New Program – Short-Term Housing Employment Program
“I worked the late shift which just ended at 4:00am. The overnight sites close at 7:00am and I have nowhere to sleep. I try to nap where I can,” one woman said at a DuPagePads focus group for participants who are employed.
To address this problem, DuPagePads has developed a new pilot program: Short-Term Housing Employment Program.
In addition to housing, this program accelerates the path to stability by requiring savings accounts to re-establish credit and save for security deposits. Individuals meet regularly with a job coach and case manager to address workplace topics, develop a plan for housing and access eligible mainstream benefits.
As a result of receiving grant funding from St. Raphael’s Special Appeal, U.S. Bank and Full Circle Foundation, DuPagePads began this pilot program January 2015.
“When an individual who is homeless obtains employment, it is a pivotal moment in their life.
Providing short-term housing and support services allows people to have the ability to focus on their employment, without the distraction of not knowing where they will sleep, if they will have a shower and a place to keep their belongings,” says Carol Simler, DuPagePads President & CEO.
Tom, a machinist whose company closed several months ago found himself unemployed and eventually homeless. He was able to find a new job; unfortunately they only had overnight shifts available.
Tom recognized what challenges this shift would bring, but he took the job anyway. Working the 3:00pm-3:00am shift, he would often sleep in his car. Remarkably he has never missed a day of work or been late for the start of his shift.
Our staff saw his determination and enrolled him as the first participant in the new pilot program.
He shared, “I’m so grateful for this temporary home. I know firsthand how important this program is and want to be successful so that you can continue to help others…now for the first time in months I can finally say I slept soundly after work.”
