Loaves & Fishes Community Services and DuPagePads Announces Collaborative Program
Working together to provide donated vehicles to clients in need of transportation
(Naperville IL, December 6, 2023) Loaves & Fishes Community Services and DuPagePads will work together to provide donated cars to clients who lack reliable transportation. This new collaboration will strengthen the car donation program, streamline services, offer a larger support network, and provide hope by ultimately transforming the lives of the clients they serve.
For the past twenty-five years, the CARES Car Program has been a resource for families in the community, offering donated vehicles to support clients’ employment stability. DuPagePads does not have an existing car donation program so this partnership will unlock more opportunity and simplify the process for donors to match donated cars with clients in need. DuPagePads and Loaves & Fishes clients are required to go through an application process and must meet specific qualifications to be eligible for the program. While the goal is to help clients get to work, it is recognized that providing reliable transportation enables them to meet other needs, such as attending medical appointments, running errands, and ensuring safe transport of their children. By working collaboratively, Loaves & Fishes and DuPagePads will enhance their ability to source and restore vehicles, allowing them to serve more local residents experiencing homelessness.
“Over the years, Loaves & Fishes has provided donated vehicles to individuals referred by DuPagePads. Due to changes in the used car market, we have seen a significant decline in donated vehicles,” said Janet Derrick, Executive Vice President Programs. “We are grateful to DuPagePads for being willing to help Loaves & Fishes secure and repair donated vehicles for eligible residents of DuPagePads.”
“We are beyond excited for this collaboration. For the families and individuals who are staying safe with us, transportation has been a major barrier in their journey to truly end their homelessness,” said April Redzic, President and CEO at DuPagePads. “In a county like ours, you need a car to get to work, to medical appointments, to day care and to your child’s after-school activities. This program will change the lives of so many, and we are hopeful that the community will be as excited as we are about this program…and decide to donate their used vehicle!”
One car recipient said, “It is such a life-changing thing to be able to go back and forth to work and the grocery store. We are so thankful and happy for this car. Without the donor and the people at Loaves & Fishes taking it in and fixing it up, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
The car program remains a beacon of hope for clients in search of dependable transportation. Through the collaborative efforts of Loaves & Fishes and DuPagePads, they eagerly anticipate extending this vital service to our community for years to come. For more information on the Car Program, visit loaves-fishes.org and to donate a qualifying used car to DuPagePads contact Chad Pedigo, VP of Development at cpedigo@dupagepads.org.
About Loaves and Fishes Community Services
Loaves & Fishes Community Services is a registered 501(3) organization serving more than 8,000 people a week by providing healthy food and impactful programs for self-sufficiency. It is one of the largest food pantries in the state of Illinois. Clients receive a healthy variety of food, including fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, and eggs. The Loaves & Fishes CARES programs help clients become self-sufficient through opportunities such as emergency assistance for rent or utilities, assistance with public benefits, car donations, tax preparation, job readiness, budget, and credit classes, and Moving Up, a 20-session intensive to help clients overcome barriers preventing them from becoming self-sufficient. Loaves & Fishes serves DuPage, Will, Kane, and Kendall counties. Loaves & Fishes Grocery Market and administrative offices are located in Naperville, and their Food Distribution Hub is located in Aurora. For more information, visit loaves-fishes.org.
About DuPagePads
With almost 40 years of service, DuPagePads is the largest provider of services to those who are homeless in DuPage County. DuPagePads’ solution to ending homelessness is housing, coupled with support services and employment to transform lives. The administration office is located at 601 West Liberty, Wheaton, IL 60187. Additional information can be obtained by contacting DuPagePads at 630.682.3846 or at www.dupagepads.org.