DuPagePads is one of 70 Illinois recipients, and one of two DuPage County recipients, selected this year to receive IDHS capital grants to nonprofits. Announced by governor Pritzker, DuPagePads’ grant will be utilized to update and improve the 40-year-old former Red Roof Inn now used as DuPagePads Interim Housing Center in Downers Grove. This grant, coupled with private donations from the community, will allow the DuPage nonprofit to provide improved laundry facilities for guests, safe outdoor space for the more than 100 children currently sheltered, enhanced security on-site, and improvements in preparation for an on site kitchen to provide hot meals for the more than 300 guests total on average who shelter safely at the IHC each day.
Last March, DuPagePads purchased the Downers Grove hotel and started the process to convert it into the Interim Housing Center, pioneering a new model of service that has now provided more than 100,000 safe nights of sleep under their ownership, and more than 300,000 meals to families and individuals who had been unsheltered before coming to the IHC. This purchase was made possible through the DuPage County Board’s allocation of ARPA and CDBG dollars, as well as private donations from caring individuals, foundations, and corporations in the DuPage community.
“We are so grateful for this grant to improve our Interim Housing Center, just a year after its purchase, and our renovations will mean so much for those we are serving,” said April Redzic, president and CEO of DuPagePads. “We are proud to be providing a safe and welcoming environment for families and individuals who come to us from being unsheltered. This will allow us to better utilize the space to help them on their journeys toward a home of their own.”
DuPagePads’ vision is to continue improving the property during their first years of ownership and transform it from a former older motel structure to a thriving shelter community where guests transition smoothly from being unsheltered and alone to a safe home of their own. Plans and partnerships with donors, local organizations, and area businesses are helping to move that vision forward, including Designs for Dignity and SCB Architects who provide pro bono design support for the project. Support from area businesses, and now an incredible grant from IDHS, will now help bring their vision one step closer to reality. To learn how you and your business can support DuPagePads mission to end homelessness visit www.dupagepads.org or contact Chad Pedigo, vice president of Development at cpedigo@dupagepads.org or call 630.682.3846×2220.
Recognizing 38 years of service, DuPagePads is the largest provider of services to those who are homeless in DuPage County. DuPagePads’ solution to ending homelessness is housing, coupled with support services and employment to restore hope and transform lives. The administration office is at 601 West Liberty, Wheaton, IL 60187. Additional information can be obtained by contacting DuPagePads at 630.682.3846 or at www.dupagepads.org.
— DuPagePads