Every year at the Wake Up Your Spirit Breakfast, DuPagePads invites a client whose life was transformed by support like yours to speak to a room of community members who believe in the power of our mission to end homelessness. Meet Jerrick, a remarkable individual who first sought refuge at DuPagePads overnight church sites, stayed at the Interim Housing Center (IHC), and eventually moved into an apartment of his own with DuPagePads Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) on June 17, 2025! Jerrick’s journey from chronic homelessness and mental health struggles to stability and returned hope is a testament to the power of community and compassion.
Jerrick’s life has been marked by highs and lows. Growing up in Aurora, IL, he was prom king and a promising student with dreams of practicing law and advocating for his community. After finding success in the corporate world of downtown Chicago, mental health crises led him to have to stay with family while combatting homelessness on and off for years.
“I was trying to transition back downtown to working again, find a little apartment and COVID hit,” shared Jerrick. “I have been walking the streets since, mostly riding a bike.”
Despite these challenges, Jerrick never lost sight of his aspirations by finding support through community as well as his faith. At DuPagePads, our dedicated team provided him with the stability and care he needed to regain his sense of dignity in moving forward. While staying at the IHC, Jerrick also completed the Transforming Impossible into Possible (TIP) program and worked with our team to open a savings account and improve his credit.
Today, Jerrick is not only housed but also working hard on his physical and mental health while reconnecting with the things he holds dear. His story reminds us of the importance of seeing the potential in every individual and offering a helping hand. With your support, we continue to change lives and create lasting impact. Jerrick’s journey is a powerful reminder that, together, we can help all our neighbors find their way home. Thank you for being part of his transformative journey.
