What A Safe Haven does

A Safe Haven Foundation (ASHF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social services organization headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, that delivers a vertically integrated continuum of care to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, and mental health challenges across Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. Founded in 2001 and operating through more than 40 locations, the organization provides emergency shelter (406 beds), transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, veteran-specific housing (including the RISE suicide-prevention program), youth overnight shelter, senior housing, recovery homes, behavioral health services (via an in-house licensed pharmacy and partner providers), food and nutrition services, and case management. It served over 3,500 individuals in the most recent fiscal year, distributed more than 480,000 meals, and placed nearly 1,000 homeless adults in stable housing.

The organization also runs workforce development through its Center for Workforce Opportunity (CWO), offering training tracks in Culinary Arts, Custodial Engineering, Unarmed Security, Welding, and Landscaping, plus Adult Education and Literacy, GED preparation, Bridge and Integrated Education and Training (IET), and Employment Preparation Workshops, reporting a 72% post-completion employment rate. Three wholly-owned social enterprises — A Safe Haven Catering, A Safe Haven Landscaping (which plants over 180,000 tulip bulbs along Michigan Avenue annually), and Veteran Roasters Cafe — generate commercial revenue while providing paid vocational training. As of January 2026, ASHF assumed operations of the City of Chicago's Centralized Shelter Intake, Transportation, and Crisis Response (CSITCR) program, a 24/7/365 citywide contract positioning the organization as the front door to Chicago's shelter system.

Revenue is generated through individual donations, corporate grants and sponsorships (Chicago Bears, Bank of America, Northern Trust, BCBSIL, HPS Investment Partners, McDonald's, Amazon, Union Pacific), government contracts and grants (City of Chicago DFSS, AmeriCorps, adult education), and social enterprise revenue; the organization states that more than 80% of every donated dollar directly supports services. The organization maintains over 100 formal linkage agreements with community-based organizations, healthcare providers, government agencies, and social service institutions. Note: the firmographics field lists the founding year as 1994, while multiple internal and external sources consistently state the founding year as 2001; the 2001 date is used here as it is supported by the organization's own materials.

Name

A Safe Haven

Legal name

A Safe Haven Foundation

Website

https://asafehaven.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

A Safe Haven Foundation is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating 40+ locations across Chicagoland and NW Indiana, delivering housing, behavioral health, workforce training, and social enterprise services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and as of January 2026 operating the City of Chicago's citywide shelter intake system.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Homeless and Social Services

NAICS

Community Housing Services (62422), Temporary Shelters (624221), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Community Food Services (62421), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Homelessness Prevention, Shelter & Supportive Housing Services (BPAIANAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB), Substance Use Recovery & Harm Reduction Support Services (BPAGAEAO)

Keywords

• Homeless services
• Emergency housing
• Workforce training
• Behavioral health
• Social enterprise

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The organization receives charitable donations from individual donors, with over 80% of every dollar contributed directly supporting critical services and resources for those in need. Donations are accepted through their website (givebutter.com) and mail.
2. Corporate Grants and Sponsorships: Corporate partners provide grants and sponsorships to support programs, services, and events including Community Fun Fair, Annual Gala, and general operations. Examples include Chicago Bears awarding $103,000.
3. Government Grants and Contracts: Federal and state funding through programs such as AmeriCorps, adult education grants, and government contracts including the new Centralized Shelter Intake, Transportation, and Crisis Response (CSITCR) program contract with City of Chicago DFSS effective January 2026.
4. Social Enterprise Revenue: Mission-driven businesses including A Safe Haven Catering, A Safe Haven Landscaping, and Veteran Roasters Cafe generate revenue through commercial services while providing training and employment to program participants.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

A Safe Haven Foundation provides free emergency, transitional, permanent supportive, veteran, youth, senior, and recovery housing alongside case management, behavioral health, food and nutrition, adult education, and workforce training programs (Culinary Arts, Custodial Engineering, Security, Welding, Landscaping) for individuals and families experiencing homelessness and crisis across Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. The organization supplements its mission with wholly-owned social enterprises (Catering, Landscaping, Veteran Roasters Cafe) that provide paid job training and generate revenue. In January 2026 the foundation assumed operations of the City of Chicago's Centralized Shelter Intake, Transportation, and Crisis Response (CSITCR) program.

