Host an Event or Drive
IV PADS is funded almost exclusively through private donations from individuals, businesses, churches, clubs, and foundations. We accept and appreciate both financial and in-kind donations.
IV PADS strives to offer a hand up to the homeless instead of a hand out. Will YOU offer your hand up by using your own abilities, talents, and resources? Join “Project Hand Up” today.


Project Hand Up ideas:
- Instead of birthday gifts, ask friends to donate needed supplies to IV PADS in your honor
- Run a race and raise pledges for IV PADS
- Sponsor a bake sale, hor ‘d oeuvres evening, or chili cook off with proceeds to benefit IV PADS
- Host a kitchen party – serve refreshments and collect guests’ gently used kitchen appliances, pots and pans, and dinnerware for Lily Pads to provide for clients who move out
- Ask your organization or business to protect PADS through cold & flu season by donating over-the-counter medications and pain relievers
- Pack a sack lunch all week instead of eating out and donate the amount you saved to IV PADS
- Set up a day of child care, photography sessions, music lessons, or tutoring and donate the proceeds to IV PADS
- In lieu of Christmas gifts from clients, ask for $5 gift cards to local fast food restaurants to donate to IV PADS
- Host a charity event or dinner at a local establishment to benefit IV PADS
- Plan a hands-on event with children in the shelter on a holiday from school – call Bingo and provide small prizes, plan a painting activity, host a game afternoon, or throw a make-your-own pizza party
THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS! We can’t wait to hear your Project Hand Up idea.
To help plan your project, contact the Peru Shelter at (815)224-3047 or the Ottawa Shelter at (815)433-1292.
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.