Helping the homeless in Lake Co.
There always will be those who for one reason or another find themselves homeless, but economic realities are boosting the numbers in Lake County.
"In Lake County, people don't think we have a problem. We sort of contain the issue, we don't talk about it," said state Sen. Susan Garrett of Lake Forest.
Garrett, who is leading an effort to raise about $350,000 for PADS Crisis Services Inc., the county's homeless shelter, was joined by several political leaders Tuesday for a press conference at PADS headquarters in North Chicago.
The agency is short on money because of local, state and federal funding cuts. With no extra help expected from those sources, Garrett and others are taking the matter public.
"The statistics are growing and they'll continue to grow unless we start right here, right now," said North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham Jr.
On a given night, there are about 400 homeless people in Lake County. PADS runs emergency shelters from Oct. 1 through April 30 but offers a variety of other services that are being stretched thin.
During the past year, PADS has provided nearly 25,000 nights of emergency shelter and more than 327,000 meals. Officials emphasized the problem is not confined to less affluent areas.
"I want you to know it's in Deerfield, too," said Julie Morrison, supervisor of West Deerfield Township. "PADS is just not here in this building."
According to the agency, the number of unduplicated new clients rose 17 percent the past year and included a 48 percent increase in children. About 63 percent of those who entered the program came from the streets, parks, bus or bus stations.
A rise in foreclosures, higher gas and food prices and increasing unemployment are adding to the need, officials said. More families, children and veterans have been seeking help.
"It touches all of us. All of us, our families and friends at one time or another have fallen on hard times," said Audrey Nixon, a Lake County board member whose district includes North Chicago.
Those seeking help have included people like Chicago resident Joan Evans, who about two weeks ago suddenly found herself homeless.
"My landlord lost the building. We didn't have a choice," she said. "No notice. No anything."
She said she's staying in a PADS family center in Waukegan with her three children aged 2, 3, and 4 while looking for a job.
The fundraising effort will focus on public and private resources, including corporations and foundations.
Those interested in donating are asked to contact Cathy Curran, PADS executive director, at (847) 689-4357, Ext. 122; at Ccurran@lakecountypads.org; or by visiting the Web site, www.lakecountypads.org.