Homeless advocate holds rally at old Hubble site

Tom Cherrington’s foundation became the first to make an official bid on the old Hubble Middle School site. But even he admits it would take a “miracle” for it to hold up.

At a sparsely attended rally to raise awareness for homelessness at the site on Thursday, Cherrington announced a “symbolic” $1 bid on the site, which Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 hopes to sell at auction soon.

Cherrington said he hoped the bid would lead to a partnership with the school district in his efforts to bring a campus of transitional housing for homeless people to the 22-acre site. During a short speech in front of about people, including friends and family as well as Wheaton residents — some who opposed Cherrington’s proposition — he said there was a “heavenly purpose” behind his efforts.

“I am here to put a voice and face to the plight of homelessness,” he said.

Last month, Cherrington formed the Better Angels of our Nature Foundation in an attempt to raise awareness of the issue. He scheduled the event for the same day the school district announced that no official bids had been made during a 60-day silent auction.

Earlier in the week, Cherrington said he expected “hundreds” to attend the event and blamed the low turnout on the cold weather. However, after the event, he said he thought the rally went “especially well.”

“I was pleased with the turnout and I hope I can plant a seed,” he said.

During the speech, Cherrington said his journey to help the homeless at Hubble began when he met a homeless man who constantly “bothered” him for change. But as he was cleaning his closets, he noticed he had more clothing than he needed. At that moment, he realized that he could help the man. He said if his mission of acquiring Hubble ultimately fails, he hopes others will take his lead.

After the speech, Cherrington and about a dozen supporters approached the building and prayed that they would someday be able to help at Hubble.

Wheaton resident Sandy Pakula braved the chilly weather and said she was keeping an open mind on Cherrington’s idea.

“He’s trying to think outside the box,” she said. “It’s a new perspective.”

Cherrington said he still has not exhausted his financial resources to possibly bid on the site. He also said he is trying to change the perception of what his idea actually would entail.

Instead, he said, the idea would be to create an intake hub that would provide services to help homeless people who are ready to make the transition back into society.

He said he remains determined to push for his idea but that he knows it has a small chance of success.

“It probably does not (have a chance),” he said. “I’m looking for a miracle.”