The Renaissance Collaborative
The Renaissance Collaborative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood providing integrated supportive housing, workforce development, and historic preservation services to chronically homeless adults, low-income seniors, and grandfamilies.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1992
- HeadquartersChicago, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The Renaissance Collaborative does
The Renaissance Collaborative, Inc. (TRC) is a 501(c)(3) community-based social impact nonprofit founded in 1992 in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood by a coalition of four local churches — Quinn Chapel AME, St. Thomas Episcopal, St. Elizabeth Catholic, and Apostolic Faith — initially to save the Historic Former Wabash YMCA from demolition. Today TRC operates an integrated portfolio of supportive housing, workforce development, historic preservation, and environmental sustainability programs targeting chronically homeless adults, low-income seniors, grandfamilies, and the broader Bronzeville/Washington Park community.
The core operational asset is real estate. Renaissance Apartments is a 101-unit single-room occupancy (SRO) facility for chronically homeless adults, located within the restored Historic Former Wabash YMCA at 3757 S Wabash Ave — itself a National Register of Historic Places landmark recognized as the Birthplace of Black History Month and home to the 1936 W.E. Scott 'Mind, Body, Spirit' mural. Senior Village (346 E 53rd St) provides HUD-funded senior housing, and the under-development Abrams Intergenerational Village is a planned 71-unit, $33 million intergenerational residence for seniors, grandfamilies, and college students in Washington Park, co-developed with H.O.M.E. and designed by Moody Nolan. Supporting technology is limited but distinctive: a SmartFlower dual-axis tracking solar device capable of up to 6,500 kWh/year, powering a community outdoor charging station, restored in 2025 through a ComEd/Elevate partnership. TRC runs workforce training in landscaping (Bronzeville Green), janitorial services, and culinary arts (Loquacious Culinary, with ServSafe certification), plus case management, mental health, and substance abuse referrals through partners including Habilitative Systems Inc.
Revenue is diversified across four streams: (1) government grants and subsidies (RAD2 capital, IHDA Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, City of Chicago Equitable Transit-Oriented Development, NPS African American Civil Rights, HUD/CHA Project-Based Vouchers); (2) foundation and private grants (FHLBank Chicago AHP, Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, Chicago Community Loan Fund); (3) individual donations and event-driven fundraising (annual benefit, Giving Tuesday, friendraisers); and (4) income-adjusted rental income from Renaissance Apartments and Senior Village. Distribution is direct-to-resident via CHA waitlist referrals, partner-agency referrals, and on-site service delivery. TRC operates with 11–50 employees, is led by Executive Director Oji Eggleston (succeeded founding Executive Director Patricia Abrams in July 2023), and reported projected year-end 2025 reserves exceeding $1.2 million.
The Renaissance Collaborative firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Renaissance Collaborative
- Legal name
- The Renaissance Collaborative, Inc.
- Website
- https://trcwabash.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1992
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Renaissance Collaborative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood providing integrated supportive housing, workforce development, and historic preservation services to chronically homeless adults, low-income seniors, and grandfamilies.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Renaissance Collaborative industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Affordable Supportive Housing Services
- NAICS
- Other Residential Care Facilities (623990), Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly (62331), Historical Sites (712120), Civic and Social Organizations (813410)
- SIC
- Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050), Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Affordable/Subsidized Independent Living (HUD/LIHTC) Communities (HLADAAAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Museums & Heritage Sites (History, Science, Specialty) (BPAGAHAA), Cultural Centers & Community Cultural Organizations (BPAGAHAD), Community Arts, Culture & Creative Placemaking Enterprises (BPAGALAO)
Keywords
Where The Renaissance Collaborative is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chicago
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
The Renaissance Collaborative business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Government Grants and Subsidies: TRC receives federal and state funding including RAD2 conversion funds for housing renovations, Affordable Housing Program subsidies from FHLBank Chicago, and African American Civil Rights grants through the National Park Service for historic preservation.
- Foundation and Private Grants: TRC receives grants from foundations including The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation ($105,000 for predevelopment work), and other charitable organizations for housing development and programming.
- Individual Donations: TRC solicits donations through its website, annual benefit events, Giving Tuesday campaigns, and general fundraising efforts. The organization aims to raise $5,000+ annually through these channels.
