24-hour operations resumed at Peru and Ottawa PADS shelters, offering round-the-clock support for those in need.
The Illinois Valley PADS shelters in Ottawa and Peru have resumed operations for the new season, providing essential services to individuals and families facing homelessness in the region. After temporarily operating out of the former YMCA building in Ottawa since August 1, 2025, the new PADS facility in Ottawa is expected to reopen in its permanent location by August 15, 2025.
The new Ottawa facility, located on the same Canal Street site as the old PADS facility, will continue to offer 24-hour, seven-day-a-week emergency shelter and supportive services. Intake for housing and supportive services will be conducted on-site, with transportation offered to the Peru shelter location if needed.
Last season, the Illinois Valley PADS shelters served a total of 578 clients, including 42 family units and 87 children. Nearly 90,000 meals were provided, thanks to the dedication of volunteers and supporters. Overnight accommodations are available from August 1 to May 31 at both the Ottawa and Peru shelters.
The shelters will remain open 24 hours a day during the season, offering meals, housing assistance, and employment support. The exact capacity of the new Ottawa facility is not yet known, but the organization's previous yearly service statistics indicate a strong support scale.
For the latest details, contacting PADS directly at the temporary phone number 815-503-2320 is advisable. The new season of operations at the Illinois Valley PADS shelters began last week, marking another year of providing vital support to those in need in the Illinois Valley area.
The new Ottawa facility, built on the same Canal Street site as the former one, will not only provide 24-hour, seven-day-a-week emergency shelter, but also offer supportive services such as meals, housing assistance, and employment support – all essential services for people seeking aid from sports like employment and housing. Despite the resumption of services at the Illinois Valley PADS shelters for the new season, the exact capacity of the new Ottawa facility remains unknown, illustrating the continuous need for support and resources in the sports of providing essential services to the homeless community.
