Sponsored by the Southwest Catholic Cluster Project in July 1996, SWOP's leaders dedicated themselves to creating a new organization designed to build relationships across racial, cultural, and economic difference; to act on behalf of the whole community; and to bring the common values of local institutions into the public life of the community. During its relatively short history, this work has resulted in significant victories for southwest side residents on issues affecting them (and others) in Illinois. SWOP has been a leading organization in the fight against predatory lending in Illinois, in efforts to assure the rights of immigrants and the local Muslim community, and in work which is profoundly reducing violence in the neighborhoods served by SWOP.

The mission of SWOP is to build a broad based organization of churches, mosques, schools, and other institutions in Southwest Chicago, which will enable families to exercise common values, determine their own future and connect with each other to improve life in their neighborhoods.

SWOP's primary areas of focus and action are: - 1) Leadership, Institutional, and Organizational Development; 2) Violence Prevention; 3) Housing; 4) Immigration; and 5) Education.