Affordable Housing Program
The Beloved Community (TBC) will construct three single-family homes in the 7700 and 7800 blocks of South Throop in the Auburn Gresham Community.  This development will serve as the pilot for a new affordable homeownership program for the residents whose income is between 60% and 79% of Chicago’s average median income, the most underserved income bracket for homeownership.

This development will accomplish four primary goals.  They include, improving underutilized vacant property and providing homeownership opportunities for working families overlooked by existing programs.

Samaritan House
Based upon the parable, “The Good Samaritan,” The Beloved Community in partnership with the Faith Community of St. Sabina has established the Samaritan House.  In an effort to impact Chicago’s homeless community, The Samaritan House Program provides opportunities for assistance so that homeless individuals can re-enter mainstream society as productive and self-sufficient members of the community.

We collectively assume financial responsibility for a fully furnished apartment for two formerly homeless individuals for one year. The individuals are each assigned two mentors, required to attend weekly meetings, be an active participant at St. Sabina, enroll at the Employment Resource Center, maintain full-time employment, and open a savings and checking account in a community bank. We not only assume financial responsibility for the individual’s housing, but through the course of the year, provide the individuals with support and direction to gain employment and maintain financial solvency.
The expectation is that at the conclusion of the year, the two individuals will be well on the road to self-sufficiency and in a position to help mentor the new members of the Samaritan House. This program will continue each year with at least two participants. We have had a great deal of success and hope to expand our efforts in the near future.
 
Since its induction, the Samaritan House program has assisted 32 men and women from homeless shelters on Chicago’s south side.  Program participants have had marriages and families restored, earned promotions at worksites, and achieved financial independency.