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.

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Last year around this time, Ignite headed to Capitol Hill with a gr...
01/11/2025

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Last year around this time, Ignite headed to Capitol Hill with a group of amazing leaders to advocate and enact vital updates for the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act (RHYTPA). One of these important updates was for new provisions to combat trafficking.

Ignite continues to do the work of supporting survivors, pushing for better policies, and building a future where human trafficking no longer threatens our youth.

Share & repost to raise awareness.

Poverty is not just about the lack of financial resources — it’s a barrier to education, safety, and opportunity. Being ...
01/08/2025

Poverty is not just about the lack of financial resources — it’s a barrier to education, safety, and opportunity.

Being dedicated to ending youth homelessness, Ignite believes every young person deserves a safe, supportive environment to grow and thrive. But we can’t do it alone. Nearly 3,000 young people are in unsafe and unstable conditions.

This January, we encourage you to learn more about how you can help break the cycle of poverty and provide the resources and hope that our young people need to build a brighter future.

Learn more at ignitepromise.org

Happy New Year from Ignite! Thank you for standing with us throughout 2024! What's your new year's resolution? Ignite's ...
01/01/2025

Happy New Year from Ignite! Thank you for standing with us throughout 2024! What's your new year's resolution?

Ignite's New Year's Resolution: An end to youth homelessness. Will you join us on the pathway to supporting youth in Chicago and eventually beyond?

Learn more at ignitepromise.org

We are so proud to celebrate the overwhelming success of Ignite’s 2024 Holiday Gift Drive. Thanks to the generosity of o...
12/26/2024

We are so proud to celebrate the overwhelming success of Ignite’s 2024 Holiday Gift Drive. Thanks to the generosity of our corporate and community partners, we provided gifts to more than 150 young people—a record-breaking achievement!

Thank you to our corporate donors: United, Cornerstone Research, Vizient, Inc., Bowa Construction, Vela Insurance, , The Collective Academy, Northern Trust, and Morgan Lewis. Additionally, our heartfelt thanks go to Blue Vista, Pendry Chicago, the Young Realist Division, The Childs/Dreyfus Group, and Ignite staff members, who donated not only gifts, but also their time and artistic crafting skills to wrap gifts and make this holiday season truly memorable for our youth.

12/25/2024

Happy Holidays from Ignite! We're so happy to provide warmth and a caring community for our young people, but we acknowledge we couldn't do it without you.

Thank you for standing with youth on their journey to a home and future with promise!

National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day takes place each year on the longest night of the year, the winter solstice - De...
12/21/2024

National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day takes place each year on the longest night of the year, the winter solstice - December 21st. This is intentional. While many of us are dreaming of a white Christmas, nearly 3,000 young people experiencing unstable housing feel the opposite.

Today, we hold space and remember those we have lost as we continue the fight to erase homelessness from our city.

Stand with us, learn more at ignitepromise.org

"Ignite is a great family!" As the holidays take over our timelines, Ignite has had the honor and privilege of providing...
12/21/2024

"Ignite is a great family!" As the holidays take over our timelines, Ignite has had the honor and privilege of providing comfort, safety, and warmth to the young people we serve and we can't help but share! Thank you to the amazing individuals, organizations and corporations that helped make the holidays truly special for our young people. Happy Holidays from Ignite!

Ignite’s Drop-In Resource Hub acts as a warming center from 9am to 7pm, Mon-Fri.All young people aged 13-26 facing housi...
12/12/2024

Ignite’s Drop-In Resource Hub acts as a warming center from 9am to 7pm, Mon-Fri.

All young people aged 13-26 facing housing insecurity:
Come in, get warm, get help.

56 E 47th St
Chicago, IL,
60653

Last week, Ignite's Associate Board and community members, along with Allstate's contributions raised over $12,000 for G...
12/12/2024

Last week, Ignite's Associate Board and community members, along with Allstate's contributions raised over $12,000 for Giving Tuesday! These funds are vital for Ignite to support and empower our young people. We are so grateful to be in community with such wonderful people!

