Street Outreach – How You Can Help
“As a veteran, I never thought I would be struggling with addiction and living on the streets. I honestly didn’t think anyone could help me, until I met Robert from DuPagePads,” Kenny says.
Robert is one of DuPagePads Street Outreach case managers who travels throughout the county to build trusting relationships with families and individuals who are homeless, without hope and disengaged from the community and social service agencies.
“I start by bringing life-sustaining, basic need supplies like food, hygiene kits and clothing like socks and then begin to try to establish a relationship with the person. I try to get them talking about their current challenges and see if I can help them access all eligible benefits, refer them to other community programs and provide them options for housing,” Robert shares.
With Robert’s help, Kenny was informed about DuPagePads Interim (Overnight) Housing sites so that he could have shelter and meals. Through working with his case managers, Kenny was referred to DuPagePads Supportive Housing program when one of their 81 apartment units became available.
“I will never forget the day I heard I would have my own apartment. Every morning when I wake up in my own bed, I smile. Now that I have my own roof and stable meals, I can focus on my future,” Kenny shares.
You Can Help
The Street Outreach program works toward restoring dignity and assisting people in obtaining their life goals and you can help.
DuPagePads outreach team responds to concerns about people experiencing homelessness from police departments, businesses, community-based organizations and concerned citizens.
To report any unsheltered homeless individual or family you observe in DuPage County, please contact our toll-free Outreach Hotline number, 866.682.3846, ext. 2275 or email streetoutreach@dupagepads.org.
With this information, DuPagePads will assist more people, like Kenny, in obtaining the critical support services needed to stabilize their lives.