Pangea Cares Partners with Little Free Library

2021-08-31T18:41:58-05:00May 7th, 2021|

One of the goals of Pangea from the start is to be more than just a real estate company. We know we have a unique opportunity to help the communities we serve from the inside out, by partnering with local and national organizations like Little Free Library.

Little Free Library is a nonprofit that expands book access through the work of volunteers, building and curating “little libraries”, boxes built to withstand the weather and offer a free book for anyone who wants one. Once installed and filled with books for the first time, they work with an honor system of sorts, allowing anyone to take or replace a book at their convenience, 24/7/365. No fees, library cards, or hours of operation needed!

Shortly after founding Pangea Real Estate, we launched Pangea Cares, a 501c3 nonprofit organization with the intent of helping the communities we live in and serve from the inside out. Pangea Cares has three main, core values that we refer to as our three pillars of community service: Food & Nutrition, Education Enrichment, and Community Development.

Little Free Library’s initiative matches perfectly with Pangea Cares’ education pillar, so when someone suggested we build and install little libraries in our neighborhoods we jumped on the opportunity. Pangea employees from all different departments came together to build and decorate a little library for each of our Chicago zone offices as well as every apartment community in Chicago and Indianapolis and another little library in Baltimore. We are currently in the process of installing them and are accepting book donations.

We are so excited to become stewards of these new little libraries and help bring the joy of reading to our residents and neighbors. Once installed, we’ll add our Little Free Libraries to the global map, where over 42 million books are shared annually.

If you’re interested in donating to Pangea’s Little Free Libraries, please email us at [email protected] to coordinate a book pickup/drop off or to find out other ways to get involved. We want to make sure to keep the little libraries full of fun and educational material for the long run.

Pangea Cares Distributes Care Packages for Residents Impacted by COVID-19 in Chicago

2021-08-31T18:43:15-05:00May 18th, 2020|

Pangea Cares, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that serves underrepresented communities in Chicago, Indianapolis, and Baltimore, packed and provided contact-free delivery of 102 care packages to residents of Pangea Properties, a private Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), who have been impacted by closures due to the novel coronavirus in Chicago.

Chicago, IL, May 18, 2020 –(PR.com)– It’s no secret that the novel coronavirus pandemic has uprooted and changed the way America, and the world, functions. Distressed neighborhoods have been especially impacted by the COVID-19 shelter-at-home protocols and closures of restaurants, bars, and other small businesses.

Given that many of Pangea Properties’ residents have been impacted financially by the coronavirus, they knew they wanted to do something to support them and help get everyone through this difficult time. In addition to working one-on-one with anyone struggling to pay rent, and discussing personalized plans that are best for each individual, through their nonprofit arm (Pangea Cares) Pangea Properties recently delivered care packages to residents in need.

Assistant Property Manager Natalie Prater was one of the first volunteers to sign up. “I get to talk to residents everyday now on how hard it’s been since the pandemic began,” Prater said, “and a greater need for events like [the care package delivery] will be needed in the upcoming months if this doesn’t end soon.”

Organized by Pangea Cares Program Director Chanelle Cromwell, volunteers packed and delivered over 100 individual bags filled with nonperishable items such as pasta, oatmeal, and canned soup, as well as items like bread and toilet paper that have been harder to find in the past few months. Cromwell and team also contacted each recipient to ask for special requests to pack such as fruit, diapers, and deodorant.

Special thanks goes to Genesis Emery, founder and president of The Amour Genesis Project, who donated PPE and sanitation supplies including gloves, masks, alcohol wipes, and soap. “It’s truly an honor to be able to help support Pangea’s residential community by providing the essential items and resources that many of our Chicago communities are struggling to find,” said Emery.

“All of the tenants were super excited, happy, and appreciative for the care packages,” recalls Property Manager Edonna Larkins. “I like to think that our tenants live and stay with us because Pangea creates a community for them, one that is built on relationships to improve the tenant experience while providing quality housing. For me, it matters that my employer cares about their residents, which is why I enjoy volunteering.”

A total of 20 volunteers signed up to help out. In order to maintain social distancing and reduce the risk of transmission, one team of two packed the bags and another team of two loaded the bags into the delivery drivers’ trunks and back seats. Everyone took proper precautions and wore PPE.

To Property Manager Sterling Coleman, the day was well worth the work. “I chose to volunteer because I felt it was a good opportunity to show our residents that Pangea does really care,” he said. “Hearing the appreciation in the voices of the residents as I called to inform them that we had packages for them was priceless.”

Peter Martay, CEO of Pangea Properties, said when asked about Pangea’s response during the coronavirus crisis: “As building owners, we are responsible for providing our residents with a safe place for them and their families to live. During the pandemic we have been in regular contact with our residents and we learned that some of them have experienced hardships. We wanted to find a way to help them navigate this period. We have been working with residents who are struggling with rent payments and we are fortunate we were able to do more by providing other necessities as well. We hope to expand this program to touch more residents in the near future.”

