‘Rooftop Reverend’ keeps Chicago protest going

Chicago’s “Rooftop Reverend” will stay on top of a vacant South Side motel through Christmas.

Chicago television station WLS reported that the Rev. Corey Brooks of New Beginnings Church has lived in a tent atop the motel to raise money so the building can be turned into a community center. Now, he says the building is a haven for drug use and prostitution.

He said he won’t come down until he raises $450,000. So far, he has a little under $100,000.

A wealthy donor has promised to match any donations through 3 p.m. Christmas Day.

Brooks said it’s painful not to be spending Christmas at home with his family, but that he tries to think about how his vigil can help others.