Our Mission

Keys to Evolve is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing low-barrier, affordable, shared housing for people in need. We understand that many individuals and families face significant barriers to access housing, such as income, credit, rental history, and employment history. Our mission is to break down these barriers and make a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most by offering housing without the standard approval requirements, ensuring everyone has a chance to evolve and thrive.

Rehabilitating Abandoned Properties: A Positive Impact on Communities

In addition to providing affordable housing, Keys to Evolve is committed to rehabbing abandoned properties to house residents in our program. This not only creates safe and affordable living spaces but also has a significant impact on the community. Rehabilitating abandoned properties can lead to a reduction in crime rates, as vacant properties often become hotspots for criminal activities. A recent incident in Chicago highlights this issue, where a 36-year-old homeless woman was found chained in the basement of an abandoned house.

Woman Found Screaming In Abandoned Far South Side House, Neighbor Says

By transforming these properties into safe and affordable homes, we can help reduce crime and improve the overall safety of our communities.

Moreover, rehabbing abandoned properties can positively impact property taxes. As properties are renovated and occupied, their value increases, leading to higher property taxes that can be reinvested into the community for improvements and services.

Our Impact

Since 2017, Keys to Evolve has been acquiring blighted properties and rehabbing them to create safe and affordable living spaces. In 2019, we acquired over 70 units that were causing blight in the community and began the process of rehabbing them. Our housing units offer all-inclusive services, including utilities, furnishings, free wifi, and access to third-party resources such as transportation, employment, and counseling services.

We serve a wide range of individuals and families, including veterans, seniors, domestic violence survivors, homeless individuals, students, families, LGBTQ+ community members, and other disadvantaged groups seeking affordable housing. Our goal is to end homelessness by continuing to acquire and renovate abandoned properties and making housing available and affordable to all.

Our Fundraising Campaign to Break Barriers & Unlock Housing

To continue our mission and expand our impact, we are launching an ambitious fundraising campaign called "Breaking Barriers" to provide shared housing at 10 scattered sites in the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana area. One site is already active and providing housing in Chicago, and we aim to offer our services at more affordable rates to our clients by covering some of their costs. The funds raised will also be used to acquire new sites and renovate new and existing sites.

With your support, we can continue to break down the barriers to affordable housing, revitalize communities by rehabbing abandoned properties, and make a life-changing impact on people experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness. Your donation will help us acquire and renovate more properties, provide affordable housing to those in need, and ultimately work towards our goal of ending homelessness.

How You Can Help

Donate - Any amount you can contribute will make a difference in breaking barriers to affordable housing for those in need. Our goal is to raise millions of dollars this year to expand our reach and impact.

Share our campaign - Help us spread the word by sharing our "Breaking Barriers" campaign with your friends, family, and social networks. The more people we reach, the more lives we can change.

Volunteer - Join our team and help us acquire, renovate, and manage properties to create more affordable housing opportunities and revitalize communities.

Together, we can break down the barriers to affordable housing, transform abandoned properties, and help people in need evolve and thrive. Thank you for your support!

Disclaimer: Thank you for considering a donation to Keys To Evolve. We would like to inform you that at this time, we do not have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). As a result, any contributions made to Keys To Evolve cannot be claimed as tax-deductible donations. However, we greatly appreciate your support, and we assure you that every donation received will be utilized to further our mission and objectives. For the time being, any contributions will be treated as sponsorship rather than tax-deductible donations. We are actively working towards obtaining our 501(c)(3) status and expect to receive it in the near future. Once our status is approved, we will notify our donors promptly, and any eligible donations made during this period may be retroactively considered tax-deductible, subject to IRS regulations. Please consult with a tax advisor or professional to understand the implications of your donation. Thank you for understanding.

Housing Unlocked

By Keys To Evolve

Housing Unlocked

Breaking Barriers To Affordable Housing