Fellowship Housing Corporation

What Fellowship Housing Corporation does

Fellowship Housing Corporation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1991 and headquartered in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, that provides a two-year transitional housing program combined with financial literacy training for single mothers and their children. The organization operates 41 housing units across the Chicagoland area — including locations in Hoffman Estates, Crystal Lake, and McHenry County — through a Property Partner Network model that leverages donated or below-market real estate rather than owned assets. Since its founding, Fellowship Housing has served more than 1,000 mothers and children and reports an 88% program graduation rate based on 18+ years of outcome tracking (since 2006).

The organization's core "product" is its Hope Journey curriculum, delivered by certified Family Advocates across the two-year residency, covering housing stability, financial literacy, and life skills. Operational technology is conventional nonprofit infrastructure: a donor management platform (My Well), website CMS, email newsletter, and event-management tooling. There is no evidence of proprietary technology platforms or AI/ML systems — the value proposition is the human-delivered program and the curated support ecosystem rather than a technology stack.

Fellowship Housing's revenue model is overwhelmingly donation-driven: approximately 99% of funding comes from individual donors, corporate sponsors, and events, with only 1% from government sources. Individual giving is structured through tiered programs including the Hope Builder monthly giving program ($25-$100/month) and Family Champion sponsorships at $22,000 per family per year. Additional revenue streams include corporate and event sponsorships (e.g., Hope Parties, Endurance Team), institutional grants (Harper College, Impact100, Starbucks Foundation, Community Foundation of McHenry County), non-cash contributions via Donor-Advised Funds, Qualified Charitable Distributions, and appreciated stock, and in-kind donations of goods and services. The organization has 11-50 employees and operates with a distributed network of 40+ community, faith, and corporate partners.

Name

Fellowship Housing Corporation

Legal name

Fellowship Housing Corporation

Website

https://fhcmoms.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Fellowship Housing Corporation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides a two-year transitional housing program with financial literacy training for single mothers and their children across 41 units in the Chicagoland area, funded primarily through individual donations, sponsorships, and grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Transitional Housing Services

NAICS

Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Other Community Housing Services (624229)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Housing, Foster Care & Wraparound Support (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAO)

akta.pro secondary industry

Family Resource Centers & Wraparound Support Services (EDACALAH)

Keywords

• Transitional housing services
• Financial literacy education
• Nonprofit social services
• Affordable housing programs
• Family support services

Headquarters

HQ city

Hoffman Estates

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and monthly financial donations from individuals. Monthly Hope Builder program provides recurring revenue. One-time gifts, Family Champion program ($22,000/year for one family), and planned giving/bequests.
2. Corporate & Event Sponsorships: Annual sponsorships for Gala and Golf Outing events, corporate matching gifts programs, and corporate donations from business partners.
3. Government Funding: Minimal government funding (1% of budget) from municipalities including City of Aurora, Elgin Township, Hanover Township, Schaumburg Township Mental Health Board, and Schaumburg Township Welfare Services.
4. Non-Cash Donations: Donor-Advised Fund contributions, Qualified Charitable Distributions from IRAs, and stock donations.
5. In-Kind Donations: Donations of household items, furniture, clothing, and gift cards for families served.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Fellowship Housing Corporation delivers a two-year transitional housing program combined with intensive financial literacy training, debt-reduction matching, credit-building coaching, and wraparound support services to single mothers and their children across Chicagoland. The core service places qualifying families into affordable housing units (Fellowship Housing is the lease signer), then layers on individualized budgeting, one-on-one mentoring, counseling, career development, and educational support. Supporting offerings include the Hope Builder monthly donor subscription, the Family Champion annual commitment, and the Legacy Scholarship for children's post-secondary education.

