NR 447 Week 2 Community Windshield Survey
Student Name
Chamberlain University
NR-447: RN Collaborative Healthcare
Prof. Name
Date
Section I: Windshield Survey
Community Identification
What is the name of the community/city/county?
The selected community for this windshield survey is Pilsen, located in Chicago, Illinois.
What are the boundaries of this city or where is this community located? Is it obvious where the community starts and ends? And you know that how?
Pilsen is situated on Chicago’s Lower West Side, bordered by the Chicago River. The boundaries are not clearly marked to a casual observer; recognition often comes from reading business signage, many of which reflect the neighborhood’s cultural identity.
Setting and Safety
How would you best describe the setting of the community? (rural, suburban, urban) Describe.
The neighborhood is distinctly urban, featuring dense housing, vibrant mural art on building facades, and numerous apartment complexes that outnumber standalone residential homes.
Is the city/community safe to children to play and walk to school? Describe.
Historically, the area has struggled with elevated gang-related violence, posing potential hazards for unsupervised children. However, ongoing gentrification has brought some improvements to safety, though risks remain in certain blocks.
Educational Facilities
Do the schools appear inviting to students? Are the buildings in good condition or are they run down? Are the playgrounds current or old? Describe.
Pilsen hosts five schools that are part of the Chicago Public School District (CPS). These institutions appear well-kept, with modernized playgrounds. While surrounding buildings have historic architecture, the school grounds themselves are updated and inviting.
Real Estate and Housing
Is there lots of real estate for sale? Are they mostly houses or is there evidence of closed businesses? Describe.
Development is active, with new condominiums, renovated buildings, and coffee shops emerging. While these changes attract new residents, they have also led to displacement of long-term residents due to rising costs.
Commerce and Accessibility
What type of stores/businesses are available… Can people walk there? Describe.
Pilsen contains a mix of taquerias, carnicerías, fruterías, small independent pharmacies, and two community health clinics. Businesses are dispersed but walkable, supporting a pedestrian-friendly lifestyle.
Any ethnic stores/markets? If not local, how far would residents have to travel? Describe.
Most stores cater to Mexican and broader Latin American tastes. Residents have convenient access to ethnic markets within the neighborhood.
Religious and Cultural Institutions
Are there churches present? Do those buildings appear to be well maintained or are they run down? What is the predominant type of church building seen? Describe.
Two prominent, well-maintained churches in Spanish architectural style dominate the religious landscape—primarily Catholic and Pentecostal congregations.
Food and Dining
Are there any restaurants or fast food in the community/neighborhood? Describe.
The area features both independent eateries and national chains like McDonald’s and Burger King, both of which appear busy.
Political Climate
Are there political signs present? What are most of the political signs about? Does the community appear to be Republican or Democrat? Describe.
A few older Democratic campaign signs were observed, mostly displayed in front of residences.
Architecture and Housing Style
What is the age of the houses? Are they all new or old or a mix of both? Are they made of bricks or painted? Are they mostly single story or multistory homes? Describe.
The community retains historic brick buildings from the 1880s–1940s, many adapted during the influx of Mexican immigrants in the 1960s. Homes are typically multistory, with both painted and natural brick exteriors.
Residential Structure
Are there single-family homes, mobile homes, apartments or duplexes? Describe.
Pilsen consists mainly of apartment buildings and multifamily residences. Gentrification has increased the number of upscale units.
Do the houses appear to be well maintained or are they run down? Are the yards maintained? Is there junk on the porches/yard? Describe.
Housing conditions vary—some properties are well maintained, others exhibit wear and neglect. Yards are generally small or absent.
Infrastructure
Are there sidewalks and stoplights in the community/neighborhood? Describe.
Sidewalk conditions vary, with some cracked and uneven, creating hazards for pedestrians, particularly those with mobility impairments.
Is there any open public spaces… Are there lots of trees? Describe.
Pilsen offers numerous public spaces, plazas, and parks adorned with murals and public art. Greenery exists but is less abundant than in suburban areas.
Are there any baseball fields, soccer fields? Describe.
Some baseball fields are available within school grounds; basketball courts are more common than soccer fields.
Is the community/neighborhood clean or is there litter?… Describe.
Cleanliness varies—some streets are tidy, while others have litter and overflowing dumpsters. Abandoned vehicles are uncommon.
What is the overall air quality appear to be?… Describe.
