PROMISING HOME | GROWING OUR REACH & IMPACT
There are over 12,000 unaccompanied, unstably housed youth in Chicago, but together, we can change that.
Progress to Date | The Start
Our supporters are changemakers and philanthropic leaders from the for-profit and nonprofit communities that understand the importance of investing in sustainability and guaranteeing the best interests of stakeholders - youth, community members, and neighborhoods that directly and indirectly benefit from Ignite’s programs.
To date, a generous donor has pledged to match the first $500,000 raised. By meeting this match challenge, Ignite will launch this campaign with $1 million dollars of these funds secured.
In 2024, Ignite helped over 585 young people find safe and stable housing.
Why Now?
Ignite sets forth to raise $3 million dollars to launch a sustainable model of funding that supports:
An infrastructure of evolution and ingenuity to serve more youth and ensure lasting results.
Additional operating reserve funds to withstand changing economic times and to leverage asset building methods to best utilize revenue.
Equipped with 47 years of serving youth facing homelessness, Ignite has advanced forward in impact, programming, and reach. Through our strategic plan, we have been able to:
Deliver a model that meets all youth where they are and stays with them until they move into long-term stable housing by growing housing opportunities by 90%.
Establish services in all areas of Chicago where unaccompanied youth are experiencing homelessness by expanding outreach, engagement, and housing opportunities to the west side of Chicago.
Build organizational capacity to support innovation, recognition and build sustainable impact by investing in data, technology, and human resources supports.
As Ignite evolves to serve over 700 young people each year and address the growing needs of Chicago’s youth gaining access to affordable housing and financial sustainability, guaranteeing our future presence and viability is essential. Ignite seeks ongoing financial freedom and flexibility to further empower Ignite’s clients and team.
Our Approach | Multiple Benefits
Create opportunities and means for financial security and stability that invite growth.
Raise private funding and use investment-generated income to deepen programs and further innovation.
Bring back more than $160,000 of savings and redirect to Ignite by eliminating the current mortgage on Belfort House transitional housing.
What This Means: Options for a Secure & Bright Future
With the rates of youth homelessness and homelessness steadily increasing 10-12% every year, it is imperative that Ignite have diverse funding streams and financial reserves to promise our existence and perseverance regardless of circumstance or need.
Ignite is home to the many youth we empower. Our commitment is to help realize a future for this generation and the future generations to come in which they thrive, contribute to their communities, and achieve ongoing success
For more information on how to get involved, please contact Stephanie Piccirilli at stephaniep@ignitepromise.org or follow the link below to sign up for more information.