PADS – Public Action to Deliver Shelter
Serving the Homeless in Kendall County, Illinois
PADS is a place where men, women, and children living in homelessness are provided overnight safe shelter and hot meals. A team of caring volunteers serve our homeless guests each night. Volunteers will greet each guest, and will register them on their first night and explain how the program operates. Guests may enjoy a hot, home-cooked meal and will have opportunities to visit with the volunteers. Social workers on site will provide information for guests about local social services.
Shelter services are available each night from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Seven churches in Kendall County will serve as shelter sites, one for each night of the week. Review a list of these shelter sites here.
Men, women, and children who need temporary overnight shelter and food may use Kendall County PADS. Children under the age of 18 must come with a parent or legal guardian (documentation of guardianship is required).
The Kendall County PADS program does not allow guests to use alcohol or drugs at the shelter sites. There is no restriction as to where the homeless person recently has been staying prior to coming to PADS . The program has a limit of 20 guests.
Who are the volunteers?
Men and women, age 18 and older, may serve as volunteers. Students 16-17 years old, along with a parent, may also serve as volunteers. Different positions and tasks can be matched to the skills and desires of each volunteer. Most volunteers live in Kendall County, but that is not a requirement. Each volunteer will give about 4.5 hours of his or her time just ONE time each month for six months, during the PADS “season” (October – April).
The shelter program is looking for caring people who can be dedicated to serve as a volunteer just one time each month — 6 times over 6 months of the coldest time of the year. You may choose which night or which location works best for your situation.
We will be pleased to welcome you as a volunteer and you will learn your role and responsibilities “on the job” under the guidance of an experienced site coordinator. So, please, SIGN UP today. Currently, PADS still needs volunteers at five sites for Shifts II and III.
Volunteers are Always Welcome!
A total of 600 volunteers are needed for PADS to operate each night of the month. We invite adults from community organizations, schools, churches and businesses and interested citizens to serve as Volunteers.
For more information and other ways to support PADS, check out this link: http://kendallcountypads.org/