Homeless on Dialysis
DuPagePads Addresses Jose’s Serious Health Challenges
Not only was Jose facing the fear and uncertainty of homelessness, but he was also facing serious health challenges.
A life-long resident of DuPage County, Jose found himself homeless two years ago. At the same time, he was going to dialysis four times a week and suffering from severe fatigue. At first, he would sleep in his car, until he heard about DuPagePads and began using the Interim (Overnight) Housing program sporadically.
His extreme exhaustion made it hard for him to arrive at DuPagePads Interim (Overnight) Housing sites and this is when his DuPagePads case manager let Jose know about the agency’s Medical Respite program.
With a note from his doctor, Jose was able to obtain short-term, stable housing, while his case manager worked on a permanent housing plan. The Medical Respite program allowed him to rest and focus on his health instead of how he was going to meet his basic needs for meals and shelter. Last year, this program served 55 people in 50 households and 60% of these households are now in stable housing.
Due to the severity of his health conditions, DuPagePads worked to find Jose housing options as soon as possible. To be eligible for the agency’s Supportive Housing program, documentation was needed to verify that Jose had been homeless for a year or longer. Once this documentation came through, case managers swiftly worked to find him an apartment he could turn into his home.
Shortly after Jose completed his stay in DuPagePads Medical Respite program, he was able to move into his own apartment.
Recently Jose shared his gratitude:
“I always felt blessed that churches would open their doors to be overnight sites. However, there is something wonderful about having my own place and being able to rest whenever I need to so I can tackle the rest of my day.
I can’t thank my DuPagePads Medical Respite case manager enough for all the resources and assistance he provided to me while I was recovering.
Since moving into my own apartment, I can tell my attitude and outlook have improved and my health is much more stable.
I’m still going to dialysis three times a week, but stable housing has helped me recuperate quicker after each session.
One of the things I love most about my apartment is having the ability to make my own meals. I’m looking forward to using my cooking skills to volunteer for DuPagePads in the future.”