Project Fierce Chicago held its second annual Breakfast 'N' Beds brunch Nov. 8 at Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center in Chicago's Hermosa neighborhood.
Project Fierce Chicago is, according to its website, "a grassroots collective of radical social workers, youth advocates and other community members who are working together to establish community-driven, identity-affirming housing in Chicago. Project Fierce's mission is to reduce LGBTQ youth homelessness in Chicago by providing transitional housing and support services to LGBTQ-identified young adults."
Cassandra Avenatti and Jackie Boyd ( Project Fierce co-founders ) provided words of welcome to the approximately 75 people in attendance ahead of performances by singer-songwriter Simone Montague; performance artists Benji Hart and Milani Ninja; and Youth Empowerment Performance Project members Atlantis Island, Ahniyha Johnson, Zizi Phillips, Malia Jackson and Henri Slater.
"In the span of two years, Project Fierce Chicago has raised [more than] $100,000, primarily from community efforts and individual donations," said Boyd. "In August of this year, we purchased a four-flat home on the West Side and by this time next year will be housing eight to 12 youth."
Also in attendance were Project Fierce co-founder Cassie Warren and leadership team members Carrie Kaufman and Tasasha Henderson.
The event featured a biscuit bar and breakfast taco buffet brunch courtesy of Chef Fresh.
Among the silent-auction and raffle items were artwork by Monica Trinidad and tkw; gift bags with items from Aveda, Early to Bed and Pleasure Chest; gift certificates from Frontera Grill, Bottle & Bottega, Joffrey Ballet, the Field Museum, Women & Children First Bookstore and Unabridged Books; ceramic items; a wood clock by Zed H Zed; a Steve Madden backpack; Chicago Cubs, Bears and White Sox memorabilia; a one-hour photo session; adult novelties by Gnat Brilmyer; and one free AP1 class from the Annoyance Theatre & Bar.
See projectfiercechicago.org/ for more information .