DuPagePads Together we can end homelessness!

December 2023

The winter months pose extreme hardships for DuPage county citizens who are without homes. December 21st, the winter solstice, is the longest night of the year. DuPagePads, together with shelter providers across our country recognize this evening as National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, in remembrance of those who have passed away within the homeless community.

This evening, our board and staff will join together, pause, and light a candle to remember our neighbors who have lost their lives this year in DuPage County.

We invite you to join in unity with us by lighting a candle in your window as the sun sets this evening.

We will continue to honor the lives and memory of those we have lost by working to provide solutions to end homelessness in DuPage County.

We are so grateful for the Giving Tuesday donations from more than 100 donors...who helped us reach and exceed our $60,000 goal! Our efforts to save and transform the lives of more than 500 neighbors daily across our shelter and supportive housing programs would not be possible without the support of incredible donors like you!

Donations keep our clients safe and warm, fed and connected to services that assist them with finding jobs, getting to school, and receiving medical care. By choosing to make a donation to DuPagePads, you are helping your neighbors and ending homelessness in DuPage County. Thank you!

DuPagePads and Loaves & Fishes Community Services will partner to provide donated cars to clients who lack reliable transportation. This new collaboration will strengthen the car donation program, streamline services, offer a larger support network, and provide hope by ultimately transforming the lives of the clients they serve.   

For the past twenty-five years, the CARES Car Program has been a resource for families in the community, offering donated vehicles to support clients’ employment stability. DuPagePads does not have an existing car donation program so this partnership will unlock more opportunity and simplify the process for donors to match donated cars with clients in need. DuPagePads and Loaves & Fishes clients are required to go through an application process and must meet specific qualifications to be eligible for the program. While the goal is to help clients get to work, it is recognized that providing reliable transportation enables them to meet other needs, such as attending medical appointments, running errands, and ensuring safe transport of their children. By working collaboratively, Loaves & Fishes and DuPagePads will enhance their ability to source and restore vehicles, allowing them to serve more local residents experiencing homelessness.

The car program remains a beacon of hope for clients in search of dependable transportation. Through the collaborative efforts of Loaves & Fishes and DuPagePads, they eagerly anticipate extending this vital service to our community for years to come. For more information on the Car Program, visit loaves-fishes.org and to donate a qualifying used car to DuPagePads contact Chad Pedigo, VP of Development at [email protected].

Thank you for helping us to make the holidays warm, bright, and full of cheer for over 500 neighbors in shelter and supportive housing this year!

Santa and Mrs. Claus visit the IHC!

Holiday Pajama Party at the Empowerment Center!

Save the Date!

DuPagePads 18th Annual Taste of Hope!

Thursday, February 29, 2024, 6 – 9 p.m.

Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace

More Auction Packages Added Weekly!

You’ll have the luxury of sampling signature dishes from the area’s most elite restaurants in one evening. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in raffles, a wine pull, and mobile bidding on silent auction items. The night wouldn’t be complete without our live auction, featuring fabulous trips and experiences!

Your generous support strengthens client successes, connecting more families and individuals a safe place to sleep--and a home of their own.

URGENT NEEDS

Donations of non-perishable, shelf-stable foods and personal care items have run incredibly low this month for our clients in shelter. New donations can be made 24/7 using the Contactless Donations Drop-Off box in front of our Access Center at 703 W. Liberty in Wheaton, or by shopping from our Amazon Wishlist and ship it directly to us.

Click below to see what items are most needed this month!