The Resurrection Project’s CEO Raul Raymundo joined area students, university representatives, partners, and stakeholders, as well as Illinois Stage Governor Pat Quinn, State Representative Eddie Acevedo, State Senator Tony Muñoz, and Alderman Danny Solis for a ribbon cutting ceremony for La Casa on Thursday, Oct. 11. La Casa is an innovative community-based college dormitory designed to increase the likelihood of college success by providing affordable housing, internship, and mentorship opportunities, and a multitude of student support services. The ceremony officially unveiled La Casa and the La Casa Resource Center, two brand new buildings that will start a campus connection in Pilsen.

La Casa came about through the leadership of community members, particularly young adults from Pilsen, Little Village, and Back of the Yards, that faced significant hardships after being the first in their families to enroll in college. The leaders addressed the fact that only 10 percent to 13 percent of community residents have a bachelor’s degree. The State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and many private foundations and philanthropists helped provide the capital necessary make this $12.2 million project possible. La Casa is located on 1815 S. Paulina St.