Church grateful for support of DuPagePads Homeless Shelter
Elmhurst Presbyterian Church (EPC) is extending a big thanks to the community as it wraps up its 22nd year as host of a DuPagePads Interim (Overnight) Housing program. Every Saturday night from October to May, about 35 guests from DuPage County who do not have permanent homes rely on the site for meals, fellowship and a place to sleep.
“EPC could not fulfill this important mission to serve without the tremendous support of so many people from the Elmhurst community,” said Diana Riekse, EPC member and volunteer coordinator. “It takes a lot of heart, love, time, faith and money to make sure we’re providing our less fortunate neighbors a safe and supportive place to spend the night.”
DuPagePads provides a proven solution to end homelessness: housing coupled with support services and employment to assist people in obtaining stable housing. EPC’s overnight site is one of 30 in the area that provide the critical basic needs that are the initial steps in an individual’s journey to housing.
A community effort
A volunteer team at EPC manages the site and works with five other Elmhurst area churches: Faith Christian Reformed Church; First Congregational Church (UCC), Visitation Catholic Church, Christ United Methodist Church and St. Peters UCC. The PADS site counts on more than 50 volunteers every weekend during its operating season.
EPC is especially grateful for the support of the Elmhurst Police and first responders who help keep the site safe; to Elmhurst Hospital for laundering linens and towels; to the Elmhurst Public Library for providing access to services; Elmhurst College for volunteering; and OMG! Brunch & Boutique and Lezza’s Spumoni & Desserts that often donate food.
We can do more
The church in charge of running the shelter for a weekend provides a warm dinner, breakfast and sack lunch, as well as monitor the site.
However, EPC has plans to go above and beyond the minimum site requirements.
“We recently painted and refreshed all the rooms with the help of volunteers, and donations from Bill Fisher from Renaissance Painted Finishes and JC Licht. We have big plans to make additional much needed capital improvements and roll-out a new resource center for guests,” said Riekse. “This center will go a long way in providing the opportunity for individuals who are homeless to find needed information such as train schedules, job openings, and community services. These tools can have a lasting, positive impact on a person’s health and financial stability.”
To make the Elmhurst shelter better and the resource center a reality, EPC is inviting the community to a ‘Sinatra 101’ dinner, concert and silent auction at Elmhurst College on June 4, 2017.
Dine and dance with the “Chairman of the Board”
Tickets available now for June 4 event held at Elmhurst College.
Fun meets fundraising at “Sinatra 101”on Sunday, June 4 at Elmhurst College. The event features a dinner followed by Jeffrey Deutsch and the Elmhurst All-Stars performing Frank Sinatra’s greatest hits. All proceeds support the DuPagePads’ capital campaign for the site at Elmhurst Presbyterian.
Deutsch is a 30-year veteran performer who loves Jazz and to recreate all of the fun of The Great American Soundbook. Deutsch and his band are sure to provide a night of fun and spectacular music.
Tickets are available now. Select from dinner, concert and dessert for $80 per person or concert and dessert only for $40 per person.
Event details include:
· “Sinatra 101” featuring Jeffrey Deutsch and the Elmhurst All-Stars
· Dinner at 5 p.m. at Elmhurst College’s Frick Center
· Concert at 7 p.m. at Elmhurst College’s Mill Theater
· Dessert and silent auction following the concert
For tickets and information, contact Diana Riekse at 630-220-2269 or [email protected].
