Invest In the Fight to End Youth Homelessness

The need is urgent. Thousands of Cook County youth are homeless, yet less than 200 beds are available to house them.  The Harbour is a bright light in this landscape, providing shelter to nearly 140 youth in 2025.  Your gift will help more youth find safety, community, and a path to a brighter future. Your investment will ensure life-changing programs will be available for the youth we serve.   

What Youth Want You to Know

Meet some of our youth and hear what they want you to know about their experiences with The Harbour housing insecurity.

Sarah

Sarah fled an abusive home and found shelter with us. She is grateful for the small things – like knowing that she has a safe place to brush her teeth and a space of her own. Sarah wants the community to have empathy; to “regard every homeless youth as if they were your own”.

Tara

Tara, a pregnant teen, was couch-surfing, desperate for stability and support. She treasures the community she’s built at The Harbour—a “village” that supports her and her son. 

Chloe

Chloe, a youth formerly in foster care, was asked to leave her home and turned to us for guidance. Now living independently, she credits The Harbour for teaching her the financial skills that allow her to budget wisely. 

Why Your Gift Matters

Youth experiencing homelessness face immediate needs (shelter, food, hygiene) and long-term barriers (education, employment, mental-health support). Your support keeps our doors open, funds support services and creates pathways to independence.

Ways to Give

Give Now: One-Time Gifts

Make an immediate impact with a one-time gift. One-time donations fund shelter, case management and program supplies. 


Suggested gifts and impact:

Give $75

Underwrite a weekly youth-planned group meal

Give $100

Funds a starter kit of household essentials for a new resident

Give $250

Fills the refrigerator for one week for four youth

Give $500+

Covers the cost of an outing or field trip for youth at one residential site

Monthly Giving - Sustainers Circle

Regular monthly gifts keep services steady and allow us to plan for long-term sustainability. Join the Sustainers Circle and choose a level that fits your budget. You can update or cancel anytime. 


Levels: 

  • Friend — $10 / month
  • Supporter — $25 / month
  • Advocate — $50 / month
  • Champion — $100 / month
  • Leader — $200 / month
Become a Sustainer

Corporate Partnerships & Matching Gifts

Corporations can multiply impact via: 

  • Employee giving & matching programs — double or triple gifts through employer match. Check with HR and submit a matching gift form. 
  • Sponsorships — support events, programs, or shelter operations. 
  • Volunteer grants — some employers provide grants when employees volunteer hours. 

Interested in a corporate partnership? Email marybp@theharbour.org


Volunteer - Give Time and Talent

Time transforms services. Volunteers support: 

  • Maintenance, gardening and special projects 
  • Career coaching & resume help 
  • Fundraising & events 

Visit our Volunteering page to sign up for our Volunteer Newsletter and to learn more about available opportunities.


We welcome one-time volunteers for events and donation drives. Many roles are flexible. Please note, we require background checks for certain roles to keep youth safe.


Email volunteer@theharbour.org with any questions.


In-Kind Donations & Drive Items

In-kind donations are greatly appreciated. Before donating, please check our current needs list.

Donation Recognition & Privacy

We honor every donor. Tell us how you’d like to be recognized — public acknowledgement, anonymous listing, or recognition in specific programs. Our donor privacy policy protects your information; We never sell or trade donor lists. 

FAQs

  • Are donations tax-deductible?

    Yes — we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Please keep your donation receipt for tax records.

  • How to make a gift by wire or mail?

    We accept checks and wire transfers. For instructions on wiring a gift, contact Mary Burke-Peterson at marybp@theharbour.org.


    Checks can be sent to our office address at

    1440 Renaissance Dr, Ste 240

    Park Ridge, IL 60068


    Please do not send cash. Provide your name and address to receive a tax receipt. 

  • How do I make a stock gift?

    The Harbour is grateful to receive gifts of stock.  We have an account with Schwab that accepts stock gifts.  The information is:

    Account Name: The Harbour

    Acct #: 8767-5221

    DTC: 0164 code 40

  • How to give through my IRA?

    If you’re age 70½ or older, you can make a special type of charitable gift directly from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) called a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). This giving option can be one of the most tax-efficient ways to support The Harbour. 


    How It Works :


    You can donate up to $100,000 per year directly from your IRA to a qualified nonprofit organization. 

    • The funds must be transferred directly from your IRA custodian to the charity (not withdrawn by you first). 
    • If you’re age 73 or older, your QCD can also count toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)—the amount you’re required to withdraw each year. 

    Tax Benefits:


    The amount you give does not count as taxable income, unlike a regular IRA withdrawal. Because it’s excluded from your taxable income, a QCD can help you: 

    • Lower your overall tax bill 
    • Avoid pushing yourself into a higher tax bracket 
    • Reduce the amount of Social Security benefits that are taxable 
    • Lower Medicare premium costs that are based on income 

    You don’t need to itemize deductions to benefit—it’s a tax advantage available to anyone who qualifies. 

Contact Us

Email

general@theharbour.org

Office

1440 Renaissance Dr, Ste 240

Park Ridge, IL 60068