Future Goals
GOAL 1
Our most immediate future goal is building a new Ottawa PADS shelter to enlarge the space to both serve more clients more effectively and to do so in a safer environment.
The current Ottawa shelter is housed in a 165-year-old building with problems that include inadequate space and extensive temperature control issues. The space of the facility tightly houses 55 individuals. These 55 individuals are provided only three bathrooms (two of which are single-use) and two washers and dryers. Most importantly, a portion of the existing building is failing structurally.
The objectives for the new shelter facility are to include a larger approved kitchen, larger dorm rooms for men and women, six family rooms, more office and storage space, a playroom for children, larger bathrooms with showers, a large multi-purpose classroom, and isolation rooms with bathrooms when needed to keep all staff and guests safe.
Step 1: Purchase Land
Step 2: Obtain Blue Prints
On February 1, 2023, the first blueprints were drawn up for the expanded shelter.
IV PADS Executive Director, Carol Alcorn, received the first set up blueprints for a new Ottawa PADS Shelter.
Step 3: Raise the Necessary Funds
Giving Home a Hope
Our Needs
It’s time … yes; it’s time to build a new shelter – a space that reflects our community’s commitment to compassion, dignity, and support. This new facility will not only address the shortcomings of the current building but will also pave the way for expanded services, increased capacity, and a more welcoming environment for those in need.
Why now?
Corporate, Estate, In-Kind and Asset Donators
Find Shelter
Ottawa Shelter
Peru Shelter
FAQs
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.