(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – The community leader known as the “Rooftop Pastor” has reached a major milestone in his quest to build a community center in Woodlawn.
Corey Brooks’ publicized efforts started in late 2011 when he climbed into a tent on the roof of a run-down motel across the street from his New Beginnings Church in a bid to raise money.
He would stay for nearly 100 days. Ten years later, he did it again, for 343 days.
To date, he’s raised $28 million.
Brooks says some people told him he was nuts. He thought so, too, when he spent New Year’s 2012 on the roof as people shot celebratory gunfire in the air.
“I was just amazed at how much gunfire there was, how loud it was, how long it lasted,” he tells WBBM Newsradio.
Now, he can celebrate. Work is finally underway on the 90,000-square-foot building, which will include a trade school, a pool, restaurants, a tech center, a theater, golf simulation room and basketball courts.
“Perseverance pays off and commitment pays off. It’s been a long road, it’s been full of ups and downs, but I’m really excited and grateful that the building is going to start going up. Everybody is excited in this neighborhood,” he said.
Brooks is still trying to hit the $35 million fundraising mark.
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