- Rental Income: Revenue from affordable housing units at Renaissance Apartments and Senior Village provides income supporting operational costs. Residents pay rent based on their income levels.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Affordable housing for homeless adults and seniors |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels10 records
The Renaissance Collaborative product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Renaissance Collaborative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides affordable supportive housing, workforce development training, and educational programming to chronically homeless adults, low-income seniors, and grandfamilies in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood. Its residential portfolio includes Renaissance Apartments (101-unit SRO), Senior Village, and the developing Abrams Intergenerational Village (71 units), supplemented by historic preservation of the Birthplace of Black History Month and green-jobs sustainability programming.
Product overview
The Renaissance Collaborative is a community-based nonprofit organization providing an integrated network of supportive housing, workforce development, and community programs. Its core housing portfolio includes Renaissance Apartments (101-unit SRO for chronically homeless adults), Senior Village (senior affordable housing), and the developing Abrams Intergenerational Village (71-unit intergenerational residence for seniors, grandfamilies, and students). The organization also operates the Historic Former Wabash YMCA as a community hub with historical preservation programming, environmental sustainability initiatives featuring the SmartFlower solar device, and workforce development training programs. TRC does not offer a unified software product but rather delivers social services through physical properties and programs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Supportive Housing Program Provides permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless adults and low-income seniors in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood, including the 101-unit Renaissance Apartments SRO and Senior Village. Includes wraparound services such as case management, mental health referrals, and substance abuse support.
- Workforce Development Training Employment-readiness training and job placement programs for individuals facing barriers to employment, including Bronzeville Green Organic Landscaping, janitorial training, culinary training (with ServSafe certification), and pathways to supervisor-level roles.
- Black History Preservation Program Historic preservation, educational programming, virtual tours, and cultural events celebrating the Historic Former Wabash YMCA, including the W.E. Scott 'Mind, Body, Spirit' mural conservation and Black History Month programming.
- Abrams Intergenerational Village 71-unit intergenerational housing development co-developed with H.O.M.E., combining senior housing, grandfamily apartments, and college student units in a single supportive community in the Washington Park neighborhood of Chicago.
Quantifiable outcome
- 95% housing occupancy maintained as organizational goal
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use The Renaissance Collaborative
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
The Renaissance Collaborative technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
The Renaissance Collaborative partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core and minor.
- ComEdstrategicPartnered to restore the SmartFlower solar device at TRC headquarters. Part of ComEd's Community of the Future initiative in Bronzeville, supporting sustainable and affordable energy future.
- ElevatestrategicChief Program Officer Antonia Ornalas led restoration of SmartFlower solar device. Committed to creating sustainable and equitable future through innovative, clean energy solutions for communities.
- TASCstrategicNew partnership forged in 2025 as part of TRC's expanded service network. Strengthens continuum of services available to residents.
- Elevated ChicagostrategicNew partnership in 2025 expanding TRC's collaborative network and reinforcing TRC's role as trusted leader in supportive housing and community development.
- Northwestern MedicinestrategicNew healthcare partnership in 2025 bringing expanded health resources and services to TRC residents and the broader community.
- Housing Opportunities & Maintenance for the Elderly (H.O.M.E.)coreCo-development partner for Abrams Intergenerational Village. H.O.M.E. brings 40+ years of intergenerational housing experience including Pat Crowley House and Nathalie Salmon House models.
- Quinn Chapel AME ChurchcoreOne of four founding Bronzeville churches that formed TRC in 1992. Church leaders united to save the Historic Former Wabash YMCA from demolition.
- St. Thomas Episcopal ChurchcoreOne of four founding Bronzeville churches that formed TRC in 1992 as part of coalition to preserve the historic Wabash YMCA.
- St. Elizabeth Catholic ChurchcoreOne of four founding Bronzeville churches that formed TRC in 1992 to rescue the historic Wabash YMCA building.
- Apostolic Faith ChurchcoreOne of four founding Bronzeville churches that formed TRC in 1992 to save the historic Wabash YMCA through an $11 million capital campaign.
- Moody NolanstrategicNation's largest Black-owned architecture firm selected through competitive process to design Abrams Intergenerational Village. Selected for 71-unit, 6-story intergenerational housing development.
