Tribute to unsung hero, Pat Van Doren

Many of The Voice readers know the name Diane Nilan, formerly of Hesed House, who has spent the years since her tenure there bringing attention to the problem of homelessness across the country. A name you might not recognize is the name of another unsung hero, Pat Van Doren.

Pat, a founding Board member of the not-for-profit organization, Hear Us, has spent the past 30 years at Nilan’s side, using her expertise as a photojournalist to bring the faces of the homeless, particularly in children, into people’s consciousness. Prior to her retirement, Van Doren worked for the Naperville Sun and other local publications. Her photos have helped change State and Federal legislation regarding homelessness.

Saturday Nov. 12, congressman Bill Foster and the Hear Us Board will pay tribute to Pat’s contributions at Heritage Woods of Bolingbrook, 550 Kildeer Drive.

Volunteers from Naperville, Aurora, and Huntley, have sewn a blanket that includes some of Pat’s most iconic images: “Charlie” and “These Little Piggies are Homeless” (homeless children’s footprints). Not only will it be displayed at the November 12 event, it will be the centerpiece for the “Memorial Blanket Art Display” sponsored by the Charles Bruce Foundation on the lawn of the U.S. Capital in Washington, D.C. December 21.

If you wish to join the tribute in Bolingbrook November 12, or at the Capital in Washington, D.C. December 21, please contact Diane Nilan for further information at diane@hearus.us.

Heartfelt thanks to Pat Van Doren for her years of dedication in using her talents for the benefit of those who struggle with homelessness. You have helped to make the world a better place for some of its most marginalized citizens.