CHAD helps people get a leg up

"The cowards never started. The weak and the sick died along the way. Only the strong survived."

This quote, from Willa Cather's classic 1913 novel "O Pioneers!" is among Bob Wahlgren's favorites.

Some might deduce that means Wahlgren leaves the disenfranchised to fend for themselves in a Darwinian struggle. Instead, the quote reminds him about the importance of his work as director of the Villa Park-based Community Housing Association of DuPage.

Wahlgren, director since 1997, and his staff serve as attentive landlords for tenants throughout the county.

While many of us are able to rely on family or friends for support, those who cannot may seek help from CHAD. Its clients include senior citizens and veterans, as well as others who work and pay taxes in DuPage County but earn less than 80 percent of the county's median household income.

"Everybody at some time in life needs help," said property manager Yesenia Sanchez.

Yet another demographic CHAD serves -- those Wahlgren believes Cather's quote describes -- are immigrants, new to our culture.

"I think about all my friends who are immigrants and refugees. They're the strong ones," Wahlgren said.

For example, Wahlgren's staff recently found a residence for a Vietnamese family that spent 20 years in a concentration camp before immigrating to the United States.

"We specialize in everybody," Wahlgren said. "It's up to people like us to say 'come in.' "

Both Wahlgren and Sanchez understand the ongoing debate surrounding the reasons for weakened local and national economies, and are sensitive to the issue.

But both stress that their organization does not merely provide a hand out -- renters pay market value unless they qualify for CHAD's sliding scale.

Many of CHAD's renters do not receive any type of government aid. One family of four is functioning on an income of $8 per hour.

"They are humble and they live very simply," Wahlgren said.

Wahlgren and his staff ensure that the family also can live safely and cleanly.

Recently, CHAD rented a studio apartment to an elderly man on a very fixed income but who receives no assistance. Unable to drive, but never without dignity, he visits the offices frequently, drawn to the hospitable atmosphere and familiar faces.

"He reminds me why we're in the business," Sanchez said. "To help people."

Like most not-for-profits, CHAD relies, in part, on the generosity of the community and strong relationships with other service organizations such as Catholic Charities and World Relief.

CHAD owns 350 units throughout the county, each cared for by a private, dedicated maintenance staff.

For details or to donate to CHAD, call (630) 993-9530. Used furniture also is accepted.

And, like the elderly man, family of four or Vietnamese refugees, you never know who a small donation might help.