PADS Not Affected by Funding Cuts
By Amanda Drapiewski
Source: Southwest News-Herald
A $2.4 million state funding cut that will trigger several layoffs will not affect the workers at Southwest Chicago PADS.
The workers who would be laid off are the ones who pick up homeless residents and transport them to overnight shelters.
“We are not affected by any state cuts,” said Development Director Sally Berkhia. “Which actually makes us more unique in a sense.
“We are pushing forward with the funding (which has been cut due to increase in demand because of the decrease in state/government funding and the economy) from private foundations and individuals.”
In April of 1993, Sr. Therese DelGenio, who was looking for a way to provide emergency shelter for the homeless in Chicago, found a model program, PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter).
After observing the operations of five suburban PADS, Sr. Therese founded Southwest Chicago PADS, adapting it to an urban setting.
She then began ministering to the homeless, operating out of two Protestant churches whose members provided volunteers, meals and overnight shelter.
In 1998, SWCP moved to a rental storefront in West Englewood; and in the spring of 2002, purchased a permanent facility on 71st Street, across the street from Marquette Park.
The building, a former daycare center, opened in November of 2002.
For 18 years, PADS has been serving the homeless —and those at-risk of becoming homeless — men, women and children on the Southwest Side.
SWCP seeks to:
- Provide emergency shelter, food, clothing and referrals for additional assistance to people who are homeless in Chicago;
- Prevent homelessness in the community by providing immediate assistance and referrals to those facing a housing crisis;
- And educate the community about the plight of homeless people and advocate on their behalf.
In the fiscal year that ended in June of 2011, the agency served 2,101 clients.
Those served were primarily adults, 85 percent of whom were African-American, 6 percent Caucasian, 6 percent Latino, and 4 percent other.
The average age was 44, with a range in age from 18 to 85.
Almost 32 percent of those served were 50 or older, a 5 percent increase over the previous year.
Three out of four of those served were new to the agency, according to Berkhia.
The SWCP has served 768 women, 37 percent of the adults served.
“This is in stark contrast to earlier years when few women came to the agency,” said Berkhia. “Our two main program areas are basic services and case management.”
Basic services include:
- Summer services (June to September).
Guests come in twice a week during the day for meals, clothing, toiletries, haircuts and showers.
On hot summer days, the agency is a drop-in cooling center and they also have occasional evening services, which include a meal and medical services. - Winter drop-in services on Monday to Thursday evenings from October to April.
Up to 35 guests enjoy dinner, showers, clothes and a safe place to stay away from winter elements. - Free prescription drugs, referrals to overnight shelters and partner agencies for additional services.
The case management programs include:
- Transitional and preventive assistance, which provides financial support for individuals and families facing a housing crisis. And the program helps in obtaining furniture and household goods for their new homes.
- Medical assistance, which enables guests to get their basic medical needs.
Bus passes are also provided so people can get to medical facilities.
Volunteer doctors and nurses come in once a week to examine guests. - Workforce development, which assesses guests for their job qualifications, prepares them for interviews, and assists with online job searches.
- Housing, which helps guests identify housing needs and secures permanent housing.
- Additional assistance, including SWCP photo IDs; obtaining birth certificates, state IDs and driver’s licenses; and assistance with Social Security and other benefits.
Guests may use the agency as their mailing address and receive personal voicemail in order to maintain medical, social services, employment and housing contracts.
The agency also offers tutoring for guests preparsing for their GED exams, computer training and transportation help.
“We would love one day to be able to receive a grant from the State. However, at this point, this is our reality,” said Berkhia.
Additional information may be obtained by visiting www.swchicagopads.org.