Product overview

A Safe Haven Foundation is a nonprofit social services organization offering a comprehensive, integrated portfolio of housing, workforce development, and supportive services across Chicagoland and NW Indiana through more than 40 locations. The organization operates on a social enterprise model combining mission-driven businesses (A Safe Haven Catering, A Safe Haven Landscaping, Veteran Roasters Cafe) with wraparound programs including emergency/transitional/permanent housing, veteran housing with RISE suicide prevention services, youth overnight shelter, behavioral health services, food pantry, and workforce training (Culinary Arts, Custodial Engineering, Unarmed Security, Welding, Landscaping). The Center for Workforce Opportunity (CWO) provides career pathways through Bridge/IET programs, Employment Preparation Workshops (EPW), Adult Education and Literacy (AEL), GED preparation, and job placement services with one-year post-placement support. In 2026, the organization assumed operations of the City of Chicago's Centralized Shelter Intake, Transportation, and Crisis Response (CSITCR) program. Founded in 2001, A Safe Haven serves individuals and families in crisis regardless of background and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 36-4444200).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Run to End Homelessness: A team participating in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon to raise funds for the organization.
• Seeds of Hope
• Veterans RISE
• Center for Workforce Opportunity (CWO)

Products and services

• Emergency & Transitional Housing Temporary shelter and housing with 406 beds providing wrap-around services including food, treatment support, and pathways to permanent housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Located at the main campus in Chicagoland.
• Permanent Supportive Housing Long-term housing combined with supportive services including counseling, addiction recovery, health services, and job training for clients to live in stable, productive environments.
• Affordable Housing Independent living developments with a mix of market rate and affordable units for those with stable income who no longer require supportive services. Units vary from studios to four-bedrooms, fully furnished.
• Veteran Housing Affordable housing for Veterans across multiple locations including Rauner Family Veterans Studios near Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Veterans Village in Melrose Park, and housing in East Dundee and Oswego. Includes the RISE program for suicide prevention.
• Youth Overnight Shelter Emergency overnight shelter for young adults ages 18-24, accommodating up to 25 individuals nightly on a first-come, first-served basis. Expands to 40 during extreme cold weather (below 0°F). Provides meals, showers, laundry, and case management.
• Senior Housing Affordable senior housing for qualified candidates over age 55 at various Chicagoland locations near shopping, schools, and public transportation. Provides 24-hour security and professional services.
• Recovery Home State-licensed recovery home facilities providing a critical safety net for individuals in recovery as they transition back into communities. Fully licensed by Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery.
• Centralized Shelter Intake, Transportation, and Crisis Response (CSITCR) Citywide program managing centralized shelter intake, real-time shelter bed inventory, crisis response, and transportation services. Operates 24/7/365 citywide under contract with City of Chicago DFSS.
