Ignite Chicago

Ignite Chicago We believe in a world where youth are defined by their potential, not their circumstances. Are you unstably housed?

Help us create futures with promise for youth experiencing homelessness. Ignite is a non-profit organization that has supported and strengthened Chicago’s most vulnerable young people for over 45 years. We are the only agency in the city to focus solely on 14-26 year olds who are experiencing homelessness; and we offer comprehensive, year-round services to address everything from emergency needs a

nd housing to education, job readiness, and embracing a healthy lifestyle. Our services are available on Chicago’s south side, in neighborhoods of high poverty and violence and where critical support services are lacking. The young people we work with are survivors – of homelessness, trauma, and instability – and we know that each one has the extraordinary potential to rewrite their story. Every day, our dedicated staff and volunteers work alongside our clients, encouraging them to focus their energy and potential on altering the course of their lives for the better. We are proud that more than two-thirds of our clients will finish high school, complete career training, secure employment, and continue toward a fulfilling, independent future. Together, we are creating hope and opportunity for hundreds of youth every year who might otherwise fall through the cracks. You can access our services here https://www.ignitepromise.org/locations.

Today, we are recognizing Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom, resilience, and Black history.We recognize that freedom ...
06/19/2026

Today, we are recognizing Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom, resilience, and Black history.

We recognize that freedom is more than a single moment in history, it includes the ability to live safely, pursue opportunity, feel supported, and build a thriving future.

As we honor this day, we remain committed to standing alongside all youth and young adults and advancing a Chicago where every young person has the support and opportunities they need to thrive.

Ignite Day was a huge success! We had a wonderful day that brought our community together at Belfort House to mark 50 ye...
06/18/2026

Ignite Day was a huge success! We had a wonderful day that brought our community together at Belfort House to mark 50 years of supporting Chicago youth.

The celebration included a City of Chicago proclamation recognizing June 12th as Ignite 50th Anniversary Day, the unveiling of a new public art installation by Matthew Hoffman, and a time capsule dedication, in our garden.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day so meaningful.

More support is growing at Ignite. 🧡Today, Ignite’s Mental Health Team celebrated the launch of our mental health progra...
06/16/2026

More support is growing at Ignite. 🧡

Today, Ignite’s Mental Health Team celebrated the launch of our mental health program expansion at Belfort House and the Community Hub.

Supported by the Healthy Chicago Mental Health Collective grant through the Chicago Department of Public Health this work increases access to individual therapy, group therapy, social and emotional learning, care coordination, referrals, and ongoing support.

One part of this expansion is Mental Health 101, a 4-session group therapy series launching at Belfort House this July. The group will offer participants a supportive space to build self-awareness, learn practical tools, and strengthen connection.

We are proud to continue building care that meets young people where they are and supports their path toward stability, wellness, and a future in which they thrive.

It’s finally starting to feel like summer… which means Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams on a random weekday is not only accept...
06/15/2026

It’s finally starting to feel like summer… which means Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams on a random weekday is not only acceptable, it’s encouraged. 🍦

Join Ignite’s Associate Board this Thursday night at Jeni’s in Wicker Park for a sweet treat you can feel good about. Stop by between 4–7 PM at Jeni’s Wicker Park, 1505 N. Milwaukee Ave. 25% of proceeds benefit Ignite!

Comment what Jeni's flavor you'll be having.😋

Tomorrow is Ignite Day! Join us as we celebrate 50 years of making a difference.Tomorrow | June 12 | 1PM – 3 PMBelfort H...
06/11/2026

Tomorrow is Ignite Day! Join us as we celebrate 50 years of making a difference.

Tomorrow | June 12 | 1PM – 3 PM
Belfort House 3745 S. Indiana Ave.

See you there.

On Friday, June 12, Ignite will unveil a new art installation by Chicago-based public artist and designer Matthew Hoffma...
06/10/2026

On Friday, June 12, Ignite will unveil a new art installation by Chicago-based public artist and designer Matthew Hoffman, known for creating text-based works that inspire positivity and connection.

As custodian of You Are Beautiful, Hoffman’s projects range from large-scale public art and community interiors to custom pieces and interactive exhibitions, transforming everyday spaces into places of reflection and connection. We are so happy to have one of his iconic pieces on the Belfort House grounds!

The unveiling is part of Ignite Day, our 50th anniversary celebration, which will also include a City of Chicago proclamation, a time capsule dedication, and an afternoon community celebration.

Friday, June 12
1:00–3:00 PM
Belfort House | 3745 S. Indiana Ave.

This is a milestone moment for Ignite and we want to share it with you!On Friday, June 12, the City of Chicago will reco...
06/09/2026

This is a milestone moment for Ignite and we want to share it with you!

On Friday, June 12, the City of Chicago will recognize Ignite 50th Anniversary Day as we celebrate FIFTY YEARS of supporting young people experiencing homelessness. The proclamation will be presented by the Office of Mayor Brandon Johnson during our Ignite Day celebration at Belfort House, which will also include:

- The unveiling of a new art installation by Chicago-based artist Matthew Hoffman, known for his “You Are Beautiful” public art project
- A time capsule dedication in the Belfort House Garden
- A community celebration with Ignite youth, staff, donors, volunteers, neighbors, and supporters

The Deets:
Friday, June 12
1:00–3:00 PM
Belfort House | 3745 S. Indiana Ave.

We can't wait to see you there!

Ignite Day is THIS Friday!🎉Join us on Friday, June 12 as we celebrate 50 years of Ignite and the young people, staff, pa...
06/08/2026

Ignite Day is THIS Friday!🎉

Join us on Friday, June 12 as we celebrate 50 years of Ignite and the young people, staff, partners, volunteers, donors, and community members who have made this work possible.

The afternoon will include:

• A City of Chicago proclamation recognizing June 12 as Ignite 50th Anniversary Day
• The unveiling of a new sculpture by Chicago-based artist Matthew Hoffman, known for his “You Are Beautiful” public art project
• A time capsule dedication in the Belfort House Garden
• A community celebration with Ignite youth, staff, donors, volunteers, neighbors, and supporters

Friday, June 12
1:00–3:00 PM
Belfort House | 3745 S. Indiana Ave.

Come celebrate 50 years with us.

Thank you to Deloitte Chicago volunteers for spending Impact Day with us at Belfort House! Volunteers rolled up their sl...
06/08/2026

Thank you to Deloitte Chicago volunteers for spending Impact Day with us at Belfort House! Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help create hygiene and safety kits, support garden projects, and contribute to a safe, welcoming environment for the young people we serve. We’re grateful for partners who show up with care, energy, and a shared commitment to building brighter futures across Chicago.🪴

06/05/2026

50 years, countless youth served, one community celebration!🎉

Join us on June 12th as we:

🧡Unveil a new art installation by Matthew Hoffman
🧡Dedicate a time capsule
🧡Celebrate a City of Chicago proclamation recognizing June 12th as Ignite 50th Anniversary Day
🧡Connect with the community that makes our work possible

Come join us!

📍Belfort House
3745 S. Indiana Ave.
Chicago, IL 60653
🗓️June 12th
🕰️1-3PM

Address

3745 S. Indiana Avenue
Chicago, IL
60653

Telephone

+13125685700

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ignite Chicago posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Ignite Chicago:

Shortcuts

Share

Category