Plainfield Community Hope Day

Oct 9, 2025

Caring For the Community

Plainfield Congregational Church

Amount Awarded: $50,000| Completed Summer 2023

Will County’s allocation of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars is supporting community initiatives throughout the County. ARPA funding has been crucial in supporting Plainfield Congregational Church’s monthly Hope Day event, which offers support to between 70 to 90 residents each month who are seeking assistance. The event is held from 11 – 2 PM on the first Saturday of each month.

The event welcomes all people to a hot meal, clean clothing for all ages, toiletries, household goods, toys, food staples, free gift cards, live entertainment, Bingo with prizes, and crafts. About 20 church members interact with these visitors to provide assistance and a kind ear. On a regular basis, the church also supplies a licensed social worker to interact with people in need of their services. Per event organizer Patricia Herman, “This has been a life saver for so many people.”

“The smiles on the faces we encounter each month tell the story of hope and love and possibility. The help from the social worker shows the visitors that we are serious about providing answers to their questions and their needs. This proves to be rewarding for the visitors and also for the people providing the services. All are Blessed.”

Patricia Herman | Event Organizer

Each Hope Day, people can meet for three hours to get social interaction, help with basic needs, and entertainment in a safe space. Plainfield Congregation Church has been able to maneuver space to accompany the many people that join them for the event. They strive to stay aware of the community’s needs and how they can successfully meet them.

Through Hope Day, they have provided connections to safe-housing for victims of domestic violence, connected families with resources in the community to assist them in locating affordable housing and financial assistance, and help unemployed people secure jobs. Hope Day serves as a beacon of hope for community members in need, providing critical assistance and assurance that there are people who genuinely care for their success and happiness.

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