On April 15th, 2025, the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) welcomed students and faculty from Augustana College to their Chicago Lawn office for an immersive, on-the-ground look at SWOP’s ongoing work to build stronger, safer communities through housing justice and neighborhood revitalization.

The visit was part of Augustana’s broader effort to connect students with community-based organizations leading innovative, resident-driven initiatives in Chicago. During their time at SWOP, the group learned about the organization's comprehensive approach to addressing community violence, housing instability, and disinvestment on the southwest side of Chicago, with a particular focus on SWOP’s Reclaiming Southwest Chicago initiative.

The tour was led by Harry Meyer, SWOP’s Director of Vacant Property Reactivation. Harry shared the story of how SWOP, alongside residents and partner organizations, has worked to acquire vacant, blighted properties throughout Chicago Lawn. He detailed the process of transforming these once-abandoned spaces into safe, high-quality affordable homes for families eager to invest in the community.

“Vacant homes aren’t just empty buildings — they’re opportunities to restore hope, safety, and stability to neighborhoods,” Harry explained during the visit. He walked the group through the challenges and triumphs of rehabbing these properties and the deep partnerships required to make these projects a success.

The visit concluded with a tour of one of SWOP’s recently rehabbed properties. Standing on the front step, Harry spoke about the significance of each property reclaimed, not just as a home, but as a symbol of what’s possible when communities organize and reclaim their future together. For the students of Augustana College, it was an eye-opening experience about the real, tangible impacts of grassroots organizing and the ongoing fight for housing justice in Chicago

‍