Seeking Shelter
If you are in need of temporary shelter and assistance, IV PADS may be able to help. Both our Ottawa and Peru shelters are open and available to both male and female individuals as well as families.
Our services are designed to offer a hand up, not a hand out.


We provide the following:
- A bunk bed with storage tote, laundry basket, and locker storage.
- 3 meals per day
- Restrooms with showers
- Washer and dryer
- Individualized case management with goal setting and a plan of action.
- On-site classes in job skills, computer skills, budgeting, parenting, along with support groups, and Bible study.
- Occasional transportation to appointments (NOT daily transportation or transportation to work or school).
- Assistance with a variety of needs – applying for other social services, assistance with prescriptions, referrals to medical and mental health professionals, etc.

Our Facilities:
- We have two locations. Our Peru shelter accommodates up to 74 individuals, and our Ottawa shelter accommodates up to 55.
- Dormitory style facility with a separate men’s and women’s area in the building.
- Both locations have family rooms so that families with children may remain together.
- Beds are not reserved prior to admission. New clients are admitted on a first come, first serve basis.
- No one under the age of 18 will be admitted without a parent or legal guardian.
- Both of our shelters are located in rural areas. Public transportation services are at a minimum and we do not provide regular transportation. We will provide appropriate outerwear for walking and will lend bicycles on an as needed basis.

Eligibility Requirements:
- Must present a photo ID or have police clearance.
- Must not be a registered sex offender or violent offender towards youth.
- Must not arrive intoxicated (intoxication levels may be tested at any time).
- Must not have earned placement on our ‘Do Not Admit’ list due to past offenses.
- Must be 18 years old OR accompanied by a parent/guardian.
- Must agree to and comply with all shelter rules.
If you are interested in seeking shelter with IV PADS, click here to contact us with any further questions.
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.Â
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.Â
- 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.Â
- 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.Â
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How can I donate?
- Volunteer your time cleaning, organizing, fellowshipping with clients, or providing entertainment.Â
- Prepare and serve a meal. Â
- Purchase and donate supplies that are found on our needs list.Â
- Assist us with leading classes, support groups, or Bible discussions.Â
- 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.Â
- 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.
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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.Â
Still have questions?
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