Success Stories
IV PADS has been granted the privilege of becoming one small part in a chapter of many lives over the years. This would not be possible without the courage and drive of every guest who knocks on our door to ask for help.
Let us introduce you to some of the clients who have worked their way back to self sufficiency.
Let us introduce you to some of the clients who have worked their way back to self sufficiency.


“You are worth something and you can do it”
Executive Director Carol Alcorn, Client turned Volunteer Tim Martin, Program Manager Marissa Melau say a bittersweet goodbye. January 2019 In 2011, Tim Martin walked thru the doors of Ottawa Pads for the first of many, many times. A clean-cut guy with Tourette’s and non-productive habits, Tim was prone to severe anxiety, self-medicating and was short
(Read full story)
Meet Larry – It’s Never Too Late to Find Contentment
As a self-proclaimed ‘loner,’ Larry, now 66, took to a transient lifestyle since the time he was 14. Although his parents provided a home and essentials, Larry didn’t feel loved by his parents or 5 siblings and never felt attached to them or his home. So at 14 he decided to hitchhike from his home
(Read full story)
Meet Brandon and Riley
A couple of years ago Brandon found himself in a tricky situation. He had a diploma, experience in the U.S. Navy, and a job. He also had a beautiful young daughter, Riley. The difficulty in Brandon’s life was that he was going through a divorce. His $10 per hour paycheck didn’t stretch far enough to
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Meet Vermell – From Nothing to Something
The day that Vermell, age 41, had to move into a shelter, she thought the moment was the lowest point in her life. As a single mother of 7 children ranging in age from 6 to 21 years, Vermell had already had to overcome enormous obstacles in her life. From being born to an addicted
(Read full story)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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