Transitional Housing Ministry

The Transitional Housing Ministry (THM) at St. Isaac Jogues provides housing, coaching, and a stable environment to DuPage County families who find themselves in a temporary homeless situation due to unplanned life-changing circumstances.  THM mentor teams work with these families to improve and develop the skills necessary to live independently. 

THM works with Bridge Communities, a non-profit organization that provides free transitional housing to more than 100 DuPage County families experiencing homelessness each year. Mentors help families with financial literacy, budget development, debt reduction, savings plans, self esteem, and emotional support, among other things. Bridge Communities offers case management, employment counseling, children’s programs, counseling resources, and nutrition support. Families stay in the program for two years and mentors meet with them each week for an hour to ensure they are making progress.

The primary contact between the families and SIJ are volunteer mentors who work with the support of the Bridge Communities professional staff to bring services to the homeless family. We look for mentors who are understanding and compassionate. Mentors are usually people who were taught good life skills and would like to help teach them to those who are not as fortunate. Each sponsored family has a mentor team consisting of three mentors.

Currently SIJ's THM supports three families at a cost of $13,000 annually for each family. We currently have a need for additional mentors and financial assistance to support the Transitional Housing Ministry, and we are asking for volunteers and contributions.

100% of all donations to THM go directly to support our families’ rents, utilities, and other expenses. By using dedicated volunteer mentors there are no administrative or overhead costs. The yellow envelopes that are included in the package with your weekly donation envelopes is our primary means of fundraising.

If you are interested in learning more about the Transitional Housing Ministry and how you can contribute to this important service, please contact Dave Perkowski. 

His contact information is:
Dave Perkowski
630-880-8153
[email protected]