Homelessness can happen to anyone, but a local organization is doing their part to help those who are on the streets here in Naperville and throughout DuPage.
DuPagePads is committed to ending homelessness in DuPage County, and their service starts with their interim housing program.
A number of local congregations provide space once a week to DuPagePads, including the Naperville Church of Christ and St. Margaret Mary Church.
This means at 7 p.m. every evening, two overnight sites open their doors to the local homeless population.
“We’re like a floating motel throughout our county,” said Carol Simler, President and CEO of DuPagePads. “When people come to our doors we welcome them, provide a safe environment, and rest for the night.”
In addition to a safe space to spend the night, clients are given dinner and lunch for the next day. Some locations even offer laundry services and showers.
After arriving at an overnight site, clients are also welcomed into DuPagePads’s individualized support program.
“Our case managers assess, support, and really wrap services around individuals, families and veterans to move them to housing,” said Simler.
One of the most important services that is offered is career solutions. Where clients can take classes, receive help building a resume, and be put in contact with one of the over 100 local employers that DuPagePads has connections with.
“The case managers work on their life plan, the employment specialist works with what is the plan and how do they retain that employment, how do we support those individuals as they move towards key in the door,” said Simler.
DuPagePads also holds an annual job fair to help connect those in need with employers who offer long-term careers. The next one will be held on June 19..
DuPagePads has been serving our area since 1985.
Naperville News 17’s Blane Erwin reports.
