Mission

An ecumenical community endeavor which valued the dignity, uniqueness, goodness, and giftedness of all persons, Southwest Chicago PADS is impelled by the Gospel challenge to feed the hungry and minister to the poor.  We seek to:

• Provide emergency shelter, food, clothing and referrals for additional assistance to persons who are homeless.
• Prevent homelessness in our community by providing immediate assistance and referrals to those facing a housing crisis.
• Educate the wider community about the plight of people who are homeless.

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History

In April 1993, Sister Thérèse DelGenio, who was looking for a way to provide emergency shelter for the homeless in Chicago, found a model program, PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter). After observing the operations of five suburban PADS, Sr. Thérèse founded Southwest Chicago PADS, adapting it to an urban setting.

Sister began ministering to the homeless, operating out of two Protestant churches whose members provided volunteers, meals, and overnight shelter.

In 1998, PADS moved to a rented storefront in West Englewood, and in spring 2002, purchased a permanent facility on 71st Street & Kedzie, directly across the street from Marquette Park, where many homeless people “live.” The building, a former daycare center requiring extensive renovation and repair, opened in November 2002.

Southwest Chicago PADS has grown into a volunteer-based center where people at risk of becoming homeless and homeless individuals and families in crisis receive quality of life services on the southwest side of Chicago. In partnership with staff and volunteers, PADS guests are treated with respect and dignity, and learn self-empowerment tools that lead to better choices. Southwest Chicago PADS is funded entirely by private grants and individual donations.