PADS run to combat homelessness
Each weekend thousands of people take to the streets of our communities, walking and running to raise money for charities. Every one of them has found a cause to believe in, a bit of hope through helping. And every one of them has a reason for being there.
Today, Robert describes what it's like to be homeless in DuPage County and how he's regaining confidence through the transition support programs offered by DuPage PADS, or Public Action to Deliver Shelter. Robert, whose last name is being withheld at his request, will run in the Run/Walk for PADS on Saturday, Sept. 11, to thank the organization for helping him learn to stand on his own again.
My name is Robert and I have been homeless for about two years.
Homelessness can happen to anyone at any time due to a job loss, divorce or foreclosure and bad habits or addictions. Homelessness touches the rich and the poor.
Being homeless is never a good thing. It turns your life upside down and it changes how you view yourself. It also can cause you to be stigmatized by society.
Being homeless made me feel angry with the government, my family and friends. I felt like someone should have been there to catch me as I was falling. Homelessness also caused me to feel depressed and lonely, like no one cared about me or loved me.
Luckily, there are people and agencies out there that are willing to help and assist with people experiencing homelessness. One of these places is DuPage PADS. They do a great job, so you are not alone in your fight with homelessness.
I started utilizing the services of DuPage PADS in May 2008 in the overnight shelters. I immediately involved myself with a case manager and continually used the overnight shelters and support center.
In April 2009, I started using the employment services and workshops offered at the support center. Through this time I continually made use of the computer lab.
This July, I entered the transitional housing program. While in this program I have utilized the computer lab, employment services and the support center. I also hold a spot on the Supportive Housing Tenant Counsel and I attend community meetings for Supportive Housing.
In addition to DuPage PADS helping meet my basic needs of food, transportation and shelter, I believe it was the tough love I received, in combination with the care and structure of the program, that has boosted my self-confidence. I will always be grateful to DuPage PADS for this.
This assistance along with my love for jogging is the primary reason I participated in the PADS Run/Walk in 2009 and why I am participating again in 2010. My participation in the PADS Run/Walk also gives me a chance to say thank you to DuPage PADS for helping the homeless.
This year I am running the 5K. Last year the 5K run was very difficult because I just showed up and ran without any training. I ran the whole 5K without stopping, but I felt it afterward. This year I have been training for several weeks, so I am looking forward to the run.
I want everyone to know that not all homeless people are losers, drunks or alcoholics. Most of us are good, honest and hardworking people who need a helping hand due to bad luck. Therefore, I encourage you to participate in the DuPage PADS Run/Walk because it is such a worthy cause.
Remember, tomorrow it could be a family member, a friend, a co-worker, a neighbor or even you who is homeless and needs help.
Thank you and hope to see you out there!
<p class="factboxheadblack">DuPage PADS Run/Walk </p>
<p class="News"><b>Why:</b> Proceeds support DuPage PADS' overnight shelters and transition programs to help homeless people return to self-sufficiency</p>
<p class="News"><b>When:</b> 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11</p>
<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> 703 W. Liberty Drive, Wheaton</p>
<p class="News"><b>Details:</b> 3K walk and 5K and 10K run routs available</p>
<p class="News"><b>Cost:</b> $30 per person in advance, $35 on race day</p>
<p class="News"><b>Info:</b> (630) 682-3846 or <a href="http://padsrun.org" target="new">padsrun.org</a></p>