our history

DuPage pads 1985-2006

1985

DuPage PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) provides overnight shelter and meals for people who are homeless. Community Partners (churches/ congregations) provide night sites and teams of volunteers, October to April.

St Mary of Gostyn Catholic Church in Downers Grove is the first night site location, December 21.

1989

Only daytime site for people who are homeless opens: hot lunch,  phones, mailing address and more . DuPage PADS becomes an independent not-for-profit 501c 3 Illinois corporation.

1995

New building completed for daytime center and offices, 705  W. Liberty, Wheaton.

Study by Northwestern and Wheaton concludes that DuPage PADS could be used as a prototype for other

communities across the nation.

2000

Daytime site expands to Support Center: life skills coaching, employment readiness, computer skills, basic needs, support groups,and  workshops. DuPage PADS Transitional Housing (single men and women) begins with HUD grant..

2001

Transitional Housing (7 apartments and 14 participants). Goal is re-entering the community.  Volunteer Mentoring Program to support participants.

2002

Not For Profit Agency of the Year/Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce.

2003    

PADS Partner Leadership Giving begins with 23 Partners

2004  

HUD grant to initiate DuPage PADS Permanent Supportive Housing Program for individuals with disabilities and persistently homeless.

Housing 1st philosophy adopted. 

2005

Agency Partner of the Year/ United Way of Metropolitan Chicago

Annual Award for Business Excellence/ Notable Not-For-Profit/ Business Ledger

2008

(Interim (overnight ) Housing operates with 130 congregations and over 4,000 volunteers. Partner Leadership Giving expands to 123 Partners.