A Letter from Us

When we issued this report last year, it felt like the world was about to fall apart, and in some ways...it has.

We are not naive to what is happening just outside our doors, to our neighbors, friends and family. Like you, we have seen some absolutely horrific, inhumane things unfold on our streets lately.

Thank You

We don't look for volunteers.

We look for leaders with heart.

SWC is not a large, established organization. We’re a group of your neighbors, from Gage Park to Garfield Ridge, who see the need for connection and community among our siloed neighborhoods. For us, this work is deeply personal, and allows us to set what we feel is the right example for our own kids: to lead from where we live, with love.

Many local youth, including our own kids, have each logged over 100 hours working with us to build and maintain our community. They were honored in a pinning ceremony this year, with awards from the White House.

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Getting to know SWC (if you don't already)

Meeting likeminded people is a big part of why we started SWC. Join us out in the community - it’s a great way to socialize and make friends right here in your own backyard. The conversations are interesting and funny, and the work is pretty rewarding too.

Every January, on MLK Day, we provide books to distribute at our network of library boxes. Join us and claim a box or two in observance of the day.

Every month, we put out a call for help with set up, donation intake and break down of our Freebies for Families event.

We host an open meeting every spring and fall. Come meet likeminded neighbors and hear about upcoming events and plans.

Every October, we transform a parking lot into a community celebration of culture, art and life. Join us!

What We Do

Scroll on for simple summaries of our programs and initiatives for the year.

Our focus areas are Family Foundations, Small Business Assistance, Environmental Justice, Food Access and Transit Advocacy. These areas were chosen during our incorporation, and are expanded and contracted based on our capacity, community interest and other factors.

Freebies for families: why it's important to us

Since 2019, Freebies for Families has provided a safe space for parents, in memory of Marlen Ochoa-Lopez. Every month, parents can pick up free necessities, like a sleeve of diapers or a few gently used onesies, connect to wraparound services and meet other parents.

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Current situation: families helping families

In this moment, where federal benefits and safety nets like SNAP and Medicaid are being slashed, this program is a lifeline, particularly for young families on the southwest side. The community has banded together to share with each other, and we're happy to keep this going.

Our impact

6

years of monthly events

1,400

families served since 2019

3,600

pounds of baby clothing donated & resued

Small Business Support: Why it's important to us

In the shadow of Midway Airport, it's hard to compete as a small business. National chains, big box stores and franchises come with big budgets and the expertise to scale.

The current situation: a year of tough times

We began the year with a press conference, where we stood with business owners and business organizations against the incoming administration’s efforts to tear apart our communities with ramped-up immigration enforcement.

Our impact

243

15

businesses assisted since 2020

businesses assisted more than 3 times

environmental justice: why it's important to us

With the threat of climate change looming, it will take all of us to offset the damage that’s already done.

The current situation:

defending against industrial pollution

Demand for instant delivery of everything from toilet paper to electronics means that the southwest side is seeing more truck traffic and warehousing than ever.

Our impact

200+

trees planted from 2023-4

30+

air sensors placed in our communities

* Source: Morton Arboretum and CHI 311 entry data

Transit advocacy: Why It's Important to us

Car culture rules the southwest side - although not everyone drives. And this vehicle-centric culture has become dangerous for pedestrians, cyclists, and even drivers.

200+

attendees at our community bike rides in Brighton Park (spring) and Garfield Ridge (fall)

38 bike routes established for safe, family-friendly biking

2 miles

of safety infrastructure installed on Pulaski Road, as a result of Pulaski Slow TF Down campaign

The current situation:

Making the "Big Streets" safer

Over the course of 2024-5, we implemented a campaign, “Pulaski, Slow TF Down,” to gather community engagement and input, and then to advocate for pedestrian-friendly infrastructure on Pulaski Road.

Health Equity: Food Access

In a normal year, our communities face deep-rooted systemic inequity when it comes to food access. And we rise, week after week, to meet the need.

20%

average percentage of southwest side households in poverty, that are not receiving SNAP benefits.

* Source: Chicago Health Atlas

Since January 2025

104

Food rescue and

redistribution missions

Improving Infrastructure

We have collaborated with several FQHCs, nonprofit organizations and environmental coalitions to provide more 24/7 access points such as fridges and dry food boxes.