Education & Support


To help our clients reach their goals we offer a variety of education and support opportunities.
- Both shelters have dedicated classroom space for life skills education including Computers 101, Job Seekers, and Money Management. The Money Management course is required for all adult clients.
- Reflections is a self-study work course which generates conversations with a staff member on topics related to character building values.
- Support Group is a weekly confidential small group led by a qualified staff member or volunteer to assist clients in working through addiction, mental health concerns, or other struggles.
- Bible Study is provided by community members sharing their faith with a small group on site and is offered several times per week.
- Basic Life Skills are expectations managed under the direction of a staff member. Individuals are encouraged and expected to be accountable for personal hygiene, care of personal belongings, and managing personal finances. Guidance is provided when necessary. Weekly chores are also assigned to each client. These skills are necessary for future self-sufficiency.
- Parenting Partnerships is a self-study course managed by a staff member to assist parents in a variety of parenting topics and concerns based on the level of need and age of the child.
“Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope.
Hope breeds peace.”
Hope breeds peace.”
Confucius
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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