Air quality is typical of an urban setting, with occasional industrial or traffic-related pollution.
Transportation
How do people get around in the neighborhood?… Describe.
Most residents own vehicles, but walking is common for errands. Public transit and cycling are used, though bicycle infrastructure is limited.
Are the roads in good repair or are they in poor condition? Describe.
Roads have significant potholes, consistent with many Chicago neighborhoods.
How is the traffic?… Describe.
Traffic is mixed, with local, commercial, and commuter vehicles contributing to congestion.
Public Safety
Do you see any law enforcement officers? Is their presence felt in the community? Describe.
Police presence is visible in certain blocks, though not pervasive.
Are there major highways/roads through the neighborhood/community? Describe.
Nearby I-90/94 provides quick access but does not cut directly through the neighborhood.
Can you find a fire station?… Describe.
Chicago Fire Department Engine 18 serves the community, with visible fire hydrants distributed strategically.
Any ambulance garages present?
No dedicated ambulance garages were noted.
Any evidence of a neighborhood watch program?… Describe.
Some residents display security signage, reflecting local safety initiatives.
NR 447 Week 2 Community Windshield Survey
Healthcare and Social Services
Are there nursing homes/rehab centers present?… Describe.
Two skilled nursing facilities are nearby, though no assisted living centers within Pilsen.
Any evidence of homelessness? Is there a homeless shelter? Describe.
Homeless individuals are visible near CTA Pink Line stations, often requesting assistance.
Notice any stray animals? Describe.
No stray animals were observed.
Recreation and Leisure
Describe the leisure activities the community has to offer.
Basketball courts in parks are the main public recreational outlet.
Describe the sporting activities the community has to offer.
Formal sports programs are minimal outside of school activities.
Describe the outdoor activities the community has to offer.
Few organized outdoor events are advertised aside from Chicago Park District programs.
Describe the nightlife activities the community has to offer.
Some small bars exist, though several appear poorly maintained.
Activities for Specific Groups
| Group | Activities Available |
|---|---|
| Elderly | No specific programs noted |
| Teens | Limited to park district activities |
| Children | Playgrounds and one dance academy |
Employment
Discuss the types of jobs held in your community.
Retail positions such as cashiers, sales associates, and clerks are common, with fewer professional roles directly within Pilsen.
Healthcare Access
| Service Type | Availability |
|---|---|
| Primary Care | Community health centers offering family medicine, OB/GYN, pediatrics, behavioral health, dental care |
| Urgent Care | Walgreens clinic on main street |
| Acute Care | No hospital in Pilsen, but nearby facilities serve residents |
| Specialty Care | Limited; Labcorp contracts for testing |
| Holistic Care | None observed |
| Community Health | Esperanza Community Health Center provides bilingual care regardless of status or ability to pay |
Miscellaneous Observations
Gentrification has spurred both revitalization and displacement. Local advocacy groups are actively working to protect cultural heritage and affordable housing.
Section II: Data/Observation Analysis
What did you see in your survey that you consider to be the community’s weaknesses or challenges?
Gentrification is a major challenge, bringing infrastructure improvements but also raising housing costs and altering the community’s cultural landscape.
What is the most pressing problem you identified, in your opinion?
Rising housing costs are displacing long-term, low-income Latino residents.
Propose a solution to this problem that is realistic and relevant. Discuss who would address this and how.
Implement affordable housing programs, rent stabilization, and inclusionary zoning. Local government, non-profits, and developers should collaborate to maintain economic diversity.
What is the most striking thing about this community?
The demographic shift from predominantly Latino to increasingly white, middle-class residents has transformed the neighborhood in under two decades.
What was most unexpected?
The juxtaposition of luxury condominium construction alongside the closure of long-standing local businesses.
References
Community residents say no to condos; Pilsen is not for sale. (2016, October 6). People’s World. https://www.peoplesworld.org/article/community-residents-say-no-to-condos-pilsen-is-not-for-sale/
History of Pilsen. (2018, March 26). WTTW Chicago. https://interactive.wttw.com/my-neighborhood/pilsen/history
NR 447 Week 2 Community Windshield Survey
Qualitative analysis of stakeholder perspectives on engaging Latinx patients in kidney-related research. (n.d.). PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10061843/
The Red Line Project. (n.d.). Pilsen gentrification. https://redlineproject.org/pilsengentrification.php