A Neighbor Among Neighbors: A Conversation with Maureen Hellwig

Born in Chicago’s 33rd year as a city, Erie Neighborhood House has witnessed its hometown prosper through the contributions of five generations of immigrants who came here seeking a better life. Few institutions have had such a view from the same address for 150 years. But it was not just a passive witness. When neighbors were tired and hungry, Erie House fed them, but not just with food— with knowledge. Through education Erie House empowered their neighbors to become citizens who take that privilege seriously. Numerous volunteers from Presbyterian churches throughout Chicagoland, motivated by the social gospel, came to Erie House to give and were constantly amazed at how much they received, because a settlement house fosters reciprocity.

Join author Maureen Hellwig as she discusses how Erie House and so many immigrants and migrants struggled and prospered together in the story that unfolds in A Neighbor Among Neighbors.