Project HOOD: Helping Others Obtain Destiny

by Judi KeippelMore young people are killed in Chicago than any other American city.Since 2008, more than 530 youth have been killed in Chicago with nearly 80 percent of the homicides occurring in 22 African-American or Latino community areas on the city’s South, Southwest and West sides.To call attention to this devastating issue, Pastor Corey Brooks, of New Beginnings Church, chose to live in a tent on the rooftop of an abandoned motel right across the street from his church in the middle of winter.  His goal was to raise $450,000 to purchase and demolish the motel so that a $15 million community and economic development center could be built to give kids something to do. The story went national. Pastor Brooks lived on that roof for 90 plus days until a $100,000 donation from Tyler Perry helped them to reach their goal and complete phase 1 after a total of 94 days.Spending 94 days atop a motel roof in the dead of a Chicago winter was only Phase 1 of Project HOOD.   Phase 2 requires another level of sacrifice and Pastor Brooks is hitting the pavement to make it happen -- literally -- by walking across America to raise additional awareness about the gun violence epidemic all over America and to raise the $15 million to fund the Project HOOD Community and Economic Development Center in Woodlawn. The walk started June 5, 2012, from Times Square in New York, NY, and will end in October at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA.“I believe there are still caring people in this world and if enough of them know about the violence issues, the teenagers that are being killed and the lack of resources available to help, they will give to make a difference!” - Corey BrooksSt. Luke’s can make a difference!Each month, St. Luke's collects a special Justice Offering, in addition to the regular offering, during the service on the first Sunday of the month. The Justice Offering is donated to a designated organization or cause.  On October 7, the Justice Offering will be collected to help fund the Project HOOD Community and Economic Development Center in Woodlawn.