Ms. Deborah Suggs, resident leader from Marian Park Apartments testifying at Illinois State Senate Budget Hearing May 8, 2024. (with State Senator Seth Lewis-R)

June 10, 2024 – DuPage United in suburban Chicago won a $250,000 appropriation in the Illinois State Budget to fund a traffic signal and protected pedestrian crosswalk in front of Marian Park Apartments and St. Francis High School in Wheaton, Illinois.

African American and African-born residents of Marian Park Mercy Housing (a dues paying member of DuPage United) began organizing residents of the apartment community in February 2023. They also formed relationships with area churches resulting in two new member institutions. They also formed a new relationship with State Senator Seth Lewis ( R ). Through actions relating with the City of Wheaton and neighboring St. Francis College Prep High School, Marian Park leaders have made significant progress in making crossing the busy street in front of the 500 resident apartment community and school a less deadly proposition.

Listen to the story from WBEZ Chicago NPR station HERE. Read more about it in The Daily Herald. Hear stories from the leaders at DuPage United November 2023 assembly at this LINK.