Amidst the beautiful, towering skyline of Chicago lies a silent crisis — a staggering 68,000 souls, unsheltered and struggling. Radical Generosity Chicago, a 501(c)(3) organization, encourages families to not just witness this plight but to step into the narrative, to feel the brutal winter wind that these individuals endure daily. Engage, not out of obligation, but out of a shared humanity. Through RGC’s initiatives, families can be architects of compassion, building bridges over the divides of apathy. For in these efforts, children not only learn about unhoused individuals but also learn the profound language of empathy, inscribing a future where no one is left out in the cold.
Radical Generosity Chicago embodies its name by connecting, motivating and mobilizing communities to provide critical support to individuals facing food and housing insecurity in the Chicagoland area. In 2013, Dr. Kerry Brown Hasbrook and Clara Nwokenkwo, began with a simple goal — to supply Thanksgiving turkeys to the Jackson Park Community. A single email to friends and family initiated a movement that, a decade later, impacts over 10,000 shelter-insecure individuals annually!
The core principles of connecting, motivating and mobilizing are the driving force behind RGC’s success. The organization has evolved to offer essential items such as food, clothing, school supplies and toiletries to those in need. The demand for practical and immediate assistance has grown, and RGC efficiently connects generous donors with vulnerable communities, motivating and mobilizing the collective effort to deliver timely support.
Led by a small yet dedicated team with minimal overhead, RGC relies on the generosity of individuals and organizations. Mandy Breaker, an integral board member, acknowledges the significance of the community’s contributions, stating, “We could not reach all the communities we do without the generosity of those that donate their time, resources and space.” Donors range from families nationwide to leading retailers, local civic groups, schools and clubs. Partnerships with entities like National Charity League, West Elm, Chicago Fire Department Foundation, YogaSix, Woman’s Club of Wilmette, ChiaLeah and New Trier Township High School further amplify RGC’s impact.
RGC’s collaborative efforts extend beyond material donations. The organization received a community impact grant from Williams-Sonoma, Inc., which was used to purchase backpacks for housing-insecure children in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood. Partnerships with New Trier Township High School and Chicago Fire Department Foundation have facilitated not only the assembly of essential items for North Chicago Community Partners‘ after-school enrichment programs but also the distribution of smoke detectors to local pantries, respectively.
The most recent beneficiaries of RGC’s efforts include Frieda’s Place, Chicago HOPES for Kids, The Night Ministry, Connections for the Homeless, Irving Park Food Pantry, Lane Tech Runaway Safety Club, C24/7, Cradles to Crayons, Off the Street Club and Meals on Wheels. Hygiene/toiletry kits, fleece blankets, brown bag lunches, birthday bags, winter gear, Halloween costumes/candy and school supplies/backpacks are among the most sought-after donations.
RGC invites individuals to join the cause by connecting through Instagram @radicalgenerositychicago or visiting their website. By fostering a spirit of radical generosity, the organization continues to positively impact the lives of unsheltered individuals and inspire meaningful change in communities facing adversity.
How To Help:
To learn more about donation and volunteer opportunities, visit the Radical Generosity Chicago website. Your support will directly impact the lives of many families in immediate need around Chicago.
