DuPagePads Provides Emergency Housing for Individuals & Families Experiencing Homelessness

When the coronavirus hit, DuPagePads quickly adapted its service model to respond to the pandemic. Because congregate settings were no longer available due to COVID-19, it had to close its congregational shelter sites and move clients into emergency housing and hotel rooms. DuPagePads is working hard to ensure emergency housing and services during this crisis, but the unplanned expenses add up.

“Certainly, this is an expensive solution to keep people safe from the transmission of the virus right now,” DuPagePads CEO Carol Simler.

To support immediate and ongoing efforts to provide interim housing and emergency shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, Housing Action Illinois provided a $10,000 subgrant to DuPagePads, thanks to the Illinois COVID-19 Relief Fund.

DuPagePads expects the funding to help provide housing for twenty-five individuals. Since the temporary suspension of its shelter spaces, DuPagePads has helped 130 people secure a safe place to stay in the hotel setting keeping individuals and families safe from the virus. They have also helped more than 300 clients create emergency housing plans.

DuPagePads’ street outreach team continues to serve and offer assistance to any unsheltered persons in DuPage County.

Members of the DuPage County Community have answered the call to donate food, masks, and other necessary supplies, and to make financial contributions. DuPage County is a “very generous community and we know the power of “WE” at this time,” Simler said.