Chicago, IL Project Fierce Chicago purchased a four-flat building on Chicago's Southwest side last week, that will eventually be home to LGBTQ young people experiencing homelessness. The group, comprised of independent advocates, social workers and community members, launched in 2013; the purchase of the building is the culmination of collective organizing and fundraising by dedicated volunteers. Renovation to prepare the building for occupancy will begin soon and is likely to continue through the fall.
The organization, which began as a small group of friends seeking to create housing solutions outside of government systems, began the work of determining structure, values, goals and timelines almost three years ago in a café on the West side. Founder Cassandra Avenatti explains, "We wanted to build something autonomous, community-led, and responsive to the needs of the people we aim to support. This path may be slower and more challenging than a more institutional approach, but is worth the independence, and is meaningful in its collectivity."
The leadership of Project Fierce Chicago cites community support as crucial to their fundraising success. Jackie Boyd, a board member shared, "Our supporters understand that for youth to achieve their goals, stable housing is the critical first step and they have dedicated countless hours, ideas, and dollars to creating a community based solution."
As the group gears up for the renovation, they are focused on raising the funds necessary to sustain operation, particularly by recruiting sustainers, or monthly givers. Individuals can donate to the project by visiting projectfiercechicago.org/donate-now or contact PFC with questions at Projectfiercechicago@gmail.com .
Project Fierce Chicago is a grassroots collective working to reduce LGBTQ youth homelessness in Chicago through the provision of affirming transitional housing.