CHICAGO, Nov. 21, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
WHAT:
Fed up with crime, drugs and prostitution that plagues the South Side Chicago neighborhood in which he lives as well as where he pastors a church, Pastor Corey Brooks of New Beginnings Church plans to camp out for the next 21 days in a tent on the roof of an abandoned motel, which has been the center of most of the illegal activity for years. As part of his Project H.O.O.D. (Helping Others Obtain Destiny) initiative, Pastor Brooks wants to raise $450,000 in donations to purchase the motel.
The former Super Motel sits directly across the street from his church. In 2009, Pastor Brooks successfully led efforts to close down the motel. He now wants to buy it so that it can be transformed to a community and social service center, along with opportunities for retail outlets.
During his 21 days on the roof, Pastor Brooks will also fast (only water). When asked about his motivation, Brooks responded, "If the community changes, the people will change." It's ironic that the hotel resides on a street named after Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, who dedicated his life to peace and hope for the future. Pastor Brooks says, "I'm going to do my part to ensure that on this King Drive, the area will have peace."
WHEN:
Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 10:00 a.m., Super Motel, 6625 King Drive, Chicago (which is directly across the street from the church).
WHO:
Pastor Corey Brooks, senior pastor of New Beginnings Church of Chicago, members of the congregation and community residents, Alderman Willie Cochran, local pastors and civic leaders
VISUALS:
Ten caskets will be lined up in front of the motel; one for each teen that was killed this past summer in the Woodlawn neighborhood.
INFO:
For more information about New Beginnings Church, log on to www.nbcchicago.tv/. To learn more about Project H.O.O.D., visit www.projecthood.org. For more info about the church's history with the hotel, visit: http://archive.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/04/neighbors-rejoice-as-police-raid-south-side-motel.html.
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For more information, please contact:
Danielle E Willis, 773-243-9917
nbcsocialmediateam@gmail.com
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http://www.cisionwire.com/new-beginnings-church-of-chicago/r/chicago-pastor-to-squat-on-hotel-roof-until-help-comes-to-the-hood,c9189684