A Legacy of Service and Transformation
Bishop David Todd Whittley has spent two decades not just preaching from the pulpit but working in the streets of West Garfield Park, where his family has been rooted in service for generations. His grandfather, Bishop Bennie L. Allison, founded Corinthian Temple COGIC and the United for Better Living organization, laying the foundation for faith-based community service. Under Bishop Allison’s leadership, the church was more than a place of worship; it was a beacon of hope and a catalyst for community upliftment. In 1976, Bishop Allison, without the aid of government funding, led his congregation in rehabilitating the building at 4510 W. Washington—a bold move that saved the property from being condemned.
Now, history comes full circle as Bishop Whittley leads a similar charge, expanding that legacy with CARE Manor, a 44-unit affordable housing development that aims to meet the growing need for safe, accessible, and inclusive housing in West Garfield Park.
“Bishop Whittley’s leadership is rooted in the same compassion and drive that his grandfather had,” said Kathy Allison, Executive Director of United for Better Living and a longtime member of Corinthian Temple. “I worked closely with Bishop Bennie Allison for years, and now, seeing Bishop Whittley take this work to new heights is a blessing. His heart is always in the right place, and the community trusts him because he’s always thinking about how to serve others.”
CARE Manor: A Milestone in Affordable Housing
As Chicago faces an affordable housing crisis, Bishop Whittley’s CARE Manor is a transformative response to the city’s needs. The $31 million project, funded in part by the Housing Equity Development (HED) bond announced by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Housing, marks a bold step forward in addressing the challenges of housing insecurity. CARE Manor is one of the first developments to receive funding from the new bond, signaling the city’s commitment to investing in neighborhoods that have historically been left behind.
CARE Manor’s 44 units will provide much-needed affordable rental housing for low-income families in the West Garfield Park community. This project, along with the Prairie District development on the Near South Side, which will rehabilitate 100 units into permanent supportive housing, are part of a broader citywide initiative aimed at inclusivity, accessibility, and community stabilization.
The CARE Center: Repurposing a School, Rebuilding a Community
In addition to the CARE Manor project, one of Bishop Whittley’s most significant contributions to West Garfield Park is the transformation of the former Marconi Elementary School into The CARE Center. When Chicago Public Schools closed Marconi in 2013, it left a void in the community—a space that once nurtured children now stood empty, a symbol of disinvestment in the neighborhood. But Bishop Whittley stepped up, purchasing the building and repurposing it into a hub for community services.
Today, The CARE Center provides a range of resources, from job training and health services to youth programs and educational support. The center has become a vital lifeline for the community, ensuring that residents have access to the tools they need to thrive.
A Family at the Heart of His Mission
Bishop Whittley reflected, “We didn’t lose a school, we gained a place where the community can grow, heal, and find support. The CARE Center is a beacon of hope, and we’re here to stay.”
Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership and Service
As Bishop Whittley celebrates his 20th anniversary as pastor of Corinthian Temple COGIC, the community reflects on his far-reaching impact. His work has not only uplifted his congregation but has transformed the West Garfield Park neighborhood. Whether through the development of CARE Manor, the repurposing of the Marconi Elementary School into The CARE Center, or his elevation within the Church of God in Christ as Jurisdictional Bishop of the Illinois Midwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, Bishop Whittley has continually demonstrated his commitment to serving others.
Conclusion
Bishop David Todd Whittley’s legacy is one of service, transformation, and community building. As he marks 20 years of leadership, he reflects on the importance of family, faith, and community. His vision for a brighter future is not just a desire, but a reality. As he looks to the future, the West Side of Chicago can look to leaders like Bishop Whittley—leaders who are not just preaching faith, but living it.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of Bishop Whittley’s 20-year anniversary as pastor of Corinthian Temple COGIC?
A: It marks a milestone in his commitment to serving the community, transforming the West Garfield Park neighborhood, and furthering the legacy of his grandfather, Bishop Bennie L. Allison.
Q: What is CARE Manor, and how will it address the affordable housing crisis in Chicago?
A: CARE Manor is a 44-unit affordable housing development, funded in part by the Housing Equity Development (HED) bond, which will provide much-needed rental housing for low-income families in West Garfield Park. It is a transformative response to the city’s affordable housing crisis.
Q: What is The CARE Center, and how has it impacted the community?
A: The CARE Center is a community hub that provides a range of resources, from job training and health services to youth programs and educational support. It has become a vital lifeline for the community, ensuring that residents have access to the tools they need to thrive.