- Prim Lawrence GroupstrategicDevelopment consulting firm engaged to help launch Abrams Intergenerational Village project and navigate financing process.
- Habilitative Systems Inc. (HSI)strategicSubstance abuse treatment provider partnering with TRC to provide treatment services and employment opportunities for TRC residents in recovery.
- Loquacious Culinary (Chef Aleta Williams)minorProfessional chef providing free culinary training classes to TRC community. Program includes ServSafe certification and job connections in culinary industry.
Scale indicators16 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
The Renaissance Collaborative competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Thresholds: Chicago nonprofit providing supportive housing, mental health, and substance use services to adults with serious mental illness — directly comparable service population and housing-plus-clinical-support model to TRC.
- Heartland Alliance: Major Chicago-based anti-poverty nonprofit delivering supportive housing, behavioral health, and workforce services — comparable to TRC across its integrated social-services portfolio and similar target populations.
- Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH): National nonprofit that preserves and operates affordable rental housing for low-income residents, including supportive housing — directly comparable to TRC's Renaissance Apartments preservation and operation model.
- Brinshore Development: Chicago-based affordable housing developer specializing in LIHTC-financed supportive and family housing — directly comparable to TRC on LIHTC-driven affordable-supportive development in the Chicago metro area.
- Cara Program: Chicago-based nonprofit workforce development provider serving individuals affected by homelessness, incarceration, and poverty — directly comparable to TRC's workforce development programs targeting chronically homeless adults.
- Housing Opportunities & Maintenance for the Elderly (H.O.M.E.): Chicago nonprofit providing intergenerational housing and services for seniors — TRC's actual co-development partner on the Abrams Intergenerational Village, sharing the same grandfamily/intergenerational housing thesis.
- A Safe Haven Foundation: Chicago-based nonprofit providing supportive housing, workforce development, and wraparound services to homeless and recovering individuals — overlapping TRC's integrated housing-plus-employment model in the same metro area.
Broad incumbents
- Enterprise Community Partners: National nonprofit housing and community development organization financing and operating affordable and supportive housing — broadly comparable to TRC's affordable housing finance and development model at significantly larger scale.
- Mercy Housing: National nonprofit affordable housing developer and operator with supportive services for formerly homeless and low-income families — same affordable-supportive-housing mission as TRC but at substantially larger national scale.
- Volunteers of America: National nonprofit operating supportive housing, workforce, behavioral health, and senior services across the U.S. — overlapping TRC's integrated services portfolio but at much broader geographic and operational scale.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Renaissance Collaborative social profiles
Digital presenceThe Renaissance Collaborative financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Renaissance Collaborative leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
The Renaissance Collaborative funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Renaissance Collaborative M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Renaissance Collaborative
What does The Renaissance Collaborative do?
The Renaissance Collaborative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides affordable supportive housing, workforce development training, and educational programming to chronically homeless adults, low-income seniors, and grandfamilies in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood. Its residential portfolio includes Renaissance Apartments (101-unit SRO), Senior Village, and the developing Abrams Intergenerational Village (71 units), supplemented by historic preservation of the Birthplace of Black History Month and green-jobs sustainability programming.
Is The Renaissance Collaborative a public or private company?
The Renaissance Collaborative is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Renaissance Collaborative founded?
The Renaissance Collaborative was founded in 1992. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is The Renaissance Collaborative based?
The Renaissance Collaborative is headquartered in Chicago, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Renaissance Collaborative make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Government Grants and Subsidies are the primary driver. The others are foundation and Private Grants, individual Donations and rental Income.
Who are The Renaissance Collaborative's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Thresholds, Heartland Alliance, Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH), Brinshore Development, Cara Program, Housing Opportunities & Maintenance for the Elderly (H.O.M.E.) and A Safe Haven Foundation. Broad incumbents are Enterprise Community Partners, Mercy Housing and Volunteers of America.
Does The Renaissance Collaborative have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Renaissance Collaborative.
What industry is The Renaissance Collaborative in?
The Renaissance Collaborative's product category is Affordable Supportive Housing Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLADAAAB, Affordable/Subsidized Independent Living (HUD/LIHTC) Communities, with a secondary code of BPAGAHAA, Museums & Heritage Sites (History, Science, Specialty). Its NAICS code is 623990 and its SIC code is 8050.