DuPagePads Adds 12 New Supportive Housing Units

People Move from a Pad on the Floor to a Key in the Door!

Full Press Release Here

For Immediate Release:

October 27, 2017

Contact:

Carol Simler
President & CEO
630.682.3846, ext. 2310
csimler@dupagepads.org

Janelle Barcelona
Vice President, Development
630.682.3846, ext. 2220
jbarcelona@dupagepads.org

 

loading-the-truckHousing ends homelessness. Recently, DuPagePads received funding for 12 new Supportive Housing apartment units, providing the opportunity to transform the lives of 12 chronically homeless individuals.

These apartments not only give people a place to call “home,” but save taxpayer dollars.

DuPagePads is recognized in DuPage County as the largest provider of Supportive Housing, now with 94 apartment units, for families and individuals who have been homeless for a year or longer and have a documented disability such as mental illness, physical disability or substance abuse.

This housing not only provides safety and stability, but tenants also receive ongoing case management which keeps them focused on their life goals, improving their health, obtaining financially security and becoming productive members of their community.

Successful at ending homelessness, 89% of Supportive Housing tenants have been in their housing for a year or longer. With clients no longer cycling through emergency rooms, detox centers and prisons, a cost saving occurs to the medical, mental health, substance abuse and criminal justice systems, making communities healthier and safer. Calculations show that last year these units saved taxpayers over $2.5 million alone, all while improving participants’ health.

To help turn these apartments into homes, service clubs, congregations and local businesses came together to furnish the units.

The Assistance League of Chicagoland West supplied all 12 apartments with kitchen sets which included glassware, pots, pans, cooking utensils, cleaning supplies, a cookbook and small appliances like coffee pots and crockpots, all brand new. BMO Harris Bank donated $2,000 worth of bathroom supplies and accessories for the new apartments and Serta Simmons Bedding in Hoffman Estates, donated 12 new mattresses and 7 new box springs for clients to sleep.

Numerous congregations donated new and gently used furniture and household items

An Unforgettable Day –

Clients recall their feelings the day they moved in:

“When I put the key in the door for the first time, I was overwhelmed with many emotions:  excitement, disbelief, happiness and lastly, pride,” -James

“Everywhere I looked in the apartment was a reminder that someone cared: from the bed to the microwave to the lamp. I just remember thinking I can’t believe this is mine.” -Emily

“For me, this is a new beginning, a fresh start. To think about where I was a year ago, to where I am now, DuPagePads has really saved my life.” -Daniel

“It is wonderful to have my own place and being able to rest when I need to. Being on dialysis multiple times a week, my health is much more stable now that I’m in housing,” Jose, who recently moved into one of the 12 new Supportive Housing units.

For over 30 years of service, DuPagePads is the largest provider of services to those who are homeless in DuPage County. DuPagePads’ solution to ending homelessness is housing, coupled with support services and employment to restore hope and transform lives. The administration office is located at 601 West Liberty, Wheaton, IL 60187. Additional information can be obtained by contacting DuPagePads at 630.682.3846 or at www.dupagepads.org.

 

Left: Serta Simmons Bedding in Hoffman Estates donated 12 new mattresses.

Right: The Assistance League of Chicagoland West supplied 12 new kitchen sets.