In The News

New mural at BUILD showcases Austin youth’s passion and determination

By Daniel Perez | October 13, 2023

When young people arrive at BUILD’s South Austin campus, they will see faces resembling theirs on the new mural at the northwest corner of its main building. “I wanted to put up youthful faces looking inspired, looking determined, looking passionate,” said Chicago artist Dwight White at the mural unveiling on…

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As migrant populations increase and change, BUILD pivots to cope 

By Daniel Perez | October 6, 2023

An influx of new arrivals in Chicago has driven BUILD Chicago to aid dozens more asylum-seekers sheltered at local police stations.   Last week, around 45 asylum-seekers, mostly single men, used BUILD’s showers, an increase from a couple of days before. By this week, the number of asylum-seekers sheltered at the…

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Momentum Coffee Opens Fifth Location In Austin

By Daniel Perez | August 30, 2023

AUSTIN — A local Black-owned coffee chain has opened its fifth location in Austin. The newest branch of Momentum Coffee opened last week inside BUILD Inc.’s West Side headquarters, 5100 W. Harrison St. BUILD is a community hub that provides programs and a safe space for kids and teens to explore their…

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Family of 8, including 6 children, live out of a van in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood

By Daniel Perez | August 29, 2023

For many families in the Chicago area, finding a permanent place to live can be a real struggle. Such is the case for Alicia, her partner and her six children ages 1 to 14. Since May 2023, the family says they have been living in their mini-van. “This is our…

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Triathlon training program aims to level playing field for young Chicagoans

By Daniel Perez | August 25, 2023

Francisco Arenas, director of intervention for BUILD, partnered with Live Grit Soars this year as a part of a city violence prevention grant focused on helping kids who have either experienced violence or are at risk.  They train kids every Wednesday to help them feel mentally and physically better and…

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Chicago events get kids ready to go back to school as summer winds down

By Daniel Perez | August 14, 2023

CHICAGO (WLS) — Events around the city of Chicago are trying to soften the blow of the end of summer by getting kids excited to go back to school. In Austin, 5-year-old Christian Stewart picked out a new backpack and school supplies at the West Englewood back to school event as…

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Join movie screening on food justice at West Side farm

By Daniel Perez | July 17, 2023

In “Follow the Drinking Gourd,” film director Shirah Dedman explores the Black food justice movement in a 60-minute documentary. On July 19, a collaborative group of community-based partners and organizations under the flag of Austin Eats brings a free screening of the film to the Austin neighborhood.   The film connects…

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Chicagoans call for an end to gun violence on ‘Wear Orange Day’

By Daniel Perez | June 5, 2023

More than 200 people have been shot and killed in Chicago, so far this year. Friday is Wear Orange Day, which supports “National Gun Violence Awareness Day.” It started after the senseless death of 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton in 2013. Since then, “Wear Orange Day” has happened on her birthday — June…

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Chicago’s ‘Wear Orange Peace March’ honors National Gun Violence Awareness Day

By Daniel Perez | June 5, 2023

CHICAGO (CBS) — The color orange is taking over in one Chicago neighborhood.  The Wear Orange Peace March hit the streets in South Austin Friday afternoon. Neighbors and elected officials rallied in honor of National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Hadiya Pendleton was shot and killed by gang members in 2013. Her death helped…

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Our Chicago: BUILD Chicago & Think Outside Da Block

By Daniel Perez | June 5, 2023

CHICAGO (WLS) — Since 1969, BUILD Chicago has been working with young people in some of the city’s most challenged neighborhoods. Based on the city’s West Side, BUILD is a gang intervention, violence prevention and youth development organization. “We’re always in the business of finding out what our young people need…

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From Accessible Gathering Spaces to Educational Opportunities, Young Chicagoans Share Their Hopes for Brandon Johnson’s Administration

By Daniel Perez | May 16, 2023

The future of Chicago will be in the hands of Brandon Johnson.  Between choosing the city’s next police superintendent, a growing migrant crisis and concerns about crime as summer approaches, he has a long list of priorities before he even takes office.  For young people in the city, the start…

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Mayor Lightfoot gives farewell address at BUILD Headquarters

By Daniel Perez | May 10, 2023

On Monday, May 8, Mayor Lori Lightfoot gave her farewell address at BUILD Headquarters, where she reflected on her impactful leadership over the past years. BUILD was honored to host this event and thank Mayor Lightfoot for her dedication to Chicago’s West Side. Check out news coverage of the event:…

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