WHO WE ARE

Build Each Other Up was created to further connect Mary, Seat of Wisdom Parish in Park Ridge, IL and sister parish, Epiphany, in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago. This partnership has been working together since 2015 to create more affordable housing and local labor opportunities for families within the Epiphany community. Our mission has now grown to also include development within St Agatha Parish, in the North Lawndale community of Chicago. 

Build Each Other Up is a not-for-profit 501 C (3) charity, and all donations go toward the building and renovating of properties. 

INITIATIVES TO DATE (as of 1/1/24)

• Homes Completed: 4

• Families Assisted: 124

  •  Through home-buyer seminars and access to affordable housing

• Money Spent on Local Labor: $355,000

• Money in the Bank (Cash and Loans) and Current Investments: $350,000

CURRENT UPDATE

The BEOU team is grateful to be heading into a new year managing two simultaneous home renovations for the first time. We are working with a new general contractor on our fifth home at 1525 Harding, Moncrease Carroll Construction. This home is currently under renovation and is estimated to be completed in October ‘24. We are working with St. Agatha Parish to find a credit-worthy buyer. 

Our sixth home at 4421 W Monroe is also under contract with  GC, Marco Aguirre, and is estimated to be completed in July ‘24. We are proud to be renovating this home as an “approved minority developer” selected by the city of Chicago. This city program is administered by Chicago Community Loan Fund-CCLF. 

The BEOU board has initiated a loan process that will allow us to acquire new funds to grow our mission. These loans pay a 5% interest rate. If you are interested in more details please contact claireterenzio@gmail.com.

Below are photos from our successful 2023 Holiday Luncheon! It was a great opportunity for us to celebrate and collaborate with so many of our partners, parishes, and organizations throughout Chicago. We are looking forward to the homes we create together in 2024!

LONG RANGE GOAL

In an effort to scale this initiative city wide, we will develop a successful financial model to share with local parishes and other faith-based organizations to directly support the development of affordable housing. Keep checking this website for progress!