1990
Organization Founded
Six local parishes each contributed $5,000 in seed money to establish TRP with the goal of advocating for a safer, cleaner, and more inclusive community.
Our History
Since its founding, The Resurrection Project has grown from a grassroots advocacy organization into a pillar of Chicago’s southwest communities. Learn about some of the major milestones that have shaped our programs and services below.
1991
TRP Acquires First Property
TRP purchases the St. Vitus complex and the Zocalo plaza at 18th and Paulina Streets.
1992
TRP Constituents Meet Mayor Daley
TRP organizes 800 community residents to meet Chicago’s mayor. During this meeting, they secure his commitment to increasing local affordable housing and safety initiatives.
1993
TRP Begins Building New Homes
TRP wins $2 million from the City of Chicago to build 100 new homes, and hosts over 100 families in TRP’s New Homes for Chicago lottery.
1995
TRP Opens First Early Childhood Education Center
TRP opens Centro Familiar Guadalupano Family Center in Pilsen, an early childhood education center providing services to local families.
1997
Casa Guerrero Opens
During this year, TRP opens two new affordable rental buildings, one of which is Casa Guerrero—the first Low Income Housing Tax Credit Development in Pilsen.
1998
TRP Completes 100th Home and Expands to Little Village
In the same year that TRP completes its 100th home in Pilsen, the organization opens the state-of-the-art Casa Tabasco—its first home in Little Village.
2001
Development of Casa Puebla
The Resurrection Project raises $16 million to construct five buildings of affordable housing in Pilsen.
2002
Paulo Freire Family Center Opens in Back of the Yards
TRP opens second early childhood education center, Paulo Freire Family Center, in Back of the Yards to provide top-quality early childhood education and a safe space for local families.
2003
IL House Bill 60 Signed
TRP’s organizing efforts help secure the signing of, IL House Bill 60 into law. As a result, undocumented students in IL are now eligible for in-state tuition at state colleges.
2006
Pilsen Planning Committee Forms
TRP convenes over 21 local organizations to form the Pilsen Planning Committee with the aim of creating a Quality-of-Life plan for the neighborhood and making it a self-reliant, family-oriented community.
2009
Development of Casa Morelos
The Resurrection Project raises $14 million to construct 45 units of affordable housing in Pilsen.
2010
Development of Casa Maravilla, La Casa Student Housing and Resource Center, and Health Sciences Career Academy
In its 20th year, TRP raises $20 million to construct 72 units of affordable senior housing & secures $8.9 million for the development of La Casa Student Housing and Resource Center in Pilsen.
After 6 years of helping program participants work towards post-secondary degrees, financial independence and professional development, the organization made the difficult decision to conclude the housing portion of La Casa’s program in June of 2019. We are proud of all the remarkable accomplishments that our students have been able to achieve.
The organization partners with Instituto del Progreso Latino to open the Health Sciences Career Academy, which provides job training to urban youth.
2012
TRP Responds to DACA and Expands Affordable Housing to Back of the Yards
TRP begins offering free consultation about Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This year, TRP also creates 75 new units affordable housing from 40 abandoned properties in the Back of the Yards neighborhood through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP2) Funds.
2013
Second Federal Savings and Loan Rescued
TRP and Self-Help Federal Credit Union acquire 1,100 loans totaling $141 million to save Second Federal Savings – a bank that served communities hit hard by the economic recession.
This year, TRP leaders also advocate for the passing of SB957, which permits undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver’s license.
2014
Imagine More
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, TRP launches the Imagine More Campaign with the goal of raising $25 million to fund its 2020 strategic vision.
2015
Casa Querétaro Opens
TRP raises $15 million to construct 45 units of affordable housing in Pilsen, replacing a long-abandoned lot.
2016
Chicago Legal Protection Fund and the Preservation of Pilsen’s only existing Single Room Occupancy Building, SRO
City Council approves the Chicago Legal Protection Fund, a $1.3 million initiative that supports organizations, including TRP, in their efforts to extend protections to undocumented immigrants throughout the city.
Also, TRP acquires Casa del Sol, to preserve affordable housing to underserved community members, some in risk of homelessness.
2017
CDFI Recognition
TRP is certified by the US Department of Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)—a mission-driven financial institution dedicated to serving low-income communities.
This year, TRP also launches its DACA fund, ensuring that DREAMERs are able to renew their DACA and receive continued protection from deportation.
2019
Access to Justice Funded at $10M
The Access to Justice program is an Illinois statewide program that seeks to mitigate the devastating consequences of incarceration and family separation on vulnerable communities by: expanding effective and holistic community-based legal services, providing opportunities for authentic local leadership of affected individuals, sharing experience and best practices between partner organizations to increase capacity.
Today
Looking Toward the Future
Operating throughout Chicago’s West and South Sides, The Resurrection Project has grown to secure $537 million in community investments through homes for ownership, rental housing, and community services. We are working to fulfill our 2020 strategic vision with partner organizations on plans to revitalize neighborhoods in the western suburbs.
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