Our Community Spotlights feature all the wonderful food, nightlife, and local businesses found within Douglass Park, home to Riot Fest. Join us throughout the year as the Riot Fest staff recommends their favorite spots in the neighborhood on a continuing basis—in hopes that you’ll make a stop in Douglass Park before, during, and well after the fest concludes.
Deborah’s Place is a women-founded nonprofit nestled in the vibrant heart of Chicago in 1985 and stands as a beacon of hope and resilience for women in the fight against homelessness.
With a profound commitment to providing comprehensive services, Deborah’s Place has been instrumental in transforming the lives of those most in need. Their dedication to serving women is evident in the results:
- 94% of the women-assisted struggle to make ends meet are at or below the Federal Poverty Line
- 90% of women helped face challenges of mental illness or physical disabilities.
- 75% of these courageous women, had chronic homelessness before finding a home at Deborah’s Place
- 74% of women identify as African American
- 2% as transgender
Through unwavering support, Deborah’s Place witnessed remarkable achievements. Their commitment to providing comprehensive services has made a significant impact on the lives of those in need. Just last year’s highlights include:
- Over 656 women have received personalized assistance in securing steady income and housing, empowering them to chart their path forward.
- 147 were newcomers to Deborah’s Place, finding a new beginning within our walls.
- 81 women who have transitioned to independent, permanent housing, a testament to the transformative power of their mission.
Through various stages–beginning with interim housing and progressing to the process of securing permanent housing–they offer supportive and comprehensive services to establish the foundation and connection to their goals. With these supportive tools, they also operate a learning center where they assist with financial literacy.
They learn to facilitate relationships with landlords and aid in maintaining permanent housing. Additionally, they create opportunities for women to become peer mentors, offering support to those who are in the initial stages of their journey at Deborah’s Place.
Interested in helping out? There are always opportunities to help out and they’re always looking for volunteers all year long!
Deborah’s Place offers supportive tools to empower and foster independence in women, enabling them to soon gain confidence and self-sufficiency. Homelessness should not carry a stigma, but rather be discussed without shame.
You’re invited to celebrate their Opening Doors for 2024!
Deborah’s Place
2822 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60612
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