WBEZ · Say More · April 28, 2026
How well do you know your neighbors?
Val Free joins a conversation about organizing neighbors, building trust, and strengthening community connections.
Open the original coverage (opens a new tab)Our organizing history
The names changed.
The work continued.
South Shore neighbors came together to shape the future of their community. That continuing work has carried three names: The Planning Coalition, Southeast Side Block Club Alliance, and Neighborhood Network Alliance. Entries retain the name used in the reporting at the time.
Browse housing, block clubs, public safety, grocery access, and community life—including the neighborhood’s 2020 response. Open reporting from DNAinfo, The Citizen, Block Club Chicago, FOX 32, ABC7, CBS, NBC, WBEZ, Chicago Tribune, Crain’s, and more.
News and interviews, published announcements, and partner accounts are labeled below. Each entry links to the publisher or an identified public reprint. Dates identify archival coverage, and headlines retain the outlets’ framing. Some older stories require a subscription or have limited access.
Selected coverage
A few places
to start.
Stories across housing, organizing, community life, and digital equity. Browse the complete archive below.
Chicago Tribune · November 14, 2022
Repopulation, community oversight and resources for more homeownership: South Shore organizations are looking to move the needle on the community’s future development
Darcel Rockett reports on the South Shore Housing Data Report and housing resource fair, including Val Free’s explanation of NNA’s block-by-block organizing alongside the South Shore Chamber of Commerce and South Shore Works.
Read the Tribune story (opens a new tab)Block Club Chicago · October 4, 2024
South Shore Group Wants Homeowners Prioritized Over Renters In Housing Ordinance
Coverage of NNA’s housing roundtable and its position on proposed South Shore housing policy.
Open the original coverage (opens a new tab)Chicago Tribune · syndicated edition · August 21, 2025
Chicago Plan Commission Green-Lights Developer’s Plan for 26-Story Hotel Near Obama Presidential Center
Chicago Tribune reporting quotes Val Free on neighborhood reinvestment and the proposed hotel near the Obama Presidential Center.
Read the Tribune story · syndicated edition (opens a new tab)Chicago Defender · June 24, 2022
City of Chicago’s Micro Market Recovery Program Expands to South Shore
Coverage of the housing program’s South Shore expansion, identifying NNA as the area’s lead agency.
Open the original coverage (opens a new tab)WGN · 2022
South Shore community hosts block party, out to prove ‘we are more than those violent incidents’
Coverage of the neighborhood block party and residents celebrating a fuller story about South Shore.
Open the original coverage (opens a new tab)Block Club Chicago · January 15, 2021
How’s Your Internet, South Shore? Residents Asked To Weigh In As Organizers Work To Bridge ‘Digital Divide’
Coverage of the South Shore Connects effort to hear residents’ experiences with internet access and inform a neighborhood broadband strategy.
Open the original coverage (opens a new tab)Chicago Tribune · May 2017
South Shore, once thriving, struggles amid economic erosion and crime
An archival neighborhood profile examining South Shore’s economic conditions, neighborhood investment, and public safety.
Read the Tribune story (opens a new tab)FOX 32 Chicago · June 2, 2020
Neighborhood Network Alliance organizes efforts to clean up looting damage
Val Free discusses NNA’s efforts to organize residents and clean up neighborhood businesses following the unrest.
Open the original coverage (opens a new tab)Browse all 62 source items
NNA in the news
Neighborhood Network Alliance
How well do you know your neighbors?
Val Free joins a conversation about organizing neighbors, building trust, and strengthening community connections.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
As Obama Center nears debut, signs emerge of a changing neighborhood
Reporting on neighborhood change and housing around the Obama Presidential Center.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
Chicago Plan Commission Green-Lights Developer’s Plan for 26-Story Hotel Near Obama Presidential Center
Chicago Tribune reporting quotes Val Free on neighborhood reinvestment and the proposed hotel near the Obama Presidential Center.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
City-owned lots should go to middle-income buyers: nonprofit
Reporting on NNA and housing partners’ recommendations about homeownership and the proposed South Shore ordinance.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
South Shore Group Wants Homeowners Prioritized Over Renters In Housing Ordinance
Coverage of NNA’s housing roundtable and its position on proposed South Shore housing policy.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
Will Community Benefits Extend Past Woodlawn?
