Alderman Bennett Lawson - 44th Ward Chicago

Alderman Bennett Lawson
44th Ward
Seal of Chicago

Donations Hub

Welcome to our Donations Hub, where we spotlight local nonprofits doing meaningful work—and share how you can help. From increasing access to medical care, to supporting mothers experiencing homelessness, these organizations rely on community generosity to continue making a difference. If you’re looking to give back, we encourage you to explore the list below.

44th Ward Organizations

1) Center on Halsted (3656 N Halsted)

About: Every donation to Center on Halsted strengthens their ability to serve Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community. From nutritious meals for seniors to mental health services, youth programs, and community spaces where everyone belongs, donations have the ability to transform lives.

Currently, in honor of Pride, all gifts are being matched dollar for dollar, up to $55,000. Click here to make a monetary donation.

Each of their programs have different needs for products. Buy items from their wishlists to aid our programs and advance their success.

Needs:

2) The Catcade (624 W Belmont Ave)

About: The Catcade is a non-profit, arcade-themed cat rescue, lounge, and cafe. Cats are not kept in cages, instead they get to live in the lounge where guests can pay $20 to visit and spend time playing, cuddling, and socializing with their rescue cats. All of their cats are adoptable, with the exception of their resident cat Leo.

Needs: The Catcade takes drop-off donations of unopened cat food, litter, or additional pet supplies. At this time, they do not need any extra towel donations. They also update their Chewy wishlist and Amazon wishlist with current most-needed items. All donations are tax-deductible.

3) Brown Elephant Northalsted (812 W Belmont) / Howard Brown Health (3501 N Halsted)

About: Brown Elephant Resale Shops in partnership with Howard Brown Health raises money through the resale of donated items. Drop-off donations can be accepted during regular business hours, at any of the three Brown Elephant locations. They also offer curbside pickup for furniture or a limited amount of household goods. All items must be clean and free from tears, stains, and damage. They respectfully request that all clothing be freshly cleaned/laundered prior to donation, without hangers.

Needs: For a full list of Brown Elephant’s accepted and not-accepted items, click here.

Howard Brown Health provides affirming healthcare and mobilizes for social justice. Howard Brown serves men, women, trans and gender non-conforming folks, infants, youth, and children through a multi-site operation based in Chicago. They also offer discounted services to patients that are uninsured and meet certain income qualifications. All proceeds at Brown Elephant support LGBTQ+ healthcare and fund care for the uninsured and under-insured at Howard Brown Health. To donate to Howard Brown, click here for options.

4) Out of the Closet (3311 N Halsted)

About: Out of the Closet Thrift Store (OTC) was founded in 1990 to help raise funds and awareness for AIDS Healthcare Foundation. To this day, when you shop or donate at Out of the Closet, 96 cents of every dollar made goes to AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s HIV prevention and treatment services. That’s why OTC is able to offer high-quality HIV testing services at all of our locations.

Needs: Out of the Closet Thrift Store accepts a wide range of donations, including furniture, kitchenware, home decor, appliances, electronics, tools, musical instruments, clothing, shoes (teen & adult sizes only), books, film & TV memorabilia, CDs & records, and artwork. Currently, they cannot accept mattresses, water beds, bedding & linens, towels, medical supplies, built-in appliances, children’s toys & books (varies per location), TV sets and appliances that are over three years old, printers, scanners, fax machines, children’s clothing & accessories, or office furniture/corporate items. You can donate in-store at 3311 N Halsted, or schedule a pickup for large item donations.

5) H.O.M.E. – Housing Opportunities and Maintenance for the Elderly (945 W George)

About: H.O.M.E. is a nonprofit organization that provides housing support services and intergenerational housing for seniors with low incomes. Without their services, many seniors would be unnecessarily living in nursing homes, living in their homes in unsafe conditions, and trying to survive without access to food or medication.

Needs: Click here to make a monetary donation.

6) Ascension Illinois Health Housing and Health Alliance – By Ascension Healthcare (825 W Wellington)

About: Ascension Illinois Housing and Health Alliance offers individuals experiencing poverty, addiction, mental health issues, or chronic health conditions a fresh start through stable housing. Their services include highly structured housing, independent permanent housing, transitional living environments, and aftercare programs. There are many ways you can help the Ascension Illinois Housing and Health Alliance support people overcoming homelessness, chronic disease, disability and behavioral health conditions.
Needs: Consider donating your time as a volunteer or making a gift through the Ascension Illinois Foundation.

7) Thresholds (Various Locations)

About: Thresholds is the largest provider of supported housing in Illinois, and their residential programs offer a variety of community-based options for persons with serious mental health and substance use conditions, including those exiting homelessness. Thresholds operates several brick-and-mortar facilities in the 44th Ward. Learn more about their housing programs here.

Here in Lakeview at 1100 W Belmont, the Thresholds Mothers Project has provided comprehensive assistance to mothers with mental health challenges and their children since 1976. Parents in their program are working to provide safe, healthy and nurturing environments for their children, while also receiving support with mental illness, homelessness, and/or the effects of abuse, neglect, or other traumatic experiences, As most are also making the transition from adolescence to young adulthood, The Mothers Project focuses on the acquisition of independent living skills, in addition to providing education and support to develop healthy parenting skills.

Needs: Learn about volunteering or making a monetary donation here.

8) Mount Sinai Resale Shop (2902 N Clark)

About: The Mount Sinai Hospital Woman’s Board Resale Shop raises money for the hospital’s patient care programs.

Needs: Clothing and houseware items can be donated during store hours via blue bins outside. Furniture needs prior approval. To get approval, you can send photos of items with a description (brand, condition, etc) to 773-925-3201. Store hours are Monday-Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, and Sunday 11am-5pm.

 

Citywide Organizations

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