Auburn Gresham Then
Auburn Gresham is located on the south side of Chicago. Prior to 1960, the area was primarily populated with Irish and German working class citizens. In the 1960s, the racial and economic demographics of the community began to change as African American families from Chicago’s Black Belt moved west into the neighborhood. At the same time, the European immigrants that once populated the community left in droves.

The community initially remained strong but was unable to resist the tide of rising unemployment, redlining, and massive disinvestment. Retail businesses and major industry left the community and took their accompanying jobs. As a result of increasing despair, the community was overrun with gangs and drugs. Abandoned houses and buildings became attractive targets for crime. Many of the buildings were demolished leaving vacant, overgrown lots.

Auburn Gresham Now
In 1981, Rev. Dr. Michael L. Pfleger assumed the pastorate of St. Sabina Church, which he led to become the most structurally and financially sound organization in the neighborhood. Early on St. Sabina conducted anti-drug marches, campaigns against alcohol and tobacco marketing toward children, and worked to outlaw drug parapher-nalia. In the mid 1990’s, St. Sabina partnered with the area elected officials to demand and receive more accountability and the communities fair share of resources. As a result, Mayor Daley and the City of Chicago invested over $100M in the community.

Since that time the community has experienced a rebirth. Problem businesses have closed and new retail businesses have opened. Crime has decreased and hope has increased. New homes are being built and young families are slowly moving into the community.

St. Sabina's Community Involvement
The Faith Community of St. Sabina has directly been involved with the rede-velopment of Auburn Gresham thru:

• A community youth center
• An 80 unit senior building and new affordable housing
• An employment and job training center
• A social service center
• Small business investment