affordable housing development for working families.

TRP also serves thousands of people annually through programs and initiatives involving financial services and foreclosure prevention, education, health, and safety efforts, and comprehensive neighborhood revitalization planning.  TRP will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in October 2010 with the theme “Invest. Empower. Transform”.

“Twenty years ago, we had a dream to improve our community, but never in my wildest dreams did I envision that TRP would accomplished all that it has,” said Raul Hernandez, TRP board member, co-founder of TRP and lifelong Pilsen resident.  “I got involved because I wanted to leave a healthier community for my children and neighbors, and teach them that it’s better to build a strong community than have to move to one. The Neighborhood Builder’s Awards recognition makes my twenty years of involvement with TRP all worthwhile.”

“Bank of America is supporting the Chicago community through the Neighborhood Excellence Initiative and other lending, investing and community development programs that address critical social issues and align with our corporate social responsibility efforts,” said Tim Maloney, Illinois President at Bank of America. “In our current economy, communities need our support more than ever, and this program is designed to give that support through the effective combination of partnership, leadership development and flexible funding.”