Reporting on proposed housing protections around the Obama Presidential Center includes Val Free and NNA’s homeownership and housing-fair work.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
The XChange is coming to South Shore
Coverage of South Shore development and quality-of-life planning, including NNA among the community partners.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
Repopulation, community oversight and resources for more homeownership: South Shore organizations are looking to move the needle on the community’s future development
Darcel Rockett reports on the South Shore Housing Data Report and housing resource fair, including Val Free’s explanation of NNA’s block-by-block organizing alongside the South Shore Chamber of Commerce and South Shore Works.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
The Neighborhood Network Alliance (NNA) and Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) bring housing fair to South Shore
Coverage of NNA’s housing fair with NHS, including education and resources for renters, homeowners, and condo/co-op residents.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
High vacancies in dense South Shore leave renters vulnerable
Reporting on the South Shore Housing Data Project features NNA housing coordinator Tammy McCann-Simpkins advocating residents’ influence over neighborhood investment.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
What Do South Shore Neighbors Want For Their Community? A New Quality-Of-Life Plan Is The Roadmap
Coverage of South Shore’s Quality-of-Life Plan and resident priorities, including Val Free’s perspective on putting neighborhood plans into action.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
Renters, Condo Owners Need Help In South Shore’s Housing Market, New Research Finds
Reporting on South Shore’s housing research and the needs of renters, condominium owners, and co-op residents, alongside NNA’s housing-resource work.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
South Shore residents stress unity to combat violent crime: ‘Our silence is killing us’
Coverage of neighbors organizing around public safety and calling for community participation.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
Neighborhood Left Reeling After Teen Among 2 Killed in South Shore Shootings Tuesday
Reporting on South Shore shootings and NNA’s calls for community action, including attention to mental health.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
‘Enough is enough’: South Shore residents call for action after teen’s killing
Community safety advocacy.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
City of Chicago’s Micro Market Recovery Program Expands to South Shore
Coverage of the housing program’s South Shore expansion, identifying NNA as the area’s lead agency.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
City’s Micro-Market Recovery Program Reaches South Shore
Reporting on NNA’s housing outreach, condo preservation, resident housing data, and partnership in the city program’s South Shore expansion.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
South Shore residents can apply for down payment, home-improvement assistance
Reporting on the 2022 housing program expansion into South Shore.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
City funds come to the rescue of ‘troubled buildings’
Coverage of condo and co-op preservation and NNA’s work with South Shore partners.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
South Shore community hosts block party, out to prove ‘we are more than those violent incidents’
Coverage of the neighborhood block party and residents celebrating a fuller story about South Shore.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
Community Organizing, Affordable Housing, Residents’ Vision
A Chicago Tonight interview with Val Free on community organizing, affordable housing, and residents’ vision for South Shore.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
Alderman Calls for Equity in Metered Parking Along Lakefront
Val Free discusses equitable access to lakefront parks and residents’ concerns.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
How’s Your Internet, South Shore? Residents Asked To Weigh In As Organizers Work To Bridge ‘Digital Divide’
Coverage of the South Shore Connects effort to hear residents’ experiences with internet access and inform a neighborhood broadband strategy.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
After Battling Civil Unrest and COVID-19, South Shore Looks Ahead to 2021
NNA and neighborhood partners discuss public safety, housing, and priorities for South Shore’s future.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
Best of South Shore, Woodlawn, & Hyde Park 2020
The Local Market feature quotes Val Free on years of grocery-store organizing and neighbors mobilizing to protect the store during the June 2020 unrest.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
Crisis and Community: How Chicago’s Rebuild Foundation Is Closing the Gap Between Art Spaces and the People They Serve
Claire Voon reports on NNA and Rebuild Foundation partnering on neighborhood cleanups and food distribution after the June 2020 unrest, with Val Free discussing established community partnerships.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
Local Market grocery store in South Shore reopens after residents keep looters out
Coverage of residents protecting a neighborhood business, including Val Free and NNA.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
Community Comes Together To Support South Shore Grocery Store Hit By Looters
Residents support Local Market.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
Neighborhood Network Alliance organizes efforts to clean up looting damage
Val Free discusses NNA’s efforts to organize residents and clean up neighborhood businesses following the unrest.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
South Shore Cleanup Starts Monday Morning
Reporting on the neighborhood cleanup along 71st Street after the 2020 unrest, illustrated with South Shore residents and NNA members walking together.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
Coronavirus Forces South Side Block Clubs To Go Virtual, Overcoming ‘Digital Divide’ For Older Residents
Coverage of NNA and neighborhood organizers moving block-club connections online during the pandemic, including digital-access challenges for older residents.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
After 6 years without grocery store, South Shore neighbors get new Local Market
Coverage of the December 11 opening, grocery choices, local vendors, and community room.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
Local Market Grocery Store Opens in South Shore
Opening-day coverage of Local Market at the former Dominick’s site, six years after the closure.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
South Side Neighborhood Group Strengthens Community Through Weekly Walks
A feature on NNA’s weekly neighborhood walks, block-club support, and community connections, with Val Free explaining the organizing approach.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
South Shore’s New ‘Walk, Stroll And Talk’ Program Has A Simple Approach: Get Out And Meet Your Neighbors
Maxwell Evans reports on NNA’s early neighborhood walking program and its focus on getting residents to meet and know one another.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
Living In A Food Desert In South Shore
Val Free discusses grocery access and neighborhood organizing.
