services

STREET HEAT

  • Ice fishing tents are designed to hold in heat and withstand high winds, but with the option to open the vents and zipper doors, they also provide much-needed shade in the summer. Compared to summer tents, the ice fishing tents are more spacious and sturdy, allowing heightened comfort and interior “design” options for tent residents.

    The Orange Tent Project offers two types of tents: the orange tent after which we are named, which sleeps two people comfortably, and a smaller black tent, which is structurally similar but sleeps one person.

    The orange tents are not a permanent solution; they were never meant to be. Rather, the purpose of the insulated structures is to meet one of the most basic needs of Maslow's Hierarchy while individuals experiencing homelessness await housing placement. We believe, in accordance with research on Social Determinants of Health, that shelter, sustenance, and physical safety are vital first steps to addressing larger obstacles such as drug addiction and mental illness.

  • The Orange Tent Project collects gear donations that we distribute to our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Helpful gear includes:

    Winter
    Blankets
    Boots
    Gloves
    Hats
    Jeans
    Sweaters
    Scarves
    Snow pants
    Thermal underwear
    Toiletries
    Undergarments
    Winter coats
    Warm socks

    Summer
    Breathable clothing
    Jeans
    Socks
    Shoes
    Sunscreen
    Toiletries
    Undergarments
    Water

  • While the ice fishing tents certainly hold heat better than other tents, they don’t stay comfortably heated without a small, propane-powered heater. The Mr. Heater “Buddy Heaters” that we provide to tent residents are small space heaters that heat up to 225 square feet and come equipped with a low-oxygen safety shut-off (ODS) to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and tip-over safety shut-off to prevent fire hazard. No space heater is without risk, and we hand out a document with propane & heater safety tips to all recipients.

STREET EATS

  • Through our partnership with Black Girl Eats and Off Their Plate, The Orange Tent Project has been able to distribute 100 hot meals per day, Monday through Friday, across several encampments in the Pilsen, Humboldt Park, Logan Square, South & West Loops, Garfield park, and Little Village neighborhoods.

  • Our team accepts care packages from donors, classrooms, and other organizations to distribute and bring some joy to our neighbors experiencing homelessness.

  • We’ve partnered with organizations and volunteer groups alike to host community cookouts at encampments around Chicago. Music, neighbors, and good food!

STREET MEET

  • For The Orange Tent Project, being relationship-led” and “people-first” means prioritizing human connection. Relationships built on trust and rapport are at the center of our work. The Orange Tent Project meets people where they’re at, creating a safe and supportive space for individuals to share their thoughts, stories, and dreams.

  • We live in a world of great need: no one person or organization can tackle it all. In the wise words of Max Lucado, “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.” At The Orange Tent Project, we proudly partner with other organizations and individuals who are working to end the cycle of homelessness by providing creative, supportive, and life-saving services for individuals experiencing homelessness.

  • Our expansive network of partner organizations allows us to continue introducing neighbors to additional resources that may help get them back on their feet. The Orange Tent Project team is out in the field, interacting with our neighbors experiencing homelessness, every day, Monday through Friday. Thanks to our partner organizations, we are able to make personalized referrals to employment services, addiction and mental health programs, emergency treatment, sober living facilities, housing accommodations, public benefits access, and more.