Organizations Advocating for Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Ignite
Founded in 1976 under the name "Transitional Living Process", Ignite has been serving young people experiencing homelessness in the Chicago area for over 40 years. Ignite offers a range of programs covering community outreach, emergency shelter for youth, transitional housing with a path to independent living, and supportive services including counseling and educational assistance (Ignite's Programs). In 2021, Ignite served 339 youth (2021 Outcomes). "The Ignite staff changed my life. They taught me valuable life skills, and how to give back," says one participant in their programs.
La Casa Norte
La Casa Norte serves youth and families facing homelessness in the Chicago area by following a housing-first model with a continuum of supportive services. Their programs include permanent, transitional, and emergency housing, as well as specialized programs tackling food insecurity and assisting youth currently in college (La Casa Norte's Programs). In 2020, La Casa Norte served 18,618 individuals and helped 540 households remain stably housed (2020 Annual Report).
The Night Ministry
The Night Ministry is a Chicago-based organization whose mission is to provide human connection, housing support, and health care to those who are unhoused or experiencing poverty. In 2021, they provided housing for 479 young people and 51 of their children, and provided health services preventing over 500 trips to the emergency room (The Night Ministry Annual Report).
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless
The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless has been fighting for an end to homelessness since 1980. They provide legal and educational services to people in poverty and have led several advocacy efforts across Chicago and Illinois for funding and legislation to materially improve the wellbeing of people experiencing homelessness. CCH's No Youth Alone program mobilizes young people to advocate for increased resources at the state and local level, while their Youth Futures mobile legal aid clinic offers practical information and assistance.
National Network for Youth
The National Network for Youth is a nonprofit dedicated to transforming systems to end youth homelessness nationally. NN4Y advocates for policy changes at the federal level such as the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act and centers the voices of young people who have experienced homelessness through their National Youth Advisory Council. On a local level, they work across a broad network of providers to establish Local Cross System Collaboratives addressing youth homelessness.