ALBANY PARK

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PSALM 9:9

The Lord will be a stronghold for the oppressed ... in times of trouble.

NEIGHBORHOODS

Albany Park, Mayfair, North Mayfair, Ravenswood Manor

DEMOGRAPHICS

Asian (12.7%), Black or African American (4.3%), Hispanic or Latino (51.0%), White (30.2%)

LEARN

Annexed to Chicago in 1893, Albany Park is now home to one of the most ethnically diverse zip codes in the country. Initially settled by German and Swedish immigrants, Albany Park became home to a number of Russian Jews after 1912. Following World War II, many Jewish families moved north, leaving Albany Park during the economic and social decline. The population dropped drastically as homes and stores became vacant, leading to the development of illegal drug trade, prostitution, and gangs. In response, city government and other corporations worked to improve Albany Park through streetscape development, low-interest loans, and financing packages. These efforts brought a return of residents and an increase in property values. In 1990, Albany Park became home to the largest number of Korean, Filipino, and Guatemalan immigrants in Chicago and became known as the "Ellis Island" of Chicago. The population continues to shift as Korean immigrants move to northern suburbs.

PRAY

As one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in Chicago, Albany Park is a community of many religions. Pray for truth to reign in the hearts of the people and the gospel to break through cultural boundaries and strongholds.

There are several churches and organizations that are working with the refugee population. Pray that God would give them favor and the necessary resources to serve the refugees.

Many churches have been recently planted to address the diversity in this neighborhood. Pray that their efforts would take root in the lives of the community residents.

Pray for those that are marginalized in this community, such as the homeless and undocumented residents. Pray that they may reestablish connectedness to family, employment, and schooling.

ARCHER HEIGHTS

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REV. 21:2–4

... the new Jerusalem ... God shall be among them ... there shall no longer be any death ...

NEIGHBORHOODS

Archer Heights

DEMOGRAPHICS

Asian (0%), Black or African American (1.4%), Hispanic or Latino (67.8%), White (30.1%)

LEARN

During the 1850s, Archer Heights remained undeveloped swampland, home to few settlers. There was little economic development in the area despite the establishment of the Illinois & Michigan Canal, the Chicago & Alton Railroad, and Archer Road. After the turn of the century in 1900, spectators developed residential sections of Archer Heights. The establishment of electric streetcars by 1906 created an influx of Poles, Italians, Lithuanians, Czechs, and Russian Jews. The 1930s and 1940s brought industrial and commercial growth and about two-thirds of the area became industry. Residential growth, however, picked up again following World War II. The population fluctuated between 1950 and 1990 with the decline of Midway's significance as the main airport in Chicago. During this time, the population remained notably consistent in composition. At the end of the twentieth century, 60 percent of Archer Heights was for manufacturing and bulk transportation facilities, 30 percent was residential, and 10 percent was commercial. The character of Archer Heights remained consistent throughout the twentieth century as a mostly blue-collar, Caucasian, and industrial population. In the early twenty-first century, the population began to shift as a large number of Hispanic families moved into the neighborhood.

PRAY

As the social landscape of this neighborhood changes rapidly, the residents are experiencing racial and language barriers. Pray for churches to come alongside the people and help alleviate the tensions.

There are many families that have been displaced and fragmented in this community. Pray for stability and that they would discover their belonging as members of the family of God.

Pray for young people to stay in school and stem the tide of high dropout rates in this community. Pray for teachers and administrators to persevere and inspire students to see the value of education.

ARMOUR SQUARE

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PROVERBS 14:31B

He who is gracious to the needy honors Him.

NEIGHBORHOODS

Armour Square, Chinatown, Wentworth Gardens

DEMOGRAPHICS

Asian (67.9%), Black or African American (9.1%), Hispanic or Latino (3.7%), White (16.5%)

LEARN

Armour Square found its beginnings when German, Irish, and Swedish immigrants arrived during the Civil War. Around 1912, Chinese living on the south edge of the Loop began a mass movement southward, encountering severe racial discrimination. They were forced to do business through an intermediary. The H.O. Stone Company acted on behalf of fifty Chinese businessmen, securing leases on buildings in what has since become a major tourist attraction in Chicago. During World War I, the narrow corridor that was limited to African American residents on Chicago's South Side, known as the "Black Belt," expanded into the southern section of Armour Square. Chicago Housing Authority's construction of Wentworth Gardens in 1947 brought the population in the area to an all-time high. However, the demolition brought about for the construction of the Dan Ryan and Stevenson Expressway resulted in a steady decline in population. The distinctive Chinatown and Wentworth Gardens has made Armour Square the diverse environment it is today.

PRAY

Pray for the long-term development of the community as a new generation of leaders are taking over and starting to emerge.

Many immigrants are mainland Chinese students coming to America specifically for an education, which provides a window of opportunity to share the gospel with these students during their short time here.

Praise God for the work He is doing through a number of Christian social service agencies and churches in the community that provide ESL services, job training, and tutoring classes.

Recently, Chinatown businesses have gained the interest of foreign investors, with new and different understanding of business than the traditional. Pray that tensions among people in business would be mediated and resolved.

Pray that the underground issues and tensions, especially trafficking, would be addressed and not tolerated by the community.

ASHBURN

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TITUS 3:14

And let our people also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs ...

NEIGHBORHOODS

Ashburn, Ashburn Estates, Beverly View, Crestline, Parkview, Scottsdale, Wrightwood

DEMOGRAPHICS

Asian (0.8%), Black or African American (49.2%), Hispanic or Latino (31.5%), White (17.6%)

LEARN

Following Ashburn's annexation to Chicago in 1893, railroads were built in hopes that the community would flourish. However, Ashburn was slow in development, and by 1894, only a few homes and residences were added. Chicago's first airport, Ashburn Flying Field, was opened in 1916, which...