About Pangea Cares
Pangea Cares is a 501c3 nonprofit organization within Pangea Properties whose mission is to heal Chicago, Indianapolis and Baltimore communities from the inside out. Through the Pangea Cares initiative, Pangea creates meaningful social impact by tackling three pillars of community service: health and wellness, education and technology, and community beautification. Pangea Cares has been recognized for its service by the Chicagoland Apartment Association, the Chicago Housing Authority, and Yardi Property Management solutions. For more information, visit Pangea Cares online at www.pangeare.com/pangea-cares.

About Pangea Properties
Pangea Properties is a private real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on the workforce housing segment of the multi-family, residential real estate market. Pangea was founded in 2008 with the mission to bring service, value and care to its residents. The unique REIT owns and operates all of its properties, delivering the highest standard of service to its residents by utilizing interactive technology, 24/7 maintenance support, a centralized call center for residents and localized management staff. Today, Pangea has invested over $475 million into 13,000+ apartment units throughout Chicago, Indianapolis and Baltimore, with the goal of continuing to expand within existing markets and new markets nationally. Pangea has been highlighted by several media outlets including Forbes, CNBC, USA Today, Investor’s Business Daily, Chicago Grid and The Steve Harvey Show. Pangea was awarded the Inc. 500|5000 Hall of Fame award for 5 consecutive designations from 2013 through 2017, ranking first overall for the Chicago market and second for the entire real estate industry in 2013. Pangea has won numerous awards including multiple CAA CAMMEs and has been named a Crain’s Chicago Business Top Job’s Creator as well as a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace several times. For more information, visit Pangea online at www.pangeare.com, www.facebook.com/PangeaRE, www.linkedin.com/company/pangea-properties or on Instagram and Twitter @PangeaRE.

Pangea Cares to Distribute Turkey Baskets to 135 Families in Chicago and Indianapolis for Thanksgiving

2021-08-31T18:44:24-05:00November 14th, 2019|

Pangea Cares, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that serves underrepresented communities in Chicago, Indianapolis, and Baltimore, will prepare and distribute 135 Thanksgiving turkey baskets to residents of Pangea Properties, a private Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), on Saturday, November 23rd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m in Chicago and November 21 in Indianapolis.

In time for Thanksgiving, Pangea Cares will be making the holiday special for families in need living in Chicago and Indianapolis. The Turkey Giveaway initiative is a part of Pangea Cares’ mission to improve the communities that Pangea Properties owns and operates.

“Knowing how hectic things can get around the holidays, not to mention the financial strain that can come with providing for families, we’re happy to take some stress off of residents by making sure a good Thanksgiving meal isn’t an expense they have to incur this year. At Pangea Cares, we want to give back to the communities we serve and to say thanks for being a part of the Pangea family,” said Chanelle Cromwell, Programs Director for Pangea Cares.

Prior to the event, employees will prepare and assemble baskets to be delivered on November 23 in Chicago and November 21 in Indianapolis. Each basket will include a variety of traditional Thanksgiving items and ingredients, such as a 10-pound turkey, green beans, stuffing, cornbread, corn, mashed potatoes, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, cookies, cranberry sauce, and more. The baskets will also include a personalized guide with a list of ingredients, suggested recipes, and cooking tips to prepare the perfect Thanksgiving family dinner.

Pangea volunteers will personally deliver turkey baskets to the homes of 135 Pangea residents in the days prior to Thanksgiving.

Maintenance Manager Jose Guzman volunteered last year to deliver baskets to deserving families. “Delivering meals to residents that live in the zone I work for was awesome,” he recalls. “Residents were able to see that Pangea really does care about them and that we aren’t like many of the other property management companies out there. Last year was exciting since it was my first time volunteering for the event, and the faces of appreciation that the residents showed made it all worth it.”

Megan Davidson, Marketing Analyst at Pangea, is looking forward to helping with the initiative as it’s her first year at Pangea. “Events like the Turkey Basket Giveaway are a big part of what made me decide to come to Pangea. It shows we are taking steps to give back to the communities we serve, and it allows those of us at headquarters to be a part of that as well.”

Last year, Pangea Cares did this event for the first time and delivered 119 baskets to Pangea Properties residents in Chicago and Indianapolis. Pangea plans to continually increase its efforts in the years to come.

About Pangea Cares
Pangea Cares is a 501c3 nonprofit organization within Pangea Properties whose mission is to heal Chicago, Indianapolis and Baltimore communities from the inside out. Through the Pangea Cares initiative, Pangea creates meaningful social impact by tackling three pillars of community service: health and wellness, education and technology, and community beautification. Pangea Cares has been recognized for its service by the Chicagoland Apartment Association, the Chicago Housing Authority, and Yardi Property Management solutions. For more information, visit Pangea Cares online at www.pangeare.com/pangea-cares.

