The city of Chicago Heights and the village of Ford Heights are both located about 30 miles south of Chicago in Cook County. Ford Heights borders Chicago Heights to the east, and both communities are south suburbs of Chicago.
As of the 2020 census, Chicago Heights had a population of 27,480, and Ford Heights was home to 1,813 people. Nearly 92% of the population of Ford Heights is Black; Chicago Heights is more racially diverse: 42% Black, 21% White, and 39% Hispanic/Latinx of any race. 24% of the population in Chicago Heights lives below with the poverty line. The percentage in Ford Heights is significantly higher: 37.8%.
Once a transportation and industrial hub, Chicago Heights was known as the “Crossroads of the Nation” after the first transcontinental highway was established through the city in 1916. Known as East Chicago Heights until 1987, Ford Heights’ small population, with little commercial activity, has limited the financial base for local government initiatives. While the populations of both Chicago Heights and Ford Heights have also declined since the 1980s, both communities have taken steps to strengthen their future and embrace transformative change through the Neighborhood Network.
The Ford Heights / Chicago Heights Neighborhood Network was launched in June 2023 in partnership with Cook County through the Transforming Places Program, with support from Nicor Gas Foundation. Cornerstone Community Development Corporation serves as the “community quarterback” for the Network.
Ford Heights / Chicago Heights Community Vision
As a new Neighborhood Network launched in 2023, Ford Heights / Chicago Heights will build its coalition and refine its community vision over the next three years.
The Ford Heights / Chicago Heights Neighborhood Network has promising plans and vision for strengthening their local community.Plus, they have a high degree of readiness to succeed in implementing the Neighborhood Network model.
Coalition Highlights
Cornerstone Community Development Corporation is leading the vision and work of the Ford Heights / Chicago Heights Neighborhood Network.
Executive Director Cornerstone Community Development Corporation
“The launch of the Ford Heights / Chicago Heights Neighborhood Network will strengthen our vital programs addressing issues of homelessness, hunger, unemployment, and poverty that affect residents in our surrounding communities.”