Ottawa Shelter
201 E. Jackson St.
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 433-1292
Peru Shelter
1320 Menards Dr.
Peru, IL 61354
(815) 224-3047

About Us

IV PADS is entering Season 34 of serving the community’s homeless.
Typewriter with 'What is your story?' text

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.
Commemorative plaque dedicated to Sister Margaret Suehr.
Colorful stained glass with love and heart design.

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.
Illinois Valley PADS homeless shelter contact information sign.
Man installing Illinois Valley sign outdoors

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.
Group of people with shovels at groundbreaking event.
Colorful playroom with toys and decorations.

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.
Wooden roof trusses with metal plates outdoors
Bright office hallway with doors and lockers.

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.
Woman presenting architectural floor plan on easel.

Help For Today

Hope For Tomorrow

From the moment we receive a knock on the door or a call for help, every effort is made to connect those in need with essential services to better assist them every step of the way.

Mission

Hands reaching out in sunset background
Mission Statement:
Illinois Valley Public Action to Deliver Shelter (IV PADS) exists to provide shelter, food and services to those who are homeless in our communities to build a brighter future.
Hands reaching out in sunset background
Core Values

We value…

  • The human dignity and worth of those we serve
  • Service with compassion and generosity
  • Community based partnerships that provide social and financial resources
  • Supportive services that connect clientele with opportunities
  • Client self-sufficiency through empowerment and education
Non-Discrimination Statement

Find Shelter

Ottawa Shelter

Location
201 E. Jackson St..
Ottawa, IL 61350
About
Ottawa PADS is a 90-bed homeless shelter that provides shelter, meals, and other services to those in need. Operates from August 1 to May 31 each year.

Peru Shelter

Location
1320 Menards Dr.
Peru, IL 61354
About
Peru PADS is a 76-bed homeless shelter that provides shelter, meals, and other services to those in need. Operates from August 1 to May 31 each year.

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