Thank you to everyone who donated, fundraised, and supported Ignite for Giving Tuesday. Our hearts are filled with gratitude.

Last chance to give the warmth and care of the holidays by sponsoring an Ignite youth or purchasing a gift from our Amaz...
12/05/2024

Last chance to give the warmth and care of the holidays by sponsoring an Ignite youth or purchasing a gift from our Amazon wish-list!

Find out more information here: https://ow.ly/jhKk50Um8Zg

It's not too late. You can help us reach our $20,000 goal! Funds raised will go directly to support young people facing ...
12/04/2024

It's not too late. You can help us reach our $20,000 goal! Funds raised will go directly to support young people facing homelessness or at greatest risk of harm.

Did you know that 1 in 10 young people face homelessness and go to sleep without the support and comfort of a family or a home? Help Ignite end youth homelessness!

Give a transformative gift that lasts a lifetime!
Click here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/ignite-chicago-il/ignite-giving-tuesday-2024

Today is the day! Give the gift of home! Join Ignite this Giving Tuesday as we stand with youth on their journey to a ho...
12/03/2024

Today is the day! Give the gift of home! Join Ignite this Giving Tuesday as we stand with youth on their journey to a home and a future with promise. Youth homelessness is a crisis, and YOU can be part of the solution.

Make your gift using the link below and Allstate will match your donation up to $5,000!

Click here: https://ow.ly/kIQK50Uk9aZ

Giving Tuesday is tomorrow! 12/3! Join Ignite this Giving Tuesday as we raise funds for youth facing homelessness! This ...
12/02/2024

Giving Tuesday is tomorrow! 12/3! Join Ignite this Giving Tuesday as we raise funds for youth facing homelessness! This year we're honored to be partnering with Allstate who has decided to match our donations up to $5,000!
Click the link to create your own fundraising page or give a gift that empowers our youth and join us in the mission to today.

Click here: https://ow.ly/lErw50UaxJY

The Drop-In Community Hub will be closed on Novemeber 29th. Please utilize our 24/7 monitored line if you are in need of...
11/29/2024

The Drop-In Community Hub will be closed on Novemeber 29th. Please utilize our 24/7 monitored line if you are in need of assistance at: 866-803-8336

This Thanksgiving, we're filled with gratitude for the incredible youth we serve and the unwavering support of our commu...
11/28/2024

This Thanksgiving, we're filled with gratitude for the incredible youth we serve and the unwavering support of our community.

To our youth participants: Your resilience, strength, and drive inspire us every day. You teach us the true meaning of perseverance and hope, and we're honored to walk alongside you on your journey.

To our supporters: Thank you for making our work possible. Your generosity creates a safe space for growth, healing, and new beginnings. Together, we're creating a brighter future for young people experiencing homelessness.

We wish everyone a warm and peaceful Thanksgiving. 🧡

At Ignite, we are inspired by the resilience and dreams that youth carry and their perseverance, regardless of the chall...
11/25/2024

At Ignite, we are inspired by the resilience and dreams that youth carry and their perseverance, regardless of the challenges they face. Ignite opens a world of possibilities for youth in Chicago by providing a safe place where they can build trust, receive mental health care, look for a job, complete a college application, and secure their first apartment.

When we celebrate the achievement of these milestones, we show a young person that there is a pathway to their dreams.

Read more about Ignite's impact here: https://ow.ly/vHjZ50Ucl6p

This month, as we celebrate and honor Native American heritage, we also recognize the importance of equity and justice i...
11/21/2024

This month, as we celebrate and honor Native American heritage, we also recognize the importance of equity and justice in our work. For Ignite, this means being mindful of our role in advancing the rights and opportunities for all young people, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, including Indigenous communities.

According to Chapin Hall, 40% of youth experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQ+.On this Transgender Remembrance Day,...
11/20/2024

According to Chapin Hall, 40% of youth experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQ+.

