See a note below from DupagePads, sent via email on April 1.
I’m hoping this message finds you and your family healthy and safe during this very challenging time in our history. For many people who find themselves without a home during this pandemic, DuPagePads is the only safety support system available in our county.
DuPagePads quickly adapted to this worldwide crisis by finding many of our homeless clients temporary emergency shelter. The announcement from Governor Pritzker to extend “shelter in place” through April 30th brings us today to ask for YOUR help. DuPagePads will continue to ensure that our clients remain in the emergency housing options we have provided. Our staff will continue working to get critical supplies and food to those in need of our assistance, regardless of the risk to them.
Yesterday, Governor Pritzker stated the "virus spread is growing and so are the risks". We know these risks increase exponentially for our clients, many of whom are managing complex health conditions, families with children and single adults.
Today, I ask you to consider making a donation to the DuPagePads Emergency Response Fund to help us sustain the life-saving temporary housing and support we are providing in place of our traditional Interim (Overnight) Housing and client services, which were closed due to the governor’s order.
We have been amazed and inspired with the inherent goodness of our community. More than 500 generous donors have already answered our call to raise over $100,000 in emergency funding. These funds have directly assisted clients to provide alternative emergency housing options.
With the governor’s new order extending the shelter in place order, we now estimate we will need 3 times that amount to keep everyone we are serving to remain sheltered in place to prevent the spread of the virus. For this reason, we have increased our DuPagePads Emergency Response Fund goal to $250,000 to address this emergency response.
I recognize this is a significant undertaking. Yet, I am confident of your support today. The response from you and our community will allow us to accomplish our goal to provide the essential the life-saving protections in place for the families and individuals we are supporting.
Can you spare one minute now for someone who needs your help?
Please join us in the relief effort, making it possible for families and individuals without shelter to stay home. We cannot do this alone!