Community-driven housing development in Back of the Yards marks milestone with ribbon cutting

A community driven development hopes to make homeownership a reality for many families on Chicago’s Southwest Side.

The development marked a significant milestone Saturday in the Back of the Yards neighborhood.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held as Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and other city and community leaders celebrated the completion of two newly constructed homes near 50th and Aberdeen.

“It’s not enough just to build housing,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “We have to make sure we’re building community.”

“Affordable home ownership will provide more chances for those folks to deepen their roots in this neighborhood that they call home,” said Commissioner Lissette Castaneda, Chicago Department of Housing.

The Resurrection Project is leading the development in partnership with United Power for Action and Justice and The Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation.

“We’re developing the homes we’re working with the city to relieve the permit process, and so we’re also working with the families simultaneously to prepare,” said Lizette Carretero, The Resurrection Project Director of Financial Wellness.

It’s all part of the Reclaiming Chicago initiative aimed at addressing disinvestments, turning vacant lots into affordable homes, and giving families the opportunity to build generational wealth.

“It’s been a magnificent process TRP has helped me with the whole process of taking classes of understanding the home process, and buying, and how everything works, and everything else and also maintaining the home,” said Leonardo Garcia, homeowner.

Garcia grew up in the neighborhood and bought a similar model nearby.

“This is an opportunity for us to grow as a community, just the process of letting us be a part of it—that’s great and it’s going to mean everything for this community,” he said.

The Resurrection Project has received calls from more than 100 interested buyers. The starting price is $315,000 for the constructed homes. Buyers could also qualify for up to $100,000 in financial assistance.

“This work is very close to home you know,” Erica Esquivel, The Resurrection Project Designated Managing Broker. “It’s for people who look like us work like us and want a second chance.”

Officials said the plan is to build 2,000 homes by 2030 on the West and South sides. The goal is to build 28 just this year alone in the Back of the Yards.