Stand With the Ignite, Empower the Youth of Chicago

For 48 years, Ignite has broken the cycles of poverty and youth homelessness for those aged 14-26 through transformative programming and services that spark opportunity, achievement, and resilience. Over the last year, we have proudly added homelessness prevention to our mission, working with youth as young as 10 who are at the greatest risk of harm in our city.

On any given night in Cook County, over 2,425 young people, ages 13-25, experience homelessness. When young people encounter unstable housing, they miss out on the social, emotional, and educational milestones that are needed to thrive. The trauma they endure changes the way they see and relate to the world. Instead of experiencing the most vibrant years of their life, youth facing housing insecurity enter survival mode – navigating life without familial support and a roof over their head.

Meet Devin

For Devin, a client at Ignite’s Belfort House, survival mode was all too familiar. Devin and his family experienced housing instability throughout his teens, but with encouragement from educators and friends, he graduated with a 4.0 GPA and excelled as a scholar, an athlete, and philanthropy chairman of the National Honor Society—all while

working two jobs to support his younger siblings. Unfortunately, as high school ended, the safety net he had built did too. Devin found himself in a place of not knowing where his next meal would come from or what couch he would be crashing on.

Despite these challenges, Devin remained committed to his love for sports, performance, and music, dreaming of one day being on the big stage and having a permanent home. Once Devin found Ignite, he had the peace of mind to explore his dreams and aspirations without the burden of wondering how to feed and shelter himself.

“Ignite gave me an array of different resources to help guide and anchor me in my transition from homelessness to permanent housing. The staff gave me so much insight, advice and different opportunities to grow myself. I am grateful to Ignite for allowing me to have the stability needed to figure out where I am heading. I am grateful to Ignite for giving me the resources needed to jump-start my life in a positive direction. I am grateful to the clients at Belfort House for giving me a shoulder to lean on when things didn’t seem certain and life was gray, for being there to let me vent and for being open enough to confide in me as well. I am grateful to the staff for dedicating their 9-5 to be here encouraging those of us who have been kicked down, extending a hand for us to grasp on. Without this program and programs like it, I would not be getting permanent housing. I wouldn’t have the employment opportunities I have now.”

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.

Together, as we stand with youth on their journey to home and a future with promise, we open doors to education, careers, community, and equity. With your investment, we can continue to show the young people of Ignite that their dreams paired with action are possible.

As a loyal and longtime supporter of Ignite, will you continue to invest in a bright future for our youth?

Thank you for your generosity and unwavering commitment to serving our youth and our community.

In partnership and gratitude, 

Stephanie Piccirilli

President & CEO