On this Transgender Remembrance Day, Ignite continues to stand in solidarity with all youth--a solid reminder that all youth have a place at Ignite.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion means advocating for a world where every young person can thrive, free from fear and discrimination.

Together, we create safe spaces for all of our young people to belong.

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180 N Michigan Avenue Ste 1900
Chicago, IL
60601

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Happy Holidays from Ignite! We're so happy to provide warmth and a caring community for our young people, but we acknowledge we couldn't do it without you. Thank you for standing with youth on their journey to a home and future with promise!

We are community, we are IGNITE. Thank you to our lovely Board of Directors, Associate Board, Ignite team and community for an awesome "Bring A Friend: Ignite Change" BBQ! Ignite is not just an organization, we are dedicated to creating change in the lives of young people across Chicago. Connect with us and become a part of an igniting community! https://ow.ly/vqcB50TxBJZ

Watch: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Great Lakes Region recently awarded over $3.4 million in Youth Homelessness System Improvement (YHSI) Grants to three communities in Illinois. This funding aims to support innovative projects designed to prevent and end youth homelessness by creating more coordinated and effective response systems. The recipients include the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Embarras River Basin Agency, Inc., and the Illinois Collaboration on Youth. The event will be hosted by Ignite and will include remarks from the grantees and local state representatives.

This month, Ignite will be celebrating the love, diversity, and inclusion that surrounds Pride month. LGBTQ+ youth are 120% more likely to face homelessness than their peers. At Ignite, we fight for them to have the same access to resources and housing as everyone else. Stay tuned for Ignite Pride events and resources! 🌈

We can't say thank you enough. Because our amazing supporters, we raised over $559,000 to empower and fuel Ignite's programming and youth! Our Ignite & Shine Gala was beyond a success and we're so grateful to be apart of this community with you! As long as we are around we'll continue driving the work to prevent and end youth homelessness with everything in us, and that's our Ignite Promise. 🧡

Last year when Andrew took the stage, we were reminded how important Ignite's work is to our young people. The Ignite & Shine Gala is an incredible opportunity to celebrate youth and encourage youth empowerment. Come hear firsthand from young people who have overcome homelessness and are now thriving thanks Ignite's programs and generous supporters like you. Purchase your tickets here: https://onecau.se/ignitegala24

These two Chicago stars need no introduction. We're proud to present our 2024 Master of Ceremony, Robin Robinson and our entertainment leader, musician, Mario Abney! Join Ignite on Saturday, April 13 at the Ritz-Carlton as we're led through our ceremony by the exceptional veteran Chicago journalist, community activist, storyteller, and justice advocate, Robin Robinson! We will also be joined by the prolific trumpeter, composer and bandleader musician, Mario Abney and the Abney Effect, who will give us a night to remember on the dance floor. What are you waiting for? Be a part of the magic! Get your tickets today at: https://onecau.se/ignitegala24

Every year, the Ignite & Shine Gala brings together our community of leaders, supporters, advocates, clients, and staff to celebrate the young people we serve. It is a night to remember, filled with incredible stories, music, dining, and - most important - the opportunity to invest in a more equitable Chicago during our live auction. This year we will honor longtime partner, Allstate as recipient of the Ignite the Way Award in recognition of their leadership as changemakers in Chicago. The spectacular evening will be hosted by veteran Chicago journalist, Robin Robinson! Entertainment will feature Bronzeville-based band, Mario Abney & the Abney Effect. Head to https://onecau.se/ignitegala24 to purchase your ticket today!

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Ignite. Futures with Promise.

Ignite is a non-profit organization that has supported and strengthened Chicago’s most vulnerable young people for over 40 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 and housing to education, job readiness, and embracing a healthy lifestyle. Our services are available to all youth in the city of Chicago. Our transitional housing facility and community hub are located in Bronzeville, while our independent housing program is eligible to be located in all neighborhoods in Chicago. 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. Are you unstably house? You can access our services here https://www.ignitepromise.org/access-our-services.