FREE Networking Group ‘West Side Bridge’ is for professionals in Chicago and the suburbs. We discuss resources and events that help bridge the gap throughout our communities.
If you’re looking to make local connections with a variety of types of businesses, please join us at our next meeting on Thursday August 21, 2014 at West Suburban PADS, 1851 S 9th Avenue Maywood, IL from 7:30am-9:00am.
RSVP to alicia@oakpark.com by August 19th.
West Suburban PADS is a non-profit that has been combating homelessness since 1992. They have programs in:
Emergency Services
Emergency Services reduce the length of homelessness for our overnight shelter clients and help them work toward achieving and sustaining self-sufficiency.
The Emergency Shelter program provides an immediate, temporary crisis response for 40 to 70 homeless men, women and children every night from 7:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. at 10 rotating houses of worship – from mid-September through mid-May.
The Summer Transitional Shelter for up to 15 participants includes intensive case management, support group activities and life skills training, operating June-August.
The Outreach & Engagement program transitions to permanent housing the most service-resistant populations – individuals and families living on the streets of near-west Cook County and the chronically homeless staying in our emergency shelter.
Supportive Services
Our day-time, year-round Support Center, located in Maywood, provides access to an array of resources for regaining stability.
Basic Services include showers, laundry, clothing, computers and phones.
Case management focuses on clients’ income, health and housing needs, with the goal of reducing the length of their homelessness.
Supportive Housing
Interim Housing at the West Cook Y offers a bridge between the emergency shelter and stable housing for male clients who are participating in the Employment Readiness program or have an income. (10 units)
Rapid Re-Housing provides short-term financial assistance and services to quickly house and stabilize those who are homeless. (20 units)
Transitional Housing is designed for working homeless individuals, veterans and families. (34 units)
Our Permanent Supportive Housing program serves individuals who are homeless and have a disabling condition. (13 units)
Employment Readiness
The Employment Readiness program helps individuals increase their eligibility for sustainable employment.
One-on-one counseling addresses the root causes of clients’ job insecurity and provides practical coaching on topics such as “using online job boards” and “preparing a resume.”
Career Passport, an intensive group program, is for participants who have made a commitment to identifying and resolving their long-term barriers to retained employment.
Homeless Prevention
The Homeless Prevention program prevents the loss of housing by providing:
One-time rental and/or utility assistance forindividuals and families who are at imminent risk of losing their housing, or a security deposit and/or first month’s rent for individuals and families leaving homelessness.
“AfterCare” eviction, and a security deposit and/or first month’s rent for individuals and families leaving homelessness.
Click here to for Contact Information for West Suburban PADS.
