Liz’s Ark plans pet-inclusive housing on Chicago’s South Side

Liz’s Ark is developing a South Side Chicago housing initiative for domestic violence survivors and adults aging out of foster care, with pets allowed. The project aims to remove a common barrier that can force people to choose between safety and keeping an animal companion.

Why it matters: - Liz’s Ark is trying to fill a gap in housing and shelter systems that often do not accept pets. - The model could help domestic violence survivors and former foster youth get stable housing without separating from animals that provide comfort and emotional support. - The initiative is designed for Chicago’s South Side, where the organization plans to build a pet-inclusive residential option.

What happened: - Liz’s Ark announced plans for a new housing initiative for domestic violence survivors and adults who have aged out of foster care. - The project is being developed as a pending 501(c)(3) nonprofit. - The residence is planned for Chicago’s South Side. - Residents will be able to bring their pets.

The details: - Liz’s Ark was created in memory of Elizabeth Martinez, the sister of the co-founder, who died as a result of domestic violence. - Elizabeth left behind three children and family pets. - Maribelle helped raise the children after Elizabeth’s death, which shaped the founders’ view of domestic violence’s impact on entire families. - The founders said they became aware that many shelters, transitional housing programs and residential facilities cannot accommodate pets. - The organization says that can force people to choose between safety and leaving an animal behind. - Liz’s Ark will serve domestic violence survivors and adults transitioning out of the foster care system. - The planned residence is meant to support independence, stability and a sense of home while keeping residents connected to their animals. - The name Liz’s Ark honors Elizabeth and reflects a mission of refuge for people and animals. - The initiative is being sponsored in part by IC en Scene. - IC en Scene focuses on advocacy, safety, education, in film and fashion, and on creating more respectful environments for vulnerable individuals. - Liz’s Ark is seeking donors, sponsors, community partners, foundations, businesses and individuals to help launch the project. - Donations and sponsorships would support property rehabilitation, residential space, pet-friendly accommodations, operations, programming and resident resources. - People interested in donating, partnering or learning more can email maribelle@icenscene.com.

Between the lines: - The project is built around a specific insight: housing instability becomes harder to solve when residents must also decide whether to abandon a pet. - By centering pets, Liz’s Ark is positioning itself as both housing and trauma-informed support. - The emphasis on family loss and foster care suggests the founders want the project to address long-term disruption, not just short-term shelter.

What's next: - Liz’s Ark will continue nonprofit development and launch work. - The organization is actively fundraising and looking for partners to move the project forward. - Property rehab, residential buildout and pet-friendly programming depend on outside support.

The bottom line: - Liz’s Ark is betting that safe housing works better when people do not have to leave their pets behind.