The Humboldt Park Orchestra provided the soundtrack for the inaugural Chicago Winter Walk on February 9th, and the Chicago Jesuit family came out strong to raise awareness about homelessness in Chicago! Inspired by similar walks in Boston and New York, the day featured speakers and a 2-mile walk with all funds directly supporting the critical work that organizations like ISP do for people experiencing homelessness. Along with The Boulevard, The Chicago Help Initiative and Franciscan Outreach, ISP was a partner organization in this inaugural event.

ISP was thrilled to have almost 200 registrants from our Chicago Jesuit family join our staff, board and volunteers for this cold winter day of action and fellowship. Students, faculty and staff from Chicago Jesuit Academy, Christ the King Jesuit College Prep, Loyola University Chicago and Saint Ignatius College Prep made up the vast majority of not only Team ISP, but the entire Winter Walk crowd! It was a rare opportunity to come together as a Jesuit family–and was especially important because we did it in support of the people ISP works with every day. At the ISP info table, we asked a simple question: “Why do you walk?” Here is what some of our walkers had to say:

• It’s the right thing to do
• We are brothers and sisters
• Housing is a human right
• We ought to love one another
• I want to support my community
• We all need each other
• Because Jesus walked
• Everyone deserves a place to call home

Together we raised nearly $9,000 for ISP’s mission to walk with people on the road to recovery from homelessness and addiction. We are so grateful for the support of the many people who made this day possible. See you for Winter Walk 2026!