DuPagePads remained open 24 hours in deep freeze!
During the deep freeze this week, DuPagePads remained open 24 hours! Providing seamless shelter, safety and support; partnering with volunteers, congregations, police and fire departments, and area hospitals, DuPagePads ensured that people who are homeless in DuPage County stayed safe and warm.
Carol Simler, President & CEO of DuPagePads is grateful for the overwhelming spirit of hospitality provided by agency volunteers and staff. “We appreciate the willingness of congregations and volunteers partnering with our staff to provide food and a warm place especially tonight for our honored guests!”
The DuPagePads Client Service Center was a Warming Site for people who are homeless in the county. This week the Center opened at 7am and remained open until all clients were transported to the overnight sites and back to the Client Service Center the following morning. According to Jen Coyer, Director of the DuPagePads Client Service Center, “we are seeing families with children under five years old, a man just walked in with icicles in his beard and possible frostbite! Our biggest concern is keeping everyone safe and warm during one of the coldest weeks in decades!”
Simler says, “We are grateful for the congregations and volunteers who are extending their hours in the morning and afternoon to accommodate the needs of our clients.” DuPagePads worked with Uber & Lyft to transport families and individuals to shelter and to the daytime warming center.
The frigid weather did not stop the largest provider of homeless services in DuPage County!