Transitional Housing

Ministry Coordinators:  Mary and John Krieger

Our Ministry

Through its partner, Bridge Communities, St. Daniel’s Transitional Housing ministry provides living space and mentoring to homeless families in DuPage County. Our objective is to provide suitable housing to these families on a transitional basis, while we work with them to develop life skills, savings habits, debt management, enhanced job skills and other attributes that will allow them to graduate to independent permanent housing.

St. Daniels works with a family in the Transitional Housing program for 18 to 24 months. During that time, St. Daniels provides mentors and a fully furnished rent-free apartment to the family. Bridge Communities provides access to many public programs (food stamps to skills evaluations) and coordinates with St. Daniel's Transitional Housing program to advance the living positions of our clients.

St. Daniels provides coaching and mentoring to make sure they get and stay on the path to independent living. Many who come in to the program have nowhere else to go. Generally these are single parent families with one or more children. They have no money, no idea how to save and little hope for the future. The program teaches them where to access public support, improve their job or marriage situation, find access to legal, credit and financial counsel, save money and get on the path to independence.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Mentors to work with our clients
• People and vehicles to help move furniture and furnishings when we have a client move on and new one coming in
• We encourage our clients who "graduate" from the Transitional Housing program to take the furniture and furnishings when they leave. That means we have to furnish and equip an apartment every 18-24 months.

Volunteer Now, online.

Volunteer Meetings

The Transitional Housing volunteers attend the monthly CORE meetings and have a mentor meeting immediately following the CORE meeting.  See CORE Meetings.

Volunteer Statements

"Many years ago we learned that if you are a part of a community, you have the obligation to give back to the community to keep it moving ahead. Homelessness in Du Page County is a serious problem. What is more serious is doing nothing about it. We live alongside many under privileged people with no life skills in one of the most affluent counties in the United States. On a daily basis as we go about our lives, they are invisible to us. They have children who deserve to know what it means to have a better life. Through Transitional Housing, we help them achieve a better life and living conditions."

"Transitional Housing gives us the opportunity to get involved and make a difference. It is a family, friend, and community effort. Ask people to help, and they will. Bridge Communities provides the apartments, we provide the furniture, furnishings and mentors. We meet the families and get to see their reactions when they first see their new homes. We also stay connected through our parish-based mentors who work closely with the families and provide thoughts, encouragement and prayers for them as they advance on their journeys. Through Transitional Housing, we give back to the community and make it a better place for all."  Mary and John Krieger

"I feel that being part of this ministry allows me to share the blessings I have had with someone in need. To give support, care, acknowledgment, and guidance during a very difficult time in someone’s life. Also, sharing my faith that life can change around by faith and prayer."  Marian Stochausen – Mentor

"I do it one because I share this ministry with my wife. Secondly it gives me a good inner feeling. It’s nice to give a helping hand to someone in need."  Bill Stochausen – mentor

"As a mentor in the Transitional Housing Program, I feel that I have received more than I have given. I originally volunteered for the program after reading about it in the St. Daniel’s Bulletin and doing some research on the internet. I had been looking to become involved in a volunteer program that would provide me with the opportunity to directly assist families in need. After attending the training program, I realized that Bridge Communities was a wonderful organization that not only helps families by providing housing but also by giving them resources to secure a future. The goal of a mentor might be to help families find resources to further their education, get out of debt, and plan for the future, but one soon realizes that it is the social and emotional support that is most essential. Being a mentor has taught me patience, compassion, and perseverance. It has changed my definition of success and increased my gratitude toward family, friends, and God. It is a wonderful opportunity to grow and discover the true meaning of Christ."  Erin Liebich – Mentor