Ottawa PADS 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?

  1. You cannot be a registered sex offender.
  2. You cannot be a violent offender against youth.
  3. You must not have earned your way on to one of our ban lists.
  4. You need to have photo ID or be identified by the local police department.
  5. You need to have connections or local ties to our service area.
  6. You may not be admitted if you are under the influence and disruptive.

• What am I allowed to bring with me?

  1. 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. 
  2. 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?

  1. You must be in the shelter by 5:00 pm every evening, unless you are working. 
  2. Attendance is required nightly in order to retain a bed in the program.
  3. You are allowed free time outside the shelter from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.
  4. 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.
  5. Breathalyzers and penlight tests will be administered as needed.
  6. Parents are responsible for supervising their own children at all times.
  7. Bed time is at 10:30 pm nightly.

• How can I volunteer?

  1. Complete a volunteer application through our website or contact us directly by phone to schedule a volunteer training.
  2. Attend a scheduled training orientation onsite.
  3. Sign up with shelter staff to be added to the volunteer calendar.
  4. 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. 
  5.  

• How can I donate?

  1. Volunteer your time cleaning, organizing, fellowshipping with clients, or providing entertainment. 
  2. Prepare and serve a meal.  
  3. Purchase and donate supplies that are  found on our needs list. 
  4. Assist us with leading classes, support groups, or Bible discussions. 
  5. 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. 
  6. 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.
  7.  

• Are my donations tax deductible?

  1. 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.