ABOUT US

Founded in 1972 as a crisis hotline, the mission of PADS has evolved to combat chronic poverty, welfare dependency, and homelessness among individuals and families; by providing emergency shelter and crisis services throughout northeast Illinois.

Housing no less than 160 people per night, our Emergency Shelter Program operates between October and April.

Additional PADS programs include:

The Assessment Center – providing advocacy, referral and follow-up services to mainstream benefits;

The Family Center – for emergency shelter, meals, tutoring, and self-help groups for families;

Safe Haven – which is housing for fifteen adults who are chronically homeless and have a serious mental illness;

The Veterans House – is home to ten formerly homeless veterans men.

 

PADS Crisis Services, Inc., is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to providing emergency shelter, permanent housing, and supportive services to families with children and individuals who are experiencing homelessness in Lake County.

We work in partnership with our clients as they strive to achieve their fullest potential—as families, as individuals, and as members of the community.

We operate the largest rotating, non-restrictive emergency shelter site system for individuals and for families with children in Lake County that is open on a seasonal basis (October 1st through April 30th). PADS sleeps approximately 160 people per night.

We provide the only Lake County resource center / day shelter, which is open 365 days a year for individuals and for families with children. At the resource center / day shelter, clients can meet with a client advocate; access shower and laundry facilities; access computer and GED classes; get assistance with medical care, transportation, and referrals to mainstream resources; and receive mail in order to access mainstream benefits. PADS Crisis Services also provides linkages with representative payee services, education, and employment, through strong collaboration with other community agencies, and we are considered the first point of contact for the homeless in Lake County.