• Behavioral Health Services Mental health care and wellness services provided through trusted partners including access to A Safe Haven L.L.C. licensed pharmacy and comprehensive behavioral health services.
• Food & Nutrition / Community Food Pantry Nutritious meals and groceries ensuring individuals and families have reliable access to healthy food. Pantry serves families, seniors, veterans, youth, and adults across Chicagoland.
• Case Management Dedicated team providing personalized support to help individuals overcome barriers, stabilize, and achieve long-term independence. Includes coaching and strategic thinking assistance.
• Center for Workforce Opportunity (CWO) Career training and workforce development hub providing resume refinement, interview preparation, employment readiness training, and job placement services. Connects individuals with employment and supports them through their first year.
• Job Placement Services Employment center providing resume refinement, interview preparation, and employment readiness training. Connects clients with employment opportunities and supports them throughout their first year of employment.
• Veteran RISE Program Resources-Information-Support-Empowerment program serving Veterans at high risk for suicide. Includes targeted outreach, community building, psychotherapy, and activity-focused peer connections.
• Workforce Training - Culinary Arts 8-week hands-on training in food preparation, kitchen management, and culinary techniques. Includes ServSafe Manager Certification and Food Service Sanitation Manager's Certificate. Schedule: Monday to Friday, 6:45 AM - 2:30 PM.
• Workforce Training - Custodial Engineering 6-week hands-on training in essential housekeeping duties and customer service. Includes safe cleaning product usage and best practices for maintaining clean environments.
• Workforce Training - Unarmed Security Security training program preparing students for roles in security and public safety. Upon completion, students receive a PERC card (Permanent Employee Registration Card) and 20-hour training certificate from a licensed security contractor.
• Workforce Training - Welding 24-week welding course (can be completed in 14 weeks) teaching fundamental techniques and safety standards. Prepares students for AWS certification, enhancing employability in the welding field. Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9 AM - 4 PM.
• Workforce Training - Landscaping Training covering essential skills in horticulture, landscape design, and maintenance practices. Prepares students for careers in landscaping and groundskeeping.
• Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) Adult basic and secondary education ensuring strong foundation in reading and math skills. Includes GED/High-School Equivalency preparation with additional classes, study support, and testing fee coverage.
• Employment Preparation Workshops (EPW) Two-week program building foundational workforce skills covering Finding a Job, Getting a Job, and Keeping a Job. Includes resume building, interview practice, soft skills development, and OSHA 10 Training.
• A Safe Haven Catering Mission-driven catering business providing culinary training, real-world experience, and workforce reentry for those pursuing careers in food service.
• A Safe Haven Landscaping Full-service, year-round professional landscaping company providing paid job training and employment for individuals overcoming homelessness. Services include residential gardens to large-scale projects. Plants over 180,000 tulip bulbs along Michigan Avenue each November.
• Veteran Roasters Cafe Specialty coffee company employing and empowering military veterans. Every cup brewed offers a fresh start and new opportunity for veterans in need.

