Back of the Yards Is A Community of People Who Are Creating Their Own Destiny

The story of Back of the Yards is about so much more than the Union Stockyards. The meatpacking industry in this Southwest Side neighborhood, which peaked during the 1920s, gave rise to a hardworking, multigenerational community comprised largely of immigrants. It also spurred a legacy of community organizing that includes Saul Alinsky, an activist and organizer who co-founded the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council in 1939.

Predictably, the decline of the slaughterhouses had a severe economic impact on the neighborhood that continues to be felt to this day. But Back of the Yards is filled with people who have deep pride in their community. Today, the area’s residents and nonprofits are working hard to realize the priorities of the Quality-of-Life Plan facilitated by the Alinsky-founded neighborhood council, which is still going strong. Change is unfolding through numerous projects, from affordable housing to community-driven development to vital social services. As the council’s motto goes, “We the people will work out our own destiny.” The Trust is proud to contribute to many projects in Back of the Yards that are bringing this powerful idea to life.

“When I look at Back of the Yards, I see so much cultural diversity and so many exciting opportunities for growth and change. The neighborhood has been affected by disinvestment, resulting in stagnation. Residents are becoming more involved, and we are here to empower them. We’re here to stay.”

Erica Esquivel
Managing Broker
TRP Realty, LLC, The Resurrection Project

What’s Happening in the Back of the Yards

Reactivating 47th Street

United Yards

Lifelong community resident Jesse Íñiguez, co-founder of Back of the Yards Coffee, worked closely with developer Celadon Partners to advocate for this multiblock, community-owned development project. Set to open in 2024, the site will include affordable housing units, retail space, a healthcare clinic, micro-brewery, performance space, and a rooftop garden.

Supported by We Rise Together: For an Equitable & Just Recovery, a funder collaborative led by the Trust

Anchoring Neighborhood Planning & Arts

Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council

Just one block away from the United Yards development, Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council will be getting a new home at 4630 South Ashland Avenue, the site of a former furniture store. The building also will include a performance space for local arts groups like the council’s renowned Ballet Folklorico.

Supported by the Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust and the Trust’s Pre-Development Fund

Building Homes, Strengthening Communities

The Resurrection Project (TRP)

TRP provides affordable housing, financial education and immigration services on Chicago’s Southwest side. Rooted in Pilsen, TRP also works with the Back of the Yards community to create wealth, build assets, and engage residents to be catalysts for change. Its Full Circle Homes program brings together all the tools and resources economically disadvantaged community members need to obtain, maintain and sustain a home. TRP has also helped Back of the Yards usher in the future of affordable housing by constructing new modular homes (houses that are assembled efficiently in pre-built sections).

Supported by the Trust’s Growing Household Wealth portfolio

Using All of Our Resources

Plant Chicago

Plant Chicago uses urban agriculture to help communities learn about the benefits of local circular economies — sustainable systems in which waste is put to a new use. To fully activate this concept, the organization is transforming a former firehouse at 4459 South Marshfield Avenue into an indoor growing facility that will also include space for retail and farmers markets.

Supported by Food:Land:Opportunity (a partnership of the Trust and Kinship Foundation) and the Trust’s Pre-Development Fund

Putting Our Talent to Work

Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (PBMR)

PBMR’s Career Preparation and Placement Program offers a pathway to stability for community members who have diverse employment needs and often face workforce barriers. Since 2016, the agency has trained and placed more than 500 people in jobs.

Supported by We Rise Together: For an Equitable & Just Recovery, the Trust’s Addressing Critical Needs portfolio, and the Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities, a funder collaborative housed at the Trust

Coming Together Through Sport

U.N.I.O.N. Impact Center

This organization has engaged hundreds of Back of the Yards children and families in building a stronger community through sports, wellness and leadership programs. More than 300 young people hit the field each year as players, referees and coaches in U.N.I.O.N.’s Youth Soccer League.

Supported by the Trust’s Addressing Critical Needs portfolio and the Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities, a funder collaborative housed at the Trust