Renaissance Social Services

11/25/2025

“They choose to be homeless.”
You’ve heard it.
Maybe you’ve even thought it.

But here’s the real story : the one that doesn’t fit into a headline or a heated comment thread.

Most people experiencing homelessness in Chicago didn’t “end up there” overnight. It starts with a job loss. A sudden eviction. A health emergency. A violent relationship they had to escape. And once they’re out? The system isn’t built to pull them back in, it’s built to keep them surviving, not thriving.

At RSSI, we work every single day to get people into permanent homes and we don’t stop there. We offer case management, mental health support, job help, family services. Because solving homelessness isn’t just about a roof. It’s about stability. Dignity. Future.

So yeah, this work is hard. It’s slow. It’s rarely glamorous. But it’s working.

And here’s where you come in.

✅ Visit our website to dive deeper
✅ Share this post to break the cycle of silence
✅ Or donate today and be part of something that actually works

Because if we want a safer, stronger Chicago —
we have to start with a place to call home.

11/22/2025

Renaissance is working hard to make sense of the radical shift in federal policy regarding homelessness. We will do all we can to preserve permanent supportive housing options for vulnerable individuals and families. Your support is vital. Any amount will help during these turbulent times. https://bit.ly/4pmALa5

__________________________________________________________________
From the National Alliance to End Homelessness

We know what's coming is bad.

But this isn't just bad policy. It's impossible policy.

It just won't work:

Funds will expire before additional federal resources are granted. Organizations won't have the means to keep housing people, and people may be left homeless.

The application will only be open for 10 weeks. This isn't nearly enough time for organizations to complete a radically different application with this many changes.

The money can't go out on time.

And if there's no money, no one gets off the streets.

More in Politico:

https://bit.ly/48exHpE

More than half of the 2026 funding for the program will be shifted from permanent housing to transitional housing with work and service requirements.

11/21/2025

Two years ago, Emelin’s journey with Renaissance began. Today, her family is thriving.

Her children, now three and four, are full of energy, curiosity, and joy. Their home is bright, stable, and close to the schools they will soon attend.

While raising two little ones on her own, Emelin is studying for her associate degree and also tutors young students in math and reading. Her determination is powerful.

She often says, “the decisions you make in your life are what you get in life.”

At Renaissance, our role is to walk beside her with support, care, and community.

💙 Families like Emelin’s show what hope can do.

11/05/2025

🍷 Tomorrow’s the night!
Join us for A Taste of Hope 2025 - an evening of community, wine, and purpose.

📅 Thursday, Nov 6 | 6–9 PM
📍 Lush Wine & Spirits, West Town

Every glass raised helps us prevent and end homelessness in Chicago. 💙

🎟 Tickets & Raffle Info → [link in bio]

11/04/2025

🍷 A Taste of Hope is Almost Here!
Join Renaissance this Thursday, November 6 at 6 PM at Lush Wine & Spirits, West Town for an evening of wine, community, and compassion.

Every glass raised supports our mission to prevent and end homelessness in Chicago. 💙

🎟 Get your tickets or raffle entries with the → link in our bio

10/27/2025

Sip, Savor, & Support a Great Cause!

Join us on Thursday, November 6th, for Renaissance Social Services’ Annual Wine Tasting Benefit at Lush Wine & Spirits – West Town from 6–9 PM!

Enjoy an evening of white, red, and sparkling wines, tasty light bites, and amazing company — all while helping us make a difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness

We’re also thrilled to honor Jenner & Block LLP with our Leadership in Ending Homelessness Award for their outstanding pro bono legal support.

Don’t forget to grab your tickets (and your lucky charm) for our 50/50 raffle.

rssichicago.org/events

Let’s raise a glass to community, compassion, and change — see you there!

09/18/2025

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Renaissance’s incredible Associate Board, our generous corporate sponsors—Cboe Global Markets and CIBC Bank USA—Zanies Chicago, the unbelievable lineup of comedians, and the record-breaking crowd who made our annual Stand Up for the Homeless event on September 16th such a huge success!

We look forward to seeing you next year!

09/02/2025

Stand Up for the Homeless Comedy Event

🗓️ Date: Tuesday, September 16th
📍 Location: Zanies Comedy Club, Chicago, 1548 N Wells St, Chicago, IL
🎟️ Tickets: $45 each or 4 for $135 (Must be purchased in advance!)
💥 Can’t attend? You can STILL support the event and Renaissance Social Services by purchasing raffle tickets online!

Looking forward to seeing you on the 16th. Get your tickets today https://www.rssichicago.org/events

Thank you for your ongoing partnership!

08/15/2025

Renaissance ends homelessness with a proven approach that blends permanent supportive housing and clinical case management. We agree with Jesse Rabinowitz of the National Homelessness Law Center: “Arresting or ticketing people for sleeping outside makes homelessness worse, wastes taxpayer money and simply does not work. The solution to homelessness is housing and supports, not handcuffs and jails.”

Federal officers swept encampments across DC overnight, leaving many uncertain about where they will find shelter

08/14/2025

Renaissance's Associate Board is supporting a night of laughs at the annual Stand Up for the Homeless event at the world famous comedy venue, ZANIES in Chicago.

​Join us on September 16th and prepare yourself for an outrageous evening of fun with our Host LAURA HUGG, FEATURE COMEDIAN - JOHN MCCOMBS. HEADLINER - JIM FLANNIGAN.

Feeling lucky? Enter our 50/25/25 raffle. Purchase tickets at the event or online by September 15th. 50% of the proceeds benefit Renaissance, and two lucky winners will receive 25% each of the proceeds. Winners will be picked at the event on September 16th. Tickets are only $5 each or $20 for five tickets. Winners need not be present to win.

All proceeds will support Renaissance's work to prevent and end homelessness in Chicago. We look forward to seeing you!

https://www.rssichicago.org/events

10/21/2024

Join us for this year's Taste of Hope wine event on November 7th! Taking place at Lush Wine & Spirits in West Town, expert sommeliers will guide you through a curated selection of white, red, and sparkling wines paired with hors d'oeuvres. We will be honoring Andy Lowenthal for his service to the community. We look forward to the pleasure of your company!

Can't join us but want to be a part of the fun? Get your 50/50 tickets today. The cost is $20 for one ticket and $50 for three tickets. 50% of the pot will benefit the agency and 50% will go to one lucky winner. The drawing will be held on November 7th at the Taste of Hope Wine Event. Winner need not be present.

https://www.rssichicago.org/events

09/26/2024

It's never too early to think about a great evening of tasting red, white, and sparkling wines for an important cause - helping those who are unhoused in our community. Join us on November 7th at Lush Wine and Spirits - West Town.

Purchase your tickets today at https://www.rssichicago.org/events

Special thanks to US, Global Markets, Bank Chicago and Architects for your support.