PADS helps homeless individuals and families find success.
You can volunteer to help at the emergency shelter.
RS has been a client of PADS of Elgin, Inc., on and off for the past several years. He had been through a number of jobs, but was unable to keep any for long. However, last fall, he expressed interest in the truck-driving program at ECC.
Through the PADS case management and advocacy process, PADS was able to help him acquire a PELL grant to attend school, and he was registered at ECC. Over the past two semesters he has taken basic classes and passed preliminary requirements for the degree. He is now attending the summer semester.
Even though he has been sober for about 20 years, he still had unpaid fines stemming from old DUI charges. Through the course of the PADS financial literacy program, RS was able to save enough money to pay off these fines and clear the way for license renewal.
Today, RS continues to be motivated by his studies. He is both enthusiastic about and willing to accept tutoring by various volunteers when required. He continues to attend AA programs, which aid in his continued sobriety and continues to work part time. About 6 months ago, he was notified that he was diabetic, but he is doing well at managing it through diet and mild medication. If all goes well, he should graduate the truck driving school this fall and move on.
PADS of Elgin
PADS of Elgin, Inc. was founded in 1989 as a safe haven for homeless men, women, and children within our community. Originally established by three local clergymen, the shelter provided emergency housing for Elgin-area residents during the cold winter months.
Today, PADS provides a safe environment for 40 to 50 men, women, and children each night. Both individuals and families are welcome at the shelter.
Full case management and service plan development is available during shelter hours. Additional case management, advocacy, outreach, and educational opportunities are available daily during PADS of Elgin, Inc.’s business hours.
Who are the homeless?
Often the guests PADS of Elgin serves shake the perception of the stereotypical “street” or “homeless” person.
Families with children are among the fastest growing segments of the homeless population. Sixty percent of adults who use PADS as their temporary home regularly work.
When in the shelter, they rise before dawn, help with cleanup operations, and leave for work. They are the working poor.
Homelessness results from a complex set of circumstances, which require people to choose between food, shelter, and other basic needs. Homeless individuals often lack support systems.
A large number of those served through PADS of Elgin suffer from mental illness or developmental disabilities. This group has a tendency to remain homeless for longer periods of time, have less contact with family and encounter more barriers to employment.
For more information on how to volunteer with this or other area programs, click here.
