FAQs
Isn’t this encouraging homelessness?
Ice fishing tents are designed to hold in heat and withstand high winds, but which also provide much-needed shade in the summer. They're also more spacious and sturdy, compared to summer tents. The orange tents are not a permanent solution; they were never meant to be. Rather, the purpose of the insulated structures is to meet one of the most basic needs of Maslow's Hierarchy while individuals experiencing homelessness await housing placement. We believe, in accordance with current research on Social Determinants of Health, that shelter, sustenance, and physical safety are vital first steps to addressing larger obstacles such as drug addiction and mental illness. Due to the high demand and strain upon housing programs, the reality is that many of our neighbors experiencing homelessness face several weeks on waitlists for placement in a housing program. Through our relationship-led tent building and meal distribution initiatives, our team is able to not only connect individuals to housing programs, but also bridge the gap between the street and their new home by providing a warmer place to stay while they wait. Our expansive network of partner organizations allows us to continue introducing neighbors to additional resources that may help get them back on their feet, including legal assistance, public benefits access, additional housing opportunities, emergency services, and more. .
How do you determine who gets a tent?
We receive referrals from our partner organizations, as well as from individuals experiencing homelessness, either for themselves or on behalf of someone else. When we receive a referral, our Operations Team attempts to make contact with the referred individual to determine whether a tent is appropriate for their situation. For folks who might move around more frequently, a tent may not be the best option for them and we try to get them connected to other resources. Once we make contact and confirm that the individual wants a tent and that it is a viable temporary solution for their situation, we identify a location and prepare to build.
I saw someone experiencing homelessness. How do I get them a tent?
First of all, thank you for wanting to take action! We are a small (but mighty!) team, and we need your help. If you witness an individual experiencing homelessness and think they might benefit from an ice fishing tent, follow these steps:
Say hello and introduce yourself! People experiencing homelessness are people. They deserve human interaction and to be treated with respect and dignity. You may be surprised at the relationships you can build when you stop to say “hey”!
Mention that you noticed their situation and know of an organization that might be able to help. Show them some photos on our Instagram page of the tents (the orange ones are larger; the black ones are smaller), and ask whether they’d be interested in one.
If they are interested in a tent, fill out this form with them to submit a request to our Operations Team. Please consider donating or hosting a fundraiser through our GiveButter site to help us raise the $600 it costs to build a tent. We are entirely donor-funded — every dollar helps!
If they are NOT interested, that’s okay! Feel free to share with them some of the other services we offer, including daily hot meals Monday through Friday, and connections to housing, health, and employment services. You can still submit this form, selecting the items they’re interested in, and we’ll do our best to get in touch with them.
How can I get involved?
We’re so excited you want to work with us! There are tons of ways to get involved with The Orange Tent Project.
Donate to the cause! We have one-time and recurring donation options.
Check out our Events Page to see our upcoming events and fundraisers.
Subscribe to our mailing list to stay in the loop on all-things OTP.
Sign up to volunteer!
Host a fundraiser through GiveButter.
Sponsor us!
Follow and engage with us on Instagram.
I want to do this in my area. How do I start?
The Orange Tent Project operates solely in Chicago, but if you’re interested in showing up for folks experiencing homelessness in your area, here’s our advice: take it day by day. Listen to the voices and the needs of the community you're serving before taking action and assuming you know what's best. Always protect your energy because you can't do the work if you're not functioning. If you want to learn more, feel free to join us on a build or meal distribution to see the work in action!