Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending - Construction - DuPagePads requests $280,000 in CPF funding to develop a safe, onsite play space at for children experiencing homelessness who are receiving emergency shelter at the organization's Interim Housing Center (IHC), located at 1113 Butterfield Rd. Downers Grove, IL 60515. The purpose of this play space is to engage children in recreational activities which facilitate social-emotional learning, improve strength, and simply allow kids to be kids in the traumatic midst of a housing crisis. Presently, the children who stay each day at the IHC do not have access to a place to play outside because the facility is not within walking distance of a park, and their families are struggling with poverty and homelessness, so most do not have a car. Important funding will enable the following outdoor improvements to the IHC facility to benefit children and families experiencing homelessness on their journey to stable housing: (1) install astro turf as a foundation for a decent children’s play space; (2) remove bushes that have outgrown their lifespan to be replaced with aesthetically-pleasing and child-friendly outdoor equipment/climbing structures; (3) install outdoor equipment/climbing structures; (4) widen sidewalks to improve accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers; (5) complete cement repairs around the property to ensure safe walking surfaces; (6) remove rocks not safe for toddlers; (7) replace rocks with recyclable turf that is easier on children’s feet and provides more safety from injury in the event of a fall; and (8) erect guest-friendly picnic tables around the facility. The method of construction will be overseen by the landscape architect with components including but not limited to: excavation of current landscaping rocks; installation of permeable surface and permeable, recyclable turf around the property and in between two buildings; and installation of pavers, picnic tables, turf, planters and shade perennials to create a better and more family-friendly outdoor space surrounding the facility. The purpose of this project is to improve physical and mental health and wellness outcomes for our youngest and most vulnerable guests and provide them with additional opportunities to grow and thrive and strengthen their bodies, health, curiosity, imagination and sense of wonder. The addition of a play space will facilitate enhanced coordination, self-esteem, physical, mental and emotional health, relationship-building and a sense of community that will help children continue to meet and exceed developmental milestones on their journey to housing stability. This project will benefit DuPage County children experiencing homelessness who are residing at DuPagePads’ IHC. In FY23, DuPagePads served 1,209 individuals (a 12% increase from FY22), including 384 children in 136 families. Additionally, the organization assisted 493 individuals in obtaining stable housing. DuPagePads’ IHC is unique in that, as a former hotel utilized since the local outbreak of COVID-19 to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of clients, volunteers and staff, it provides residents with access to a consistent, private space with a personal bathroom and closing door, coupled with support services. These features have had a significant and positive impact on their mental and emotional wellbeing, enabling them to stabilize in a more rapid and efficient manner. The construction vendors DuPagePads will engage to complete this project include HurstHouse ($40,859), Miracle Restoration ($21,937) and U.S. Artificial Grass ($182,954). Additionally, the organization seeks funding in the amount of $15,075 for staff oversight of the project and indirect cost support of $12,633. The total project cost is $280,000.
