NEW MOMS, INC. & BRIGHT ENDEAVORS LAUNCH TRANSFORMATION PROJECT AT OLD POLICE STATION

Ald. Emma Mitts, Congressman Danny K. Davis, and Rev. Lester Minter at the groundbreaking for the New Moms Transformation Project at Chicago Ave. & Lorel. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

 Bright Endeavors and New Moms, Inc. are merging their resources for a green social enterprise supportive housing program to provide a positive, safe environment for homeless young mothers and their babies. Through their New Moms Transformation Project, they are constructing a $10.7 million, 50,230 sq. ft. building on nine city lots donated by the City at 5327 West Chicago Avenue, site of the former 15th District Police Station.

Mayor Richard M. Daley explains the importance of this project in advancing his 10-year plan to end homelessness in Chicago. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

 This will be Chicago’s largest supportive housing center for young homeless women and their children. The building will comprise 30 studio apartments, 10 one-bedroom units, program offices, and a daycare center.
    The New Moms Transformation Project meets an urgent need for permanent supportive housing for homeless teenage mothers with children, a critical component of Mayor Richard M. Daley’s 10-year plan to end homelessness. He was on hand for the groundbreaking with Alderman Emma Mitts who spearheaded the project and was instrumental in convincing the City to designate the old police station for the homeless mothers residential project.

Rev. Joseph Kyles, Chairman of the 37th Ward Pastor’s Alliance, with Rev. Anthony Randle & Ald. Emma Mitts, spearhead of the project to house homeless teenage moms and their children. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

Mayor Daley, Ald. Mitts, officials of Bright Endeavors & New Moms, Inc., and West Side civic leaders break ground for the supportive living facility for homeless mothers & their children on the site of the old Austin police station. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)According to statistics, there are between 1,200 and 1,700 births per year in New Moms-targeted communities: Austin, Humboldt Park, West Town, and Logan Square. An overwhelming 84% of these births are to unwed teens.
    According to Alderman Mitts: “This project is a tremendous opportunity to serve those in the community. Homeless teenagers are a major societal problem and with New Moms, Inc. and Bright Endeavors coming together as one voice to support teenage mothers, it is a truly momentous undertaking to meet the needs of this population.”