The Fireplace Community completes strategic planning
The Fireplace recently completed a six-month strategic planning process, through which we made crucial decisions about our legal status, governance, programming, finances, and mission. We believe these decisions reflect our core values and put us on the path toward long-term sustainability.
Legal status: This May, the Fireplace Community became an independent organization. We have incorporated as a not-for-profit in the state of Illinois.
Governance: The Fireplace Community is cooperatively governed by its long-term residents, who make up its board of directors.
Programming: The two primary programs of the Fireplace are its residential intentional community and its "extended community" of non-residents. Additionally, as we are able, we welcome visitors and host public events.
Finances: We have adopted a revenue model that relies on funds from within our community. So our main funding is rent from our residents and contributions from extended community members, like you!
Mission: "To bring together progressive Catholics and spiritual seekers for creativity, intentional community, and cooperative housing."
This spring and summer have also seen significant transitions in the Fireplace's residential community. We currently have three residents: Leslie Carranza, Sister Sharon Dillon SSJ-TOSF, and Abby Rampone. We are grateful to everyone who has shaped and supported the Fireplace over the past few years. As we enter a new chapter in this community's journey, we are seeking companions - old and new - to journey with us.
Here's how you can get involved:
Apply or share our application. Applications to live at the Fireplace Community are now open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please spread the word! As we build out our operations, we are especially looking for residents with experience or interest in co-ops, intentional community, faith leadership, or nonprofit boards.
Donate. As we seek new residents and shift away from dependence on grants, we are expecting several months of vacancy loss before the house is at capacity. By donating to the Fireplace, you support the sustainability of this project. We can now accept checks to "The Fireplace Community" (mailed to 5045 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL 60615), cash, or Zelle payments to thefireplacecommunity@gmail.com
Come to dinner. The Fireplace continues to offer twice-weekly community dinners, which are open to non-residents. If you're interested, email thefireplacecommunity@gmail.com!