Earlier organizing: The Planning Coalition and Southeast Side Block Club Alliance
The Planning Coalition
Who Gets to Keep the Gates?
Reporting on 71st Street development and residents’ participation, featuring Val Free’s organizing work under The Planning Coalition.
The Planning Coalition
Hairston Flexes Muscles On 71st Street: No New Businesses Without Approval
Reporting on neighborhood business development, including Val Free and The Planning Coalition.
The Planning Coalition / Southeast Side Block Club Alliance
South Shore, once thriving, struggles amid economic erosion and crime
An archival neighborhood profile examining South Shore’s economic conditions, neighborhood investment, and public safety.
Earlier organizing · Val Free
CHA’s Transformation Reshaped A City
An investigation of public housing changes and voucher relocation, including Val Free’s perspective on neighborhood effects.
Southeast Side Block Club Alliance
Building Blocks
A feature on connecting block clubs, resident leadership, and Val Free’s work with the Southeast Side Block Club Alliance.
The Planning Coalition
Planning Coalition Promising Civility at 7th Ward Forum
Coverage of the Coalition’s public candidate forum and its commitment to a civil discussion of neighborhood concerns.
The Planning Coalition
U. of C. Seeks Community Support for Using Parks for Obama Library
Reporting on community participation in the proposed Obama library site decision, including Val Free.
The Planning Coalition
Tough lessons for Rahm
Coverage of education and community voice, identifying Val Free with the South Shore Planning Coalition.
The Planning Coalition
City Plans to Use Eminent Domain to Take Over Former South Shore Dominick's
Val Free discusses the proposed city acquisition and the continuing need to bring a grocery tenant to South Shore.
The Planning Coalition
Karen Lewis 'Listening Tour' in South Shore Draws About 100 People
Coverage of a community listening forum hosted by the Coalition, including Val Free’s comments about residents’ participation.
The Planning Coalition
South Shore Residents Prod City To Find Dominick’s Replacement
Neighborhood grocery advocacy.
The Planning Coalition
Muralist's Lone Remaining Painting Destroyed in South Shore
Coverage of a community mural identifies the Planning Coalition as the contact for supporting replacement artwork.
The Planning Coalition
South Shore Residents Demand Action on Last Unclaimed Dominick’s
Residents’ grocery-store advocacy and Val Free’s organizing with The Planning Coalition.
The Planning Coalition
Dominick's Closure Has South Shore Residents Leaving 'Hood to Shop: Survey
Reporting on residents’ grocery-shopping preferences and the Planning Coalition’s survey following the Dominick’s closure.
The Planning Coalition
South Shore residents see grocer closing as opportunity
Reporting on The Planning Coalition’s grocery-store organizing and Val Free’s call for stronger neighborhood retail options.
The Planning Coalition
Why doesn’t South Shore have a grocery store?
Reporting on grocery access, featuring Val Free’s work with The Planning Coalition.
The Planning Coalition
South Shore, Like Rest of Chicago, Says Goodbye to Dominick's
Reporting on the grocery closure identifies the Coalition’s meeting to gather residents’ ideas for the site’s future.
The Planning Coalition
Future Of South Shore Dominick's Site Remains Unclear
Coverage of the Coalition’s community meeting and Val Free’s advocacy for a grocery replacement and stronger neighborhood retail.
Published announcements, letters, and listings
Neighborhood Network Alliance
Links Seen on FOX 32 · NNA
FOX 32 lists NNA among links mentioned on its April 7, 2025 newscasts.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
South Shore Works Presents Black Culture Week: A Celebration of Black Culture Wellness
A Black Culture Week announcement names NNA among South Shore Works’ collaborative community partners.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
South Shore Community Unveils Transformative Quality-of-Life Plan to Revitalize and Reshape the South Shore
A published announcement of South Shore’s Quality-of-Life Plan identifies NNA as one of three organizations convening the planning process.
Southeast Side Block Club Alliance
Notes & Calendar 6/6/18
A calendar listing names the Southeast Side Block Club Alliance and Illinois Humanities as hosts of a documentary screening and discussion with journalist Bob Herbert.
The Planning Coalition
Letter: South Side Community Calls for More Efficient Metra System
A published coalition letter advocates better Metra Electric service and lists the South Shore Planning Coalition among its signatories.
Partner features and reports documenting the work
Neighborhood Network Alliance
South Side community-based violence prevention summer programs awarded $150,000 by Southland RISE
A partner report identifies NNA’s Walk, Talk & Roll among the supported community programs. The headline’s funding total covers all awarded programs.
Neighborhood Network Alliance
By the Community, For the Community
A partner feature describes NNA and Rebuild Foundation’s food-bank collaboration and resident mobilization during the 2020 unrest, with an interview with Val Free.
The Planning Coalition
How Did City Bureau’s Documenters Program Get Started?
City Bureau documents its training partnership with Val Free and the Planning Coalition to help residents record public meetings and share neighborhood information.
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