Product overview

Fellowship Housing Corporation operates as a single, integrated nonprofit program offering transitional housing combined with intensive financial literacy education for single mothers and their children. The core program is a two-year transitional housing and financial coaching initiative that provides affordable housing, debt-reduction support, credit building, savings programs, and educational opportunities. Supporting programs include the Hope Builder monthly giving program, Legacy Scholarship Program for children's post-secondary education, Housing Partner Program connecting property owners with families, Item Donation Program via Amazon and Target registries, Volunteer Program, and the Holding Hope podcast. The organization also hosts annual fundraising events including a Gala, Golf Outing, and Endurance Team race, as well as community Hope Party events.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Hope Builders: Monthly giving program where donors commit steady, monthly support for single mothers and their children
• Holding Hope
• Hope Parties

Products and services

• Transitional Housing & Financial Literacy Program Two-year transitional housing program combined with intensive financial literacy training, debt-reduction matching (up to $500/month), credit-building coaching, individualized budgeting, one-on-one mentoring, career development, counseling, and wraparound support services for single mothers and their children. Provided at no cost to qualifying families across seven Chicagoland communities.
• Legacy Scholarship Program Educational scholarship program supporting the post-secondary educational pursuits of children from Fellowship Housing families.
• Hope Builder Monthly Giving Program Recurring monthly donor subscription program with tiers at $25/month (warm clothes, tutoring, school supplies), $50/month (debt-matching up to $500/month), $75/month (year of counseling), and $100/month (one month of safe housing for a family).
• Family Champion Program Annual donor commitment of $22,000 to support an entire Fellowship Housing family for a whole year, including support, training, housing, and all necessary services.
• Housing Partner Program Partnership program engaging individual property investors, townhome owners, and apartment complex owners/managers to lease units to Fellowship Housing, which then manages tenancy for program participants.
• Item Donation Program Program accepting donations of new or gently used household items, baby supplies, furniture, clothing, and gift cards for families served, including Welcome Baskets for new families entering the program.
• Volunteer Program Volunteer opportunities ranging from one-time event support to ongoing commitments, including fundraising event committees, family events, professional services, and Habitat for Humanity home-building sweat equity.
• Holding Hope Podcast Podcast hosted by Executive Director Pam Orr featuring conversations with guests sharing stories and insights about living and holding hope as a single mother, distributed on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
• Annual Gala Annual fundraising gala featuring fine dining, cocktail hour, auction, wine pull, and entertainment to raise funds for Fellowship Housing programs, held annually in March.
• Annual Golf Outing Annual golf event featuring golf, contests, prizes, food, and drinks to raise awareness and funds for at-risk single mothers and their children, held annually in September.
• Annual Endurance Team Annual fundraising team participating in local races (half marathon, 10K, 5K) to raise awareness and funds for at-risk single mothers, combining endurance athletics with philanthropy.
• Hope Party Program Community fundraising program where individuals host events such as birthday parties, wine and cheese nights, and coffee gatherings to raise funds and awareness for Fellowship Housing families.

