61605 Zip Code by the Numbers¹

14,049 residents
5,836 households
35.9 median age 
37% live below the poverty level, including 46% of children under 18 years. 
$23,155 median household income 
6% speak a language other than English at home. 
7% are Veterans. 
23% are people with disabilities. 
10% have no healthcare coverage. 

1. Data from United States Census Bureau.

Reverend Craig Williams, the Executive Director of Peoria’s South Side Mission, welcomed pickleball teams from 23 local businesses to the DVI Charitable Foundation’s 6th Annual Corporate Challenge on Saturday, September 14. In his opening remarks, Rev. Williams shared that “DVI has been a true partner in ministry for 21 years and counting. Over these decades, DVI has financially supported the Mission’s services, and Associates have dedicated their time and service from our annual Holiday Meal Ministry to our Board of Directors.” Public contributions and charitable donations support the Mission’s comprehensive programming that includes meal ministries, home repairs and renovations, and comprehensive youth services like summer camps, after school tutoring, and mentorship programs.

DVI Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Brian Christiansen, remembers the inception of the firm’s relationship with the South Side Mission. “The DVI Hike for Hunger was born in response to Associates wanting to support the Mission’s soup kitchen and holiday meals programs over twenty years ago,” he says. “Our twenty-year partnership continues because we believe in serving our neighbors who live in the 61605 zip code, especially the youth.”

Net proceeds from the 2024 Corporate Challenge will support the next phrase of South Side Mission’s Youth Ministry expansion. Specifically, SSM’s Development Manager Rich Draeger shared the funds will be directed to the new Youth Culinary Demonstration Kitchen at the main campus, and the Dining Hall remodel at Camp Kearney near Canton. “Youth enrolled in our Kitchen-Connected life skills class learn all the fundamentals of kitchen set-up and healthy meal preparation,” Draeger explained. Having this foundation in essential culinary skills may also be the start of a career path for those enrolled in the program. Draeger also shared that the Camp Kearney Dining Hall “is close to 60-years-old and in need of some TLC and renovations!” Once completed, the renovations will create more communal space and better seating for the youth attending the residential camp.

“We feel honored and blessed by our shared commitment to the youth in our community,” said Rev. Williams. “And thanks to the hard work from our friends at DVI, this year’s pickleball tournament was a rousing success for everyone involved—great competition and delicious food!”