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Chad Pedigo – DuPage Pads

Chad PedigoChad Pedigo is the Vice President of Development at DuPage Pads, a nonprofit organization focused on ending homelessness in DuPage County by offering comprehensive services, including health resources, education, and food assistance. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit management and community leadership, he has been integral in transforming the organization’s shelter model and expanding its support services. Chad has held leadership roles in various organizations, including North Central College, Naperville Jaycees, Bridge Communities, and many more, focusing on growth, innovation, and donor stewardship practices. He is a former singer and dancer who advocates for humanizing the experience of those facing homelessness.

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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [1:54] Chad Pedigo introduces DuPage Pads’ mission and innovative approach to tackling homelessness
  • [4:33] The significance of understanding “suburban homelessness” and addressing the unseen population
  • [6:07] The impact of economic downturns, like the 2009 housing crisis, on homelessness
  • [11:55] DuPage Pads’ funding sources and their strategic allocation
  • [16:47] Chad talks about the challenges surrounding the rise in homelessness and the waitlist for shelter services
  • [18:49] DuPage Pads’ partnerships to address complex issues associated with homelessness
  • [26:33] Chad discusses external challenges, such as the affordable housing crisis 
  • [33:59] DuPage Pads’ three key service arms: street outreach, interim housing, and supportive housing
  • [37:47] The difference in how to address homelessness with a “people-first” mindset

In this episode…

In a community often seen as affluent, could there be a pressing homelessness issue lurking beneath the surface? What innovative solutions can truly make a difference in ending this cycle of homelessness?

Chad Pedigo, a community leader in the nonprofit sector, explores a revolutionary approach to helping individuals and families find stability. He outlines the transformation from temporary shelters to offering dignity and permanency through their Interim Housing Center model that repurposes hotels. Chad delves into the strategic funding and partnerships vital to their mission and the importance of seeing people, not labels, when assisting. With heartfelt stories and insightful strategies, he paints a compelling picture of proactive community support.

In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Chad Pedigo, Vice President of Development at DuPage Pads, about innovative homelessness solutions. Chad introduces DuPage Pads’ mission and innovative approach to tackling homelessness, the transformation from temporary shelters to permanency, DuPage Pads’ funding sources and their strategic allocation, and the partnerships it fosters to address complex issues associated with homelessness.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable moments: 

  • “Supportive housing is not just a need, it’s a proven solution that we actively pursue and provide effectively.”
  • “Affordable housing is endangered and almost extinct; we need a workforce that can afford to live in the community.”
  • “Without a support network, it’s very difficult for anyone to manage escaping poverty on their own.”
  • “The dignity of a door meant for all of our clients a safe space with lock and key.”
  • “Seeing the person first is the very first and most important step to addressing their needs.”
  • “We’re really sharing the tough lessons that we learned, as well as the positive outcomes that we’re seeing.”

Action Steps: 

  1. Engage in community outreach and volunteer initiatives: This engagement fosters leadership skills by teaching resource coordination and community relationship-building, which are crucial for effective leadership.
  2. Create and sustain partnerships: This approach is effective because it tackles challenges collaboratively, ensuring comprehensive support for complex issues such as homelessness.
  3. Focus on continuous learning and adaptation: Continuous education allows leaders to adapt to new challenges and innovate solutions.
  4. Advocate for policy and systemic change: Advocacy efforts can lead to policy changes that make a significant impact, such as increasing affordable housing options to prevent homelessness.
  5. Adopt a people-first approach in communication: A people-first approach fosters empathy and respect, helping to reduce stigma and focus on individual needs, ultimately leading to more compassionate and effective leadership.

Sponsor for this episode…

Today’s episode is sponsored by Paul Gregory Media, an 18-year-old digital marketing agency in downtown Naperville, Illinois. 

They are one of the few thousand Certified B Corporations worldwide, demonstrating PGM as a leader of a global movement to use business as a force for good, meeting high standards of accountability, transparency, and community involvement. They have been trusted by hundreds of organizations since 2006.

PGM is recognized as one of the top marketing agencies in the region, earning more awards than many of its competitors combined. They have the passion, commitment, and expertise to get it done.

To learn more about the services PGM offers or how they can support you with your marketing needs, visit www.paulgregorymedia.com or email them at [email protected].