Pastor Corey Brooks is the founder and Senior Pastor of New Beginnings Church of Chicago and the founder and CEO of Project H.O.O.D Communities Development Corporation. He began his journey in transforming Chicago’s South Side when he established New Beginnings Church in November 2000, located in a neighborhood beset by violence and despair.

In a remarkable act of advocacy, Pastor Brooks spent 94 days on the rooftop of a drug and crime-infested motel across from his church in November of 2011. This bold move was not just a demonstration of his commitment but also marked the birth of Project H.O.O.D. (Helping Others Obtain Destiny), an initiative focused on revitalizing the community and preventing violence.

The success of his rooftop vigil led to the demolition of the motel, paving the way for the Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center, a future $35 million state-of-the-art facility. This center is designed to be a cornerstone in the community, aimed at reducing violence, enhancing safety, and providing children and youth with opportunities for growth and development.

In 2021, Pastor Brooks returned to the rooftop for a staggering 343 days, starting on November 20. This prolonged effort was instrumental in raising over $28.5 million and garnering support from more than 20,000 new donors nationwide for Project H.O.O.D.