About Us
What We Do
We disrupt cycles of poverty by providing income-sensitive transitional housing. We live alongside young men, building financial literacy, vocational opportunities, healthy community life, and holistic development that cultivates dignity and empowers self-sufficiency.
Meet the Team
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dan is the lead dreamer and system implementor. After managing nearly $100 million in ad revenue to grow big brands, Dan struggled to see the impact. They raised over $10K for charity as a ultramarathoner and mountain climber, they channeled that passion into creating housing that's condusive to sustainable growth. Dan now applies that entrepreneurial acumen to reimagining solutions for homelessness with dignity.
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & ENGAGEMENT
With a BA & MBA, Tristion hails from Chicago's Southside. Previously facilitating group therapy and coaching at Heartland's Readi program. He supported Chicagoans at risk of gun violence. In 2022 he sought to continue his healing work through Collective's holistic housing model. He is a true community developer who "leads with love." He is also the team-lead on trauma-informed curriculum, as well as our grant cultivation team.
LIFE COACH
A jack of all trades, Jordan is an entrepreneur, poet, and activist who's been featured in Forbes, NPR and Chicago Tribune. His most recent effort is “How Men Cry” a collaborative effort to change the narrative around mens' relationship to vulnerability and mental health. To top it off he's also an energized lyricist known as Dxtr Spits, and holds a degree from Virginia Tech as a Materials Science Engineer.
"It's All About Mutuality."
In November of 2018, in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood, a small group of passionate community developers began creating a
space for young men with a history of homelessness to change their trajectory.
At Collective Chicago we are all held to the same standard of self-betterment. From
staff to new residents, we all operate with equality, thus restoring and empowering dignity with each step of the journey.
This unique environment is an organic,
team-driven movement towards
self-sustainability.
We believe patient persistence in the same direction creates positive change. We invite you to read up on the team who is disrupting systems and cycles of poverty with dignity.
PRESIDENT OF BOARD
VICE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
- BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER -
After graduating from Cornell, and unicycling from Canada to Mexico, Adam was then invited to live with people experiencing homelessness
in Uptown Chicago. Six months into his journey within the local tent community, he saw the need to create spaces conducive to growth.
On staff for 5 years, Adam now leads as President of the Board.
Born and raised in Chicago, Jackie arose a distinguished actress, singer, director, playwright and founder of the first ever black theater in the north side of Chicago. She currently runs the 20 million dollar theater to creating change through art and opportunity.
BOARD MEMBER
MANAGEMENT
- THE BUDLONG -
An Uptown, Chicago native, Jason is a powerful advocate for the Collective approach. Unjustly incarcerated for 20 years, he came back to Uptown to find work, housing and re-write the systems that wronged him. Jason inspires this team by experience and drives insights for continued growth.
BOARD MEMBER
LEAD MAINTENANCE MECHANIC
- CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD -
A local native of Chicago, Johnny is a lead player in guidance around addiction recovery and reentry. Intimately aware and passionate about the life change possible, he oversees guidance of the board and for our young men to introduce and implement new modes of coping, accountability and healing.
Thank You to Our Community Partners
