Albany Park

      Prayer Points

• As one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in Chicago, Albany Park is a community of many religions. Pray for truth to reign in the hearts of the people and the gospel to break through cultural boundaries and strongholds.

• There are several churches and organizations that are working with the refugee population. Pray that God would give them favor and the necessary resources to serve the refugees.

• Many churches have been recently planted to address the diversity in the neighborhood. Pray that their efforts would take root in the lives of the community residents.

• Pray for those that are marginalized in this community, such as the homeless and undocumented residents. Pray that they may reestablish connectedness to family, employment, and school.

      Ethnic Breakdown

• Asian (12.7%)

• Black or African American (4.3%)

• Hispanic or Latino (51.0%)

• White (30.2%)

Neighborhood Background

Annexed to Chicago in 1893, Albany Park is now home to one of the most ethnically diverse zip codes in the country. Initially settled by German and Swedish immigrants, Albany Park became home to a number of Russian Jews after 1912. Following World War ll, many Jewish families moved north, leaving Albany Park during the economic and social decline.

The population dropped drastically as homes and stores became vacant, leading to the development of illegal drug trade, prostitution, and gangs. In response, city government and other corporations worked to improve Albany Park through streetscape development, low-interest loans, and financing packages.

These efforts brought a return of residents and an increase in property values. In 1990, Albany Park became home to the largest number of Korean, Filipino, and Guatemalan immigrants in Chicago and became known as the "Ellis Island" of Chicago. The population continues to shift as Korean immigrants move to northern suburbs.