Quantifiable outcome

• 72% of workforce training participants secure employment after completing programs
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Chicago Auto Show / Chicago Automobile Trade AssociationcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 February 2026A Safe Haven named sole beneficiary of the 2026 Chicago Auto Show's canned food drive. Attendees donating 3 cans receive $5 discount on adult tickets. Located at McCormick Place.
• City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 October 2025Selected as new operator for City's Centralized Shelter Intake, Transportation, and Crisis Response (CSITCR) program, effective January 1, 2026. Will manage real-time shelter bed inventory and serve as central clearinghouse for single-occupancy beds.
• RIMS (Risk Management Society)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 April 2025Selected as 2025 RISKWORLD Community Service Project beneficiary. RISKWORLD attendees assembled hygiene kits for A Safe Haven clients at McCormick Place Convention Center.
• ESIS (A Chubb Company)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Sponsor of 2025 RISKWORLD Community Service Project, supporting hygiene kit assembly for A Safe Haven Foundation clients. Eighth consecutive year sponsoring local charity at RISKWORLD.
• Chicago BearscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Chicago Bears awarded $103,000 to A Safe Haven Foundation, demonstrating corporate partnership commitment to supporting homelessness services and workforce development programs in Chicago.
• Skills for ChicagocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Strategic workforce partnership allowing extension of impact to reach more individuals needing workforce opportunities. Described as responsive, aligned, and committed to long-term success.
• Northwestern MedicinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic healthcare partnership providing medical services and health screenings to residents, integrating healthcare access with housing and support services.
• Bank of AmericacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner supporting through donations, volunteer engagement, and leading canned food collection efforts at the Chicago Auto Show. Part of Make It Better Foundation network.
• Northern TrustcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate volunteer partner that has participated in volunteer days at garden beds and food pantry, providing hands-on support for social enterprise and community programs.
• HPS Investment PartnerscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner engaged in volunteer activities including annual Fun Fair, demonstrating commitment to holistic community support through logistics and supply chain expertise.
• BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois (BCBSIL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner providing resources and support for community members to access health services. Team members volunteer in kitchen to package meals.
• McDonald'sminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate volunteer partner with team members participating in volunteer activities at food service operations.
• Old National BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate volunteer partner with team members participating in campus beautification and community events.
• Union PacificminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing support for community programs and workforce development initiatives.
• AmazonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner supporting social enterprise and community programs through donations and partnerships.
• Make It Better FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerVenture philanthropy foundation that has been a longstanding champion of A Safe Haven's mission for over 13 years. Provides $50,000 grant, storytelling partnership, and platform amplification through Philanthropy Awards.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVeterans referred through USDVA Medical Centers and Chicago Community Resource and Referral Center (CRRC) can access veteran housing immediately. Jesse Brown VA Medical Center located near veteran housing facilities.
• University of Illinois ChicagominorGTM or Marketing PartnerUniversity volunteers leading canned food collection efforts during the Chicago Auto Show, demonstrating educational institution partnership in community service.
• Over 100 Community-Based OrganizationscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFormal linkage agreements with healthcare providers, government agencies, and social service institutions enabling referrals and coordinated service delivery across the community.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Lutheran Services in America: Network of 300+ Lutheran social service organizations providing housing, refugee services, behavioral health, and workforce development. Comparable faith-affiliated nonprofit operating similar shelter and supportive housing models.
• Heartland Alliance: Chicago-based nonprofit providing housing, healthcare, and social services to people affected by poverty and homelessness. Operates a comparable integrated service model including shelter, supportive housing, and workforce programs in the same geography.
• Catholic Charities USA: National network of Catholic Charities agencies providing shelter, housing, food, and workforce services. Operates comparable emergency shelter and supportive housing programs in major U.S. cities including Chicago, with similar funding mix of donations and government contracts.
• Feeding America: National hunger-relief nonprofit operating a network of food banks including direct meal distribution and food pantry operations comparable to ASHF's 480,000+ annual meals program. Shared donor base and corporate partnership model.
• The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army previously operated Chicago's CSITCR program before ASHF assumed operations in January 2026. It is a comparable national nonprofit providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, workforce development, and social services to individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty.
• Volunteers of America: National nonprofit providing affordable housing, veteran services, workforce development, and behavioral health programs. Operates a comparable continuum-of-care model including transitional housing, veteran housing (SSVF), and recovery services.
• Thresholds: Chicago-based nonprofit providing mental health, housing, and substance use recovery services. Comparable integrated behavioral health and housing model serving similar populations with overlapping case management and employment services.

Broad incumbents

• Habitat for Humanity: Large national nonprofit focused on affordable home construction and homeownership pathways. Comparable affordable housing mission and donor/corporate partnership model, though focused on housing supply rather than supportive services.
• United Way Worldwide: National fundraising and grantmaking organization supporting local United Way affiliates that fund many of the same shelter, housing, and workforce programs ASHF operates. Functions both as a potential funder and as an adjacent nonprofit operating in the same donor ecosystem.

Emerging players

• National Veterans Homeless Support: Smaller nonprofit focused specifically on veteran homelessness prevention, transitional housing, and case management. Comparable veteran-specific service model and VA referral pipelines, though at a smaller scale than ASHF's veteran housing portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCslZCb_rrwP6MSFiFWYpYKg
• Facebookfacebook.com/ASafeHavenFoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/asafehavenfoundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/a_safe_haven_foundation
• Xx.com/A_Safe_Haven

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about A Safe Haven