The Greenlining Campaign

Note from All Saints Episcopal Church
As people of faith, we must work to dismantle systemic racism and strengthen our commitments to racial justice. We envision life in a city that embodies just and safe opportunities for Chicagoans who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). We are called to build upon our commitments to racial justice by boldly standing in solidarity with our actions and words. Through our collaboration with United Power for Action and Justice (UPAJ), we have received an invitation from Lawndale Christian Development Corporation (LCDC) to serve as “leaven” for a housing development envisioned as the Canaan Homes. The North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council (NLCCC) has identified  “promoting homeownership” as an elemental strategy to build a more equitable neighborhood as outlined in the North Lawndale: The Next Chapter Quality of Life Plan from 2018.
United Power has actively listened, shared, and acted in authentic partnership with organizations like NLCCC, LCDC, and a grassroots homeowners group, with the community taking the lead.
What is The Greenlining Campaign?
In response to LCDC’s invitation, All Saints’ Church, Rogers Park is launching the Greenlining Campaign. A history of racist redlining policies, initiated by the federal government’s refusal to insure mortgages in or near Black neighborhoods, and reinforced by local government policies and the action of private institutions, has robbed people of color of wealth across generations. This history has left neighborhoods devastated by economic divestment and a lack of quality housing. The Greenlining Campaign will contribute:
• $200,000 toward the construction of the first model Canaan Home
• $15,000 to support three months of salary and benefits for the recruitment and training of an organizer (already identified) from North Lawndale
LCDC is poised to build the model and then the first three Canaan single-family homes in 2020-2021 on vacant lots, which they already own. Over five years, LCDC plans to build and sell a minimum of 20 single-family homes and rehab and renovate 20 two flats for homeownership.
What can we do now?
Investing in a single model Canaan Home now will catalyze the broad and deep public and private partnerships needed to scale to 1,000 new homes over the next 10 years. Trusting in the relationships forged through UPAJ with LCDC, we view this as a “pay it forward investment.” Any profits from a sale will be reinvested in the work.
With your time, treasure, and talent, we invite you to envision this future with us.
GIVE TODAY - Visit: allsaintschicago.org/greenlining
Questions? Email: Greenlining@allsaintschicago.org