Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness – Linda’s Story
Linda has known homelessness her whole life.
As a child she traveled with her mom from site to site using DuPagePads Interim (Overnight) Housing program.
“Going to high school as a homeless teenager in DuPage County really made me feel bad about myself. I was so afraid my classmates would find out I was homeless.”
Linda’s young adult life was a dark time for her. Struggling with mental illness and depression, she was unable to obtain a home or consistent employment. She found herself following in her mother’s footsteps, back at DuPagePads with her two young daughters.
“I knew I wanted to be different from my mom; I didn’t want my girls to grow up with the fear and uncertainty that I did.”
Linda’s DuPagePads case manager worked with her on a plan for stable housing and when an apartment in DuPagePads Supportive Housing program became available, Linda was overjoyed.
“I remember on moving day, my daughter just started joyfully running all around our new apartment. She was so excited to have her own room. Now I make all of her favorite meals all the time. It makes me feel like a better mother.”
Since working with DuPagePads, Linda’s mental health has stabilized, she has obtained a job in retail and plans on going back to school to be a counselor.
“It may seem like a strange thing to be excited about, but I’ll never forget the first time I was able to write a rent check.
In that moment, I was so proud of how far I had come – from that scared young girl to a responsible mother. I have DuPagePads to thank for that.”
At DuPagePads, we believe that families, like Linda’s, can make their journey out of homelessness.
For 30 years, we know the solution to ending homelessness is housing, coupled with support services and employment.
The solution to end homelessness lies within all of us. We invite you to partner with us and envision a community where everyone has a home. Click here to read about ways you can help transform lives.
As Linda knows firsthand, “When someone believes in you, everything can change.” Thank you for believing in our mission.