About Us
IV PADS is entering Season 34 of serving the community’s homeless.
Our History
1990
Sister Margaret Suerth, Rev. Betty Delgado, and Jean Huslander surveyed social services, hospitals, churches, township supervisors, and others to determine the need for homeless services.
1991
Illinois Valley Public Action to Deliver Shelter (IV PADS) obtained a charter as a 501(c)3 charity with a mission to serve the homeless in LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam Counties. Seven congregations in Peru and seven in Ottawa opened their doors to housing the homeless on pads on the floor for the first four years.
1995-1996
Both shelter programs relocated to permanent locations.
2003-2004
The Peru shelter was constructed at 1320 Menards Dr. in Peru.
2004
The Board of Directors hired an Executive Director to manage and expand the program. They developed policies and procedures, addressed building needs, and expanded staffing as funding increased.
2009-2013
The Ottawa PADS shelter underwent renovations to accommodate 55 beds. The kitchen was remodeled and expanded as well as the women's and men's sleeping rooms. A classroom, laundry space, and new men's bathroom were created. In 2013, three family rooms and a playroom were added to better serve families with children.
"This agency is the work of a great community. People share the expression of faith and caring that sustains IV PADS and helps to dispel the desperation of hopelessness.”
– Carol Alcorn, Executive Director
2012
Lily PADS outgrew its original space in Peru, IL, leading to the construction of a 4,000-square-foot addition.
2018
Lily PADS Too Resale Boutique opened on July 15th in Ottawa. This addition increased the agency's employment to up to 48 full-time and part-time employees.
2019
A 5,880-square-foot addition was opened at the Peru shelter in November for a cost of $1.1 million. This expansion increased the number of beds from 24 to 74. It also provided an administration wing, a large classroom, two more offices for staff, four large family rooms, additional bathrooms, and larger dorm rooms for men and women.
2020
The shelters in Ottawa and Peru faced the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to a heightened level of isolation and requiring 24-hour coverage. Off-site locations, such as a motel, were used for isolation purposes.
2022
The Board of Directors purchased three lots at 1120 Canal Street on December 20th from the City of Ottawa to rebuild a new shelter facility.
Mission
Mission Statement:
Illinois Valley PADS exists to provide shelter, food, and services to people in need.
We are breaking the cycle of homelessness by providing transformative programs, resources, and advocacy for individuals and families.
We are breaking the cycle of homelessness by providing transformative programs, resources, and advocacy for individuals and families.
Core Values
- Value human dignity and worth
- Serve with compassion and generosity
- Partner with communities for local resources
- Empower people to be self-sufficient
Non-Discrimination Statement
Illinois Valley PADS will be compliant with all State and federal requirements for homeless services. We are committed to cultivating a culture of respect for the dignity and value of each individual and family. These values are essential to our mission to assist and advocate for all without a home, helping everyone from all backgrounds secure vital services, safe indoor shelter, and decent permanent homes of their own.
Find Shelter
Ottawa Shelter
About
Ottawa PADS is a 55-bed homeless shelter that provides shelter, meals, and other services to those in need.
Peru Shelter
About
Peru PADS is a 74-bed homeless shelter that provides shelter, meals, and other services to those in need.
FAQs
Find answers to your questions about hours, requirements, rules, and volunteering opportunities.
What are your hours of operation?
We are open from August 1st to May 31st, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Who do you serve?
We serve men, women, and children who are homeless. Our service area includes LaSalle, Bureau, Putnam, and surrounding counties.
What are your admittance requirements?
- You cannot be a registered sex offender.
- You cannot be a violent offender against youth.
- You must not have earned your way on to one of our ban lists.
- You need to have photo ID or be identified by the local police department.
- You need to have connections or local ties to our service area.
- You may not be admitted if you are under the influence and disruptive.
What am I allowed to bring with me?
- Two small bags of personal items which will fit into a tote and one locker. You must find other locations for the remainder of your possessions.
- Bedding, hygiene products, laundry supplies, and food are provided.
Can I bring my pet?
No, you may not bring a pet. A registered, licensed, service animal with proper records of vaccinations and proof of spay or neutering may come into the shelter. Companion animals are not allowed.
What are the rules?
- You must be in the shelter by 5:00 pm every evening, unless you are working.
- Attendance is required nightly in order to retain a bed in the program.
- You are allowed free time outside the shelter from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.
- You are allowed to smoke outside for 10 minutes every hour, on the hour, between the hours of 7:00 am and 10:00 pm.
- Breathalyzers and penlight tests will be administered as needed.
- Parents are responsible for supervising their own children at all times.
- Bed time is at 10:30 pm nightly.
How can I volunteer?
- Complete a volunteer application through our website or contact us directly by phone to schedule a volunteer training.
- Attend a scheduled training orientation onsite.
- Sign up with shelter staff to be added to the volunteer calendar.
- If you are providing a meal individually or as part of a group, the day and time of the meal must be coordinated with the shelter staff in advance.
How can I donate?
- Volunteer your time cleaning, organizing, fellowshipping with clients, or providing entertainment.
- Prepare and serve a meal.
- Purchase and donate supplies that are found on our needs list.
- Assist us with leading classes, support groups, or Bible discussions.
- Share your skills. We welcome persons with maintenance skills, money management skills to share with clients, nursing skills to aid clients, and smiling skills to brighten someone’s day.
- Provide financial donations to assist us in paying the bills and building more programs. You can send a check, submit online donations through paypal, or bring cash to any of our locations.
Are my donations tax deductible?
- Yes, we are a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization with a EIN # of 36-3778430. Your financial and in-kind donations are tax deductible. Any of our locations can provide you with a receipt.
Still have questions?
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