ReNew Communities was launched in 2012 when Lake Forest-based Christ Church began to think more intentionally about how it might come alongside their neighbors within a 10-mile radius of the church. The ReNew Team decided to focus on North Chicago to help address its double-digit unemployment, poverty, struggling schools, and gang activity; while increasing home ownership, which at the current 34% level is significantly below the 75% home ownership of surrounding communities.
The ReNew Team learned of a number of civic, non-profit, and religious organizations already doing great work addressing the educational and racial reconciliation disparity in North Chicago. After many meetings, much research and listening to leaders and residents in North Chicago, ReNew Communities decided to strategically focus its resources on two areas of need—jobs development and affordable home ownership for North Chicago residents and those who serve and work in North Chicago.
In 2013, ReNew Communities took the next step and launched two key initiatives: a Business Development and Jobs Program, and a Matthew Homes Program, the latter of which is an affordable housing program for low- and middle-income families in need of housing. The name “Matthew Homes” comes from the Bible verse in Matthew 5:14 where people are encouraged to honor God by loving others. The Matthew Home Program is about families—families who are willing to get to know their neighbors, care for one another, and engage in the well-being of their city. These are keys to a thriving community that any family would want to live in.
FPCD supports ReNew Communities’ Matthew Home Program through volunteer service hours to help build or rehabilitate homes.
