DuPage United rallies faith leaders and elected officials at packed Action Assembly
On Sunday, Nov. 17, community leaders and elected officials packed Trinity Episcopal Church in Wheaton for DuPage United’s annual Action Assembly. The gathering was themed “United, Not Divided.”
It brought together more than 20 churches, mosques, synagogues, and civic associations. Attendees celebrated recent wins, addressed ongoing issues, and showcased the power of broad-based community organizing as a unifying force for change in DuPage County.
DuPage United’s notable 2024 wins included spearheading the redevelopment of a former motel in Glen Ellyn into a 42-unit affordable and supportive housing community. The initiative addressed a critical shortage in DuPage County, which has recently seen a sharp rise in the number of cost-burdened households.
The development, expected to break ground in 2025, includes $750,000 in federal funding secured with the support of U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez (Illinois 3rd District).
“I look forward to working with all of you a lot more and making affordable housing truly a human right for all of us,” said Congresswoman Ramirez to the assembly. She flew in from Washington, D.C., that morning, specifically to join the action. “I understand that organized people and organized resources are how we move things and transform them from problem to solution — and so does DuPage United.”
Ramirez pledged to advocate for bipartisan support to establish a federal funding stream dedicated to building affordable homes for ownership. She also committed to tour new single-family homes built by Reclaiming Chicago, an effort led by Metro IAF affiliates.
Joel Spenadel of Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard highlighted the vital role of stable housing in building thriving communities. Drawing from personal experience, he shared the story of his son, Jacob, who was born with Down syndrome.
“I said that it has taken a village to raise Jacob to be a productive member of our community,” Spenadel explained. “I also said that it would take that same village to ensure that there would be places where Jacob and his lifelong friends, who have intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities, could remain lifelong residents. After lots of hard work with the help of our allies, we did it.”
Spenadel urged attendees to fulfill DuPage United’s pledge of building a similar housing development in each of the county’s five remaining districts. “Let’s get to work, who’s ready to join me?” he challenged, receiving cheers and applause.
Another major focus at the assembly was the ongoing campaign to build a lifesaving crosswalk in front of Marian Park Apartments in Wheaton. Through community advocacy efforts led by residents of Marian Park, DuPage United successfully secured city approval and $250,000 in state funding for a new traffic signal. The funding was championed by state Sen. Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) and state Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs).
“For years I got the runaround, but no solution,” said longtime Marian Park resident Deborah Suggs. “When we build power together as DuPage United, the impossible becomes the possible.” She added, “I am standing here tonight because Marian Park affordable housing has allowed me stability, my children stability, and my grandchildren stability. It was there for me when I lost my job, when I didn’t know where I would have gone. It was there for me when I needed a place to live that I could afford to live. Yes, affordable housing is much needed and a critical issue.”
State Sen. Glowiak Hilton praised DuPage United’s strong connection to local communities. “DuPage United has their finger on the pulse of what’s going on in our congregations and neighborhoods, and I’m really excited to work to find out exactly how people are feeling and what they need,” she said.
Sen. Hilton committed to collaborating with DuPage United on future initiatives, including affordable housing and other pressing issues facing DuPage County residents.
The assembly also served as the launch point for a six-month listening campaign across DuPage United’s member institutions. The feedback collected will help shape DuPage United’s strategic priorities and guide future action plans.
“We understand that our community has no shortage of problems, only a shortage of power,” said Rabbi Steven Bob of Congregation Etz Chaim, reflecting on the theme “United, Not Divided.” “As DuPage United, we build power. We are leaders making changes right here in our community.”
He added, “Now more than ever, we understand the importance of working together in DuPage County. We cannot love our neighbors if we don’t know our neighbors. We have to open the door, walk across the street, extend our hand, and open our hearts. We want to transform strangers into neighbors.”
The assembly concluded with a resounding call to action, urging members to actively engage in the listening campaign and continue strengthening the collective power needed to drive meaningful change in their communities.
The assembly was streamed live on Facebook and is available for viewing at fb.watch/vXzaKVMMqz/.
For those interested in learning more, contact admin@dupageunited.org.
DuPage United is affiliated with Metro IAF, part of the Industrial Areas Foundation, the oldest and largest network of community organizations throughout the U.S., England, Germany, Australia, and Canada.
DuPage United is an inclusive, nonpartisan organization whose members have come together to form public relationships and act to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities. See a list of member institutions at dupageunited.org.