About Pangea Properties
Pangea Properties is a private real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on the workforce housing segment of the multi-family, residential real estate market. Pangea was founded in 2008 with the mission to bring service, value and care to its residents. The unique REIT owns and operates all of its properties, delivering the highest standard of service to its residents by utilizing interactive technology, 24/7 maintenance support, a centralized call center for residents and localized management staff. Today, Pangea has invested over $475 million into 13,000+ apartment units throughout Chicago, Indianapolis and Baltimore, with the goal of continuing to expand within existing markets and new markets nationally. Pangea has been highlighted by several media outlets including Forbes, CNBC, USA Today, Investor’s Business Daily, Chicago Grid and The Steve Harvey Show. Pangea was awarded the Inc. 500|5000 Hall of Fame award for 5 consecutive designations from 2013 through 2017, ranking first overall for the Chicago market and second for the entire real estate industry in 2013. Pangea has won numerous awards including multiple CAA CAMMEs and has been named a Crain’s Chicago Business Top Job’s Creator as well as a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace several times. For more information, visit Pangea online at www.pangeare.com, www.facebook.com/PangeaRE, www.linkedin.com/company/pangea-properties or on Twitter @PangeaRE.

Pangea Cares Partners with Chicago Sky Cares for the Back to School Resource Fair

2021-08-31T18:46:33-05:00August 23rd, 2019|

In partnership with Pangea Cares, Illinicare Health, and other community partners, Chicago Sky Cares will be holding a Back to School Resource Fair at Malcolm X College from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 24.

To celebrate Back to School, Chicago Sky is bringing a great variety of resources to the community. The resource fair will offer school supplies, free haircuts, housing information, state ID cards, vision and dental screening, educational sessions, and more. The event is a precursor to the Clean Slate Summit in January 2020 in which court officials, city administration, attorneys and the city clerk’s office, will offer Chicagoans the resources and legal guidance needed to expunge their juvenile court records.

During the resource fair, attendees will be able prepare documentation for the expungement process and register for the upcoming Clean Slate Summit.
Pangea Cares invites its residents to attend and utilize the resources offered during the resource fair. Additionally, Pangea will host a booth with leasing agents that will provide information on both rental apartments and job opportunities.

“We think what the Chicago Sky is doing for the community is great and we support it wholeheartedly. A juvenile record can limit future opportunities such as getting a job or going to college and oftentimes, people are unaware of the resources available to them. We are bringing job opportunities and housing information directly to the community and hope to make a positive impact. This event and the upcoming summit are exactly what is needed to make a change and we are proud to be a sponsor of Clean Slate Summit next year,” said Chanelle Cromwell, Programs Director for Pangea Cares.

The event is open to the public and free parking is available. To register, please visit https://tinyurl.com/y49b4slc.

About Pangea Cares
Pangea Cares is a 501c3 nonprofit organization within Pangea Properties whose mission is to heal Chicago, Indianapolis and Baltimore communities from the inside out. Through the Pangea Cares initiative, Pangea creates meaningful social impacts by tackling three pillars of community service: health and wellness, education and technology, and community beautification. Pangea Cares has been recognized for its service by the Chicagoland Apartment Association, the Chicago Housing Authority, and Yardi Property Management solutions. For more information, visit Pangea Cares online at www.pangeare.com/pangea-cares.

Pangea Cares to Distribute 400 Backpacks and School Supplies to Chicago Youth at the 7th Annual Backpack Giveaway

2021-08-31T18:52:19-05:00August 13th, 2019|

Pangea Cares, a 501c3 nonprofit organization within Pangea Properties, partners with The Chicago Housing Authority (“CHA”) for the 7th Annual Backpack Giveaway on Aug. 15 at Brookfield Zoo.

Ahead of the new school year, Pangea Cares will provide 400 children with free backpacks and school supplies on Thursday, Aug. 15 at Brookfield Zoo, Chicagoland’s largest zoo. Volunteers from Pangea will accompany elementary-aged CHA children around Brookfield Zoo for a fun filled and educational afternoon.

Upon arrival, students will receive wristbands and be directed to the lunch area for pizza, water and snacks to keep them fueled throughout the day. Students will then have the opportunity to explore the zoo and enjoy the dolphin show.

This summer, Brookfield Zoo has new additions to a few habitats such as Snowflake, the albino alligator located in The Swamp Habitat and Brick Safari which features 40 life-sized animal Lego sculptures.

“Not only is this a great learning experience for students, it allows Pangea Cares to stay connected with the community. Each school year parents are tasked with purchasing backpacks, school supplies and other essentials which can get expensive. It’s nice to be able to make a meaningful impact and help prepare students for the school year,” said Chanelle Cromwell, Programs Director for Pangea Cares.

The event will take place on from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and backpacks will be filled with varying school supplies and distributed by volunteers at the end of the day.

About Pangea Cares
Pangea Cares is a 501c3 nonprofit organization within Pangea Properties whose mission is to heal Chicago, Indianapolis and Baltimore communities from the inside out. Through the Pangea Cares initiative, Pangea creates meaningful social impacts by tackling three pillars of community service: health and wellness, education and technology, and community beautification. Pangea Cares has been recognized for its service by the Chicagoland Apartment Association, the Chicago Housing Authority, and Yardi Property Management solutions. For more information, visit Pangea Cares online at www.pangeare.com/pangea-cares.

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