Quantifiable outcome

• 88% of graduates achieve independent living with full employment and housing
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Food for FriendscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partner providing Thanksgiving meals (15-35 meals annually), hosting bowling events for families, and teaching budgeting skills through grocery funds. John Opsahl serves on the Food for Friends board.
• West Ridge ChurchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides Easter baskets for children, hosts Fellowship Housing graduation events, Breakfast with Santa, Mother's Day gifts, back-to-school supplies, winter clothing drives, and gas gift cards. Partnership began in 2022.
• Harper College Educational FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAwarded two consecutive $10,000 Community Innovation Fund Grants (2022-2023) to support single-mom-led families in achieving education and economic mobility goals.
• Habitat for Humanity (DuPage, Northern Fox Valley, McHenry County)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner19 Fellowship Housing graduates have received Habitat homes. Fellowship Housing staff volunteer sweat equity hours. Graduates must complete 500+ sweat equity hours to qualify for homes.
• C.A.R.S. MinistrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWillow Creek Church ministry provides at-cost car repairs for Fellowship Housing moms, ensuring safe and reliable transportation for employment and family needs.
• Cars of HopecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable organization that donates vehicles to people in difficult circumstances, helping Fellowship Housing moms achieve transportation independence.
• Clearwater Capital PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor sponsor providing Christmas trees and gifts for families, car show fundraising events, and ongoing financial support. Hosted Women in Business Fashion Showcase benefiting FH.
• JRS Group (Liz Karsten and Ritesh Shah)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntroduced JRS Cares program providing weekly employment and career support: resume updates, LinkedIn profiles, job applications, and long-term career goal discussions with moms.
• Community Foundation for McHenry CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal partnership enabling expansion into McHenry County, providing housing and services to predominantly Hispanic population in Elgin area.
• Tom's Farm MarketminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDonated family passes for Fun on the Farm experience to all moms for 3 consecutive years, creating family memories that would otherwise be excluded from limited budgets.
• Dave and Peggy ShumwaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInvestor Property Partners since 2013, rent apartments to FH at reduced rates. Dave serves as male role model, teaching home maintenance skills to moms preparing for independent living.
• John and Ginny OpsahlcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInvestor Property Partners since 2013, rent townhouses to FH at reduced rates. Ginny assists moms in securing homes upon graduation. John serves on Food for Friends board.
• Willow Creek Church South BarringtoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosts Fellowship Housing graduation events and provides childcare and volunteer support. Home to C.A.R.S. Ministry partner.
• Love Local MediacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerProduces and records the Holding Hope podcast, sponsors golf outing, captures graduation stories, and attends gala events. Provides digital marketing expertise and authentic storytelling for FH mission.
• The Chapel PalatineminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosts Fellowship Housing graduation ceremony for April 2026 cohort.
• Light of Christ ChurchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosts Fellowship Housing graduation ceremony for November 2025 cohort.
• Chamber of Commerce PartnersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive partnerships with Bloomingdale Chamber, Elgin Chamber, Schaumburg Business Association, and Hoffman Estates Chamber.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Sarah's Inn: Chicago-area nonprofit providing housing and supportive services for women and families affected by domestic violence. Shares geographic territory and family-stability mission, though serving a more specialized intake population.
• All Chicago (formerly All Chicago: Our Communities Foundation): Chicago-area funder and convener focused on homelessness prevention and family housing stability. Comparable geography, complementary grantmaking role, and shared donor ecosystem with Fellowship Housing.

Broad incumbents

• Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago: Large regional nonprofit providing housing assistance, financial counseling, and family support services across Chicagoland. Wider service portfolio but overlapping single-mother and at-risk family clientele.
• Enterprise Community Partners: National nonprofit investor and developer of affordable housing with supportive services. Operates at significantly larger scale than Fellowship Housing but addresses the same housing-instability need for low-income families.
• YWCA Metropolitan Chicago: Regional YWCA chapter providing housing, economic empowerment, and supportive services for women and families in Chicagoland. Comparable wraparound service model with broader programming footprint.
• Habitat for Humanity Chicago Region: Established national nonprofit providing affordable homeownership pathways. Directly partners with Fellowship Housing (19 graduates housed), making it both a downstream placement channel and a broader incumbent in the family-housing space.
• Mercy Housing Lakefront: Larger national nonprofit operating affordable and supportive housing across many regions, including the Midwest. Overlaps in transitional housing services but serves broader populations beyond single mothers.

Direct peers

• Family Promise: National nonprofit operating shelter-to-housing programs for families experiencing homelessness, including single-parent households. Comparable model offering transitional housing combined with case management and stability services for vulnerable families.
• WINGS (Women In Need Growing Stronger): Chicagoland-area nonprofit providing housing, education, and career support to single mothers and their children. Co-listed as a Women in Business Fashion Showcase beneficiary alongside Fellowship Housing, indicating direct overlap in mission, geography, and beneficiary profile.
• Bridge of Hope: Faith-based nonprofit addressing family homelessness through community-based mentoring and transitional housing partnerships. Similar church-network GTM and donor-driven model serving single-parent families.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLmYQdrkgfQ6v4Hjx8Ty35rG1n6XRbjbfw
• Facebookfacebook.com/fhcmoms
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fellowship-housing
• Instagraminstagram.com/fellowshiphousing

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 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 Fellowship Housing Corporation