Ignite Chicago

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Ignite Chicago

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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 and 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.

10/20/2026

We’re hiring an Associate Director of Individual Giving!

This role will help grow Ignite’s individual giving program, strengthen donor relationships and support the resources that make our work with young people possible.

If you’re an experienced fundraising professional looking to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Learn more and apply: ignitepromise.org/employment

10/15/2026

We know it’s early, but the holidays will be here before we know it. 🎁

Ignite’s 2026 Holiday Gift Drive is officially underway, and there are already a few ways to get involved.

Shop our holiday wishlist, make a monetary donation or sign up to volunteer at our Holiday Party.

Get started here: https://linktr.ee/ignitechicago

10/13/2026

A little taste of Osaka at Belfort House 🇯🇵🥢

Last month, Ignite youth welcomed six social service professionals from Osaka for an evening of cooking, conversation and cultural exchange through the 2026 Chicago-Osaka Japan Social Service Exchange Program.

Together, our youth and delegates made takoyaki, a traditional street food from Osaka.🐙

The visiting delegation brought experience across community welfare, disability services, childcare, family support, elder care and more, making the evening both a cultural exchange and an opportunity to share perspectives on how our communities care for people.

Thank you to Chicago Sister Cities International and its Osaka Social Services Committee for helping make this special evening possible. 🇺🇸🇯🇵

10/12/2026

09/24/2026

We snuck in one last summer celebration before fall began. ☀️

Our Mental Health Team put together an end of summer BBQ for our staff and young people, and we had a blast!

09/22/2026

In FY26, Ignite expanded our reach while helping young people build greater stability, connection and opportunity through housing, outreach, education, employment, health and wellness, prevention and ongoing support.

And we’re continuing to move forward.

As we begin our FY27– FY31 Strategic Plan, four key pillars will guide our work as we expand our reach, deepen our impact and build the capacity needed to serve more young people with consistency, quality and care.

See more about our impact and what’s ahead for Ignite here: https://www.ignitepromise.org/read-our-impact-report

09/03/2026

Ignite rang the Nasdaq Opening Bell alongside fellow Chicago Innovation Award winners! 🔔

We’re proud to have been recognized for our Community Housing Program, an innovative model providing long-term, affordable housing and individualized support for young people transitioning out of homelessness.

You can read more by visiting the link in our bio.

08/26/2026

A few moments from our Back-to-School Community Carnival 🧡🎒🍿

From school supplies and new shoes to food, games and community connection, we were so grateful to bring together youth, families, partners and supporters for an afternoon of fun and support.

A huge thank you to ShoeHeals, Inc., Teen Parenting Navigators, Pour In, Phalanx Family Services, Believe to Receive, Teamwork Englewood, Illinois Workers in Action, Metropolitan Family Services, All Stars Project of Chicago, Carrie Cares Mobile Health Clinic | MOMS Care, Community Outreach Intervention Projects (COIP), Black Fire Brigade, Brave Space Alliance and The Link & Option Center for helping make the day possible.

08/24/2026

Thank you so much for joining us at our Back to School Carnival!🧡

08/18/2026

Join Ignite this Thursday, August 20th from 1–4 p.m. at Rosenwald Courts for our Back-to-School Community Carnival!🍿🎒

There will be local organizations, free school supplies and book bags, food, community resources, games and plenty of fun for youth and families on Chicago’s South Side.

📍 Rosenwald Courts Courtyard, 4648 S. Michigan Ave.
🗓 Thursday, August 20th from 1–4 p.m.

Come out, connect with community and help us kick off the school year strong!

Address

3745 S. Indiana Avenue
Chicago, IL
60653

Telephone

+13125685700

Website

http://www.ignitepromise.org/

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