2009.11.06: Peru RPCV Bruce Gottschall retires as the first and only executive director of Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Chicago

Peace Corps Online: Directory: Peru: Peace Corps Peru: Peace Corps Peru: Newest Stories: 2009.11.06: Peru RPCV Bruce Gottschall retires as the first and only executive director of Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Chicago

By Admin1 (admin) (151.196.10.59) on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 - 10:22 am: Edit Post

Peru RPCV Bruce Gottschall retires as the first and only executive director of Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Chicago

Peru RPCV Bruce Gottschall retires as the first and only executive director of Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Chicago

Throughout his career, he has helped numerous homeowners avoid foreclosures and was a leading force in strengthening Chicago's low- to middle- income neighborhoods by bringing in community reinvestment and forming a stronger connection among residents, businesses and the government. Gottschall, 67, began his focus on community service and development early on in his life. In 1965 he joined the Peace Corps. He spent two years in Peru, where he worked to develop squatter neighborhoods by building homes and providing basic plumbing to under-privileged communities. "I went back to that neighborhood four years ago," he said. "And after all these years, it didn't even change much." Upon returning to Chicago, he noticed many neighborhoods that were struggling, so he put his knowledge of rebuilding communities into use. In 1997, Gottschall developed the first Super Block project, called 800 N. Harding. The Humbolt Park neighborhood had been struggling with crime and gang problems. Drug problems were also on the rise. So NHS gutted three vacant buildings in the neighborhood and spent months rebuilding the units and bringing them up to code. At completion, the units began filling up with new homeowners, who got their lending through NHS.

Peru RPCV Bruce Gottschall retires as the first and only executive director of Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Chicago

NHS Director Retires After His 35th Year

By NADA SHAMAH

Bruce Gottschall has long been associated with reviving many Chicago communities that have had great economic struggles.

He has served as the first and only executive director of Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Chicago, a not-for-profit organization that helps provide lending support and information to residents to help them avoid banking scams.

On Dec. 15, Gottschall will retire after 35 years of service with NHS.

Throughout his career, he has helped numerous homeowners avoid foreclosures and was a leading force in strengthening Chicago's low- to middle- income neighborhoods by bringing in community reinvestment and forming a stronger connection among residents, businesses and the government.

Gottschall, 67, began his focus on community service and development early on in his life.

In 1965 he joined the Peace Corps. He spent two years in Peru, where he worked to develop squatter neighborhoods by building homes and providing basic plumbing to under-privileged communities.

"I went back to that neighborhood four years ago," he said. "And after all these years, it didn't even change much."

Upon returning to Chicago, he noticed many neighborhoods that were struggling, so he put his knowledge of rebuilding communities into use.

In 1997, Gottschall developed the first Super Block project, called 800 N. Harding.

The Humbolt Park neighborhood had been struggling with crime and gang problems. Drug problems were also on the rise.

So NHS gutted three vacant buildings in the neighborhood and spent months rebuilding the units and bringing them up to code.

At completion, the units began filling up with new homeowners, who got their lending through NHS.

Gottschall says that all new homeowners are given a brief course on how to avoid falling behind on mortgage payments and are taught ways to stay in their homes for as long as they like.

Other Chicago areas that have been revitalized by Gottschall and NHS are North Lawndale, South Chicago, Roseland and Auburn Gresham.

Although Gottschall is retiring, he is not leaving without contributing to the Gage Park and Chicago Lawn neighborhoods.

He was able to secure a $100 million investment, with contributions coming from 20 banks, to be used over the next three years. The investment will aid in combatting the large number of vacant, boarded-up homes scattered throughout the neighborhood.

In the Chicago Lawn neighborhood, NHS has teamed up with Greater Southwest Development Corporation and has already fixed up five vacant homes on one block that have been moved into.

"This is a great neighborhood, with potential," said Gottschall. "The investment helps a lot; the work could not be done without it."

Gottschall says that greed in lending and Wall Street's involvement with banks have contributed to the foreclosure epidemic.

"These are people who do not have a good understanding about lending," said Gottschall. "It had been going on forever, but the mentality was always obtaining more and more property, but not knowing what to do once the property was bought."

He said he believes that it will take time, maybe years, but the problem with the economic crisis will eventually be solved.

"We have to keep people enthused and wanting to move forward with change," he said. "That has been the biggest challenge throughout the years."

Gottschall, who currently lives in Hyde Park, plans on spending his retirement with his four children and two grandchildren.

"I'm ready to retire," he said. "I am leaving NHS while it is looking stronger and better than ever."




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PCOL has asked five prominent RPCVs and Staff to write a memo on the most important issues facing the Peace Corps today. Issues raised include the independence of the Peace Corps, political appointments at the agency, revitalizing the five-year rule, lowering the ET rate, empowering volunteers, removing financial barriers to service, increasing the agency's budget, reducing costs, and making the Peace Corps bureaucracy more efficient and responsive. Latest: Greetings from Director Williams

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