Causes: Children & Youth, Children & Youth Services, Homeless & Housing, Homeless Shelters, Youth Development Programs

Mission: Ignite stands with youth on their journey to a home and a future with promise™.

Results: For the past three years, about 70% of youth in our stable housing program have obtained and maintained stable housing for six months after program exit; about 70% enrolled in or had completed formal educational programs by program exit; and about 75% had gained employment, with about 25% maintaining it for at least six months after program exit.

Target demographics: Youth experiencing homelessness

Direct beneficiaries per year: Over 500 Youth

Geographic areas served: Chicago

Programs: Residential Programs - The Bronzeville Youth Shelter is an emergency shelter for minor youth aged 14-17 that provides a safe, healing environment with a goal to reunite these youth with their families or guardians, if safe and appropriate, or to secure alternative living arrangements. Belfort House, our transitional living program for youth aged 17-23, where residents stay for up to 18 months and create individual action plans to help them achieve their goals. TLP's Clustered-and-Scattered Site Apartment (CaSSA) program for youth ages 18-24 allows young adults to live independently in their own apartments for up to two years while still maintaining access to case management and supportive services.

Outreach, Prevention and Aftercare - These programs meet the immediate basic needs of youth and provide crisis intervention, as well as connecting youth with community resources, including TLP programs. Clients range in age from 14-24 and can access crisis counseling, case management, referrals, and access to a range of support services via a 24/7 hotline, street and community outreach, drop-in center and aftercare services.

Supportive Services - Youth in residential programming have access to counseling, education resources, referrals for primary and preventative care, mental health/substance abuse counseling, and more. Education and assessment are provided on-site, and youth receive individualized attention, advocacy, encouragement, study skills tips, tutoring, and referrals to alternative and/or traditional schools and programs. TLP's employment support seeks to connect youth with more than just a minimum-wage job, but a career. We aim to build job readiness skills and provide connections to employers. Youth with more significant work experience are offered guidance in job searches, placement, and retention. TLP also offers recreation activities to help young people identify healthy, positive outlets, develop interpersonal skills, self-esteem, and purpose as they transition into independent adults.