Chicago, IL—August 17, 2006--The week of August 23, 2006 (exact times to be determined) will be a day filled with mixed emotions as more than 300 men, women and children pack their belongings and say goodbye to the 123 S. Green Street - West Loop/Greektown locality, a neighborhood the Chicago Christian Industrial League (CCIL) has called home for the past 35 years. CCIL, one of the largest organizations serving the poor and homeless in Chicago, will embrace a new community of need by moving to a modern, brand new facility in North Lawndale.

J.C. Rucker, CCIL resident, is looking forward to relocating to the new facility in North Lawndale. “The new location is beautiful and will be a wonderful place for CCIL to manage its programs and help more people in need.” Rucker has been utilizing the CCIL educational programs after losing his job. “I wish every homeless person knew about CCIL and more importantly, I wish CCIL had the capacity to take everyone.  CCIL has changed my life.”

CCIL has been operating from a reconfigured industrial site on the corner of Halsted and Monroe streets in Chicago’s West Loop since 1971, but times have changed and so has the community. CCIL Executive Director Judy McIntyre comments, “We’re no longer in close proximity to those who need our services the most. Our new location will be able to provide more space and more resources for our residents and for the North Lawndale community.”

Some highlights of the 2750 W. Roosevelt facility include:

• Expanded capabilities to service 800 men, women and children
• Flexible learning space serving CCIL residents and the community
• Residential housing for larger families
• Expanded training facilities that will include more classrooms, a computer learning center and modern training kitchen

Founded in 1909, CCIL provides food, clothing, shelter, counseling, training and job placement opportunities for those who seek it.  All services are provided by professional staff in a healing and supportive environment.  CCIL relies heavily on gifts and services from the people in Chicagoland to continue offering encouragement to the poor by providing a path from alienation to reconciliation and hope.  Please visit http://ccilworks.org/ to learn more about CCIL.