Following the devastating fire on October 7, 2015, generous souls have donated $66,440 to help rebuild this Chicago Landmark and home for our Infant King through the Shrine Fire Restoration Fund, also powered by GoFundMe. However, these funds were donated to the Institute of Christ the King. They are therefore not available to the Coalition to #SaveTheShrine in the wake of the Archdiocese’s announcement of immediate demolition last week. The Coalition (made up of preservationists, parishioners and community members) needs funds to help #SaveTheShrine.

The engineering report, released this Friday the 15th through the Freedom of Information Act, makes clear that stabilization and rehabilitation of the church are possible. Our immediate goal is to obtain estimates on the cost of stabilization and then to fundraise for that amount. Stabilization would both protect the public from any danger posed by the Shrine’s damaged condition and relieve the Archdiocese from financial pressure by allowing the Coalition time to fundraise for a full rehabilitation.

While the demolition permit is still moving through the City, the Archdiocese has already begun the initial steps in the demolition process. The demolition itself is currently slated to begin on January 26th. We must move quickly.

Thank you for anything you can do to help preserve this beautiful Chicago Landmark and beacon of hope in Woodlawn.

“The more you honor Me the more I will bless you.” – The Infant King

http://SaveTheShrine.org

#SaveTheShrine