In an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation connects people and creates opportunity through access to social services, job training, housing, and food.

For 35 years, Inspiration Corporation has been a leader in Chicago’s efforts to support our most vulnerable neighbors by offering a continuum of impactful services and also advocating for new, innovative strategies to address food insecurity and end homelessness.

Our story started in 1989 with a little red wagon and a big heart. Lisa Nigro, a Chicago Police Officer, started walking the streets of Uptown with her nephew’s Radio Flyer wagon filled with coffee and sandwiches. Lisa built authentic connections with the people she encountered – many of whom were unhoused – because she always showed up and because she offered a meal with a smile. 

Over the years, that wagon grew into a van, then a bus, and eventually a full-service café for people experiencing homelessness. Over three decades later, Inspiration Corporation still embodies Lisa’s values: to connect over food; to treat everyone with respect; and to be there for our neighbors. And we proudly display that little red wagon in our café to remind all of us what a big heart can accomplish.