Ending Homelessness with Ignatian Spirituality Project
The Winter Walk team recently had the pleasure of interviewing staff with Ignatian Spirituality Project, Winter Walk’s organizational partner (OP) for both Winter Walk Chicago and Winter Walk Boston!
Thanks so much for making time to speak with us today, and share more about your work and your mission with us. We’re especially excited because ISP Chicago was one of our original OPs there, and ISP Boston joined us this year for our 10th annual Winter Walk in Boston! For anyone that doesn’t know yet, could you tell us a little bit about your organization?
Our organization was founded in Chicago in 1998 when Fr. Bill Creed, S.J. and his friend Ed Shurna, past Executive Director of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, were both seeking a way to care for the spiritual life of people experiencing homelessness. Ed and Bill realized they were being called to find a way to bring God’s hope and love to those who were struggling to find a path forward… and the Ignatian Spirituality Project was born.
The Ignatian Spirituality Project invites people recovering from homelessness and addiction to encounter God’s love, hope, and healing through spiritual companionship that transforms lives.
Who does ISP serve?
ISP serves individuals in recovery from homelessness and addiction through retreats and reflection circles rooted in Ignatian spirituality and the 12-step tradition. We operate in over 20 U.S. cities and welcome over 5,500 participants annually with the support of more than 600 volunteers and 175 local partners.
What is the greatest need your organization has this year?
ISP’s greatest need is sustaining and growing our fundraising base to support transformative retreats and expand access to spiritual care across our network. As we reimagine our organizational vision, consistent and scalable funding is essential to deepen our impact, center alumni leadership, and invest in our volunteer community.
ISP fundraisers and community members at the first Winter Walk in Chicago, 2025.
How will your Chicago and Boston groups use the money raised at the Winter Walk fundraisers this year?
Funds from Winter Walk will support ISP’s spiritual retreat programming in Chicago and Boston. This includes:
- Covering costs for retreat participants, including transportation, meals, and materials
- Training and equipping local volunteers to lead retreats
- Supporting post-retreat reflection circles that help participants sustain their healing journey
- Helping ISP build a pipeline of new supporters and partners through local event participation and follow-up engagement.
What is something you wish everyone understood about homelessness?
That healing isn’t just about shelter or services. It’s also about the inner journey. Homelessness often involves deep loss, trauma, and disconnection. ISP offers spaces of reflection and spiritual accompaniment where people are reminded of their worth, invited to share their stories, and supported in reconnecting with themselves, others, and God. This kind of relational healing opens doors to lasting transformation, not just for participants, but for all of us involved in the journey.
“After years of addiction and homelessness, I am truly blessed that ISP was there to lift me up and become an integral part of my own recovery. ISP has taught me that I am loved and treasured and I do not have to let the past define me.”
– Andrew, ISP Alumn
“I believe ISP helps people find their goodness. On retreats they can rediscover and connect with who they are, not just their identity as someone with an addiction or mental health problem.”
– Laurie Spellmeyer, LCSW, Harris House, St. Louis, MO
Reggie Morrow shares his story with the crowd at Winter Walk 2026 Chicago. Reggie is pictured with Claire DesHotels, Regional Director of ISP.
It was an honor to have Reggie Morrow, a member of ISP’s Ambassadors of Hope 2024-2026 Cohort, share his story as the keynote speaker at Winter Walk 2026 Chicago. Like many people who have experienced homelessness, Reggie shared there were times when he thought he’d be homeless for the rest of his life. What is something you wish everyone knew about unhoused people?
That unhoused people carry wisdom, leadership, and stories that can heal communities. Many who’ve participated in ISP retreats go on to lead future ones, becoming anchors of compassion and strength for others. When people are truly welcomed and accompanied — not “served” but met as equals — those gifts come to life. That’s how our movement grows: through mutual transformation, not charity.
“ISP has provided me a path to healing in not only my own life, but also all those I am now able to humbly serve. What a true gift from God!”
— Andrew, ISP Alumn
The Ambassadors of Hope is a leadership program for ISP alumni team members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and merit as facilitators on their local ISP teams.
How can people support ISP?
- Join our mailing list at https://ispretreats.org/sign-up/ to receive inspiring stories and opportunities to get involved
- Follow ISP on social media and share our content to spread awareness.
- Invite us to speak at your school, church, or community group.
- Make a monthly gift to help sustain our retreats year-round.
- Volunteer or help us build partnerships with local organizations that share our values.
Thank you so much for your time and we can’t wait to walk with you again in 2027!
