The Chicago Police Department recovered an average of more than 13,000 guns a year in 2006, 2007, 2008 - more than New York and Los Angeles combined for those same years, according to the same report.

In 2011, Chicago had an estimated 100,000 gang members in over 70 gangs, making the Windy City the most gang-infested city in the country, according to the Chicago Crime Commission's Gang Book released in 2012. Community violence is often associated with gang violence, but it also includes sexual violence, domestic abuse, bullying, shootings in public places or anything that creates 'warlike' conditions and psychological trauma.

Mike Almore, John Vergara and Bobby Acuna are three outreach workers who wake up every day to work with youth who live and struggle to survive in violent communities. This is not a job for the faint of heart. Youth Safety and Violence Prevention outreach workers He hoped Mike could get him out of the neighborhood before the boys returned. Fernando was certain they were going to get more guys or a gun. Even still, he had seen teenagers he didn't know come out of a gangway, look at him and then disappear. He'd covered up his facial tattoo, which could give him away as an opposition gang member, with a Band-Aid. Fernando needed to get his passport from the post office which meant venturing into a rival gang's territory. Mike Almore was out getting ice cream when he got the call.Ī youth in the YMCA's Youth Safety and Violence Prevention Program was in trouble. For many youth in Chicago, it's only the second one that matters. The other is an invisible web of gang territories that cover much of the city. The one most of us see shows streets and neighborhoods. Citadels of Hope YMCA outreach workers in Chicago By Adriana Cargill and Kate Morrissey This story is part of the Made in Chicago series by Northwestern University's Medill School

Underneath by Michael Cargill