West Side Church Opens Its Doors To Combat Violence, Ease Tensions Between Police, Community
(CBS) -- Starting Monday, a West Side church is opening its doors - or rather, not closing them - for the next three weeks as part of an effort to combat violence in Chicago, reports WBBM's Nancy Harty.
New Life Covenant in Humboldt Park is offering workshops, tutoring, games or movies and each night, dinner at 6 p.m.
"Just to turn off our phones or TV," says Senior Pastor Wilfredo De Jesus. "Let's get to the table. Let's talk about their lives and so forth."
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De Jesus says the church won't be doing it alone - they've invited police officers from the 14th District to join them throughout the event.
He hopes "Safety in the Sanctuary" will bring healing to two groups that have been at odds recently - residents and police.
"What better way than the church that we can sit down, eat together and encourage one another," De Jesus says. "We're looking forward to the police joining in with us."
On Monday, officers of the 14th District held there late afternoon roll call at the church.
"We hope that is impacts the violence, not just here in the 14th District, but violence throughout the city," said CPD Commander Marc Buslik.
A member of the congregation who lost a brother to gang violence 17 years ago hopes interaction between police and the residents can combat gang troubles.
"The changes would be where people can communicate and get along and be able to stand in the same room together and love one another," said Yvonne Rivera.
De Jesus says the church is paying for the program through donations.
