Ottawa PADS

09/22/2026

We are absolutely blown away by the number of friends, family, and neighbors who have recently reached out to offer us a helping hand. Here at Ottawa PADS, we are getting supplies, materials, and shelter goods moved into our new home. We are actively trying to set up rooms, build furniture, organize specific areas, clean, and add the finishing touches to the new shelter that will be opening up later next month. If you have spare time and want to stop by to help us complete our building project, we will be looking for help during the following times:

Wednesday - September 23rd from 9:00 am until 9:00 pm
Thursday - September 24th from 9:00 am until 9:00 pm
Friday - September 25th from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm
Saturday - September 26th from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm
Sunday - September 27th from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm

You are welcome to stay as long as you would like during these open volunteer times. No gesture or gift of time is ever too small or taken for granted.

08/01/2026

We're getting ready to open our doors here at Ottawa PADS for our 35th season in action. The crew is cooking up some dinner, admission packets are being assembled, and the doors are ready to open up at 5:00 pm today. Once registrations are completed, everyone seeking shelter tonight will eat dinner together, and then we will load up our bus and transport each guest over to Peru PADS. Our shelter guests will continue to be housed at Peru PADS until our new shelter is complete and our Case Managers will continue to work with our clients out of this location for the timebeing. Our temporary shelter located at 201 East Jackson Street will now be staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to continue helping as needed.

Stay tuned for more updates coming soon!

07/02/2026

It's another hot day today.
We're hot. You're hot.

Let us help you keep your kitchen cool.
Steak is cool, but eating a steak dinner and supporting IV PADS is even cooler.

Come see us at Peru Hy-Vee tonight between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm and let us serve you dinner.

06/09/2026

Illinois Valley PADS Outreach and Keep Clean Laundromat are teaming up to provide FREE laundry services to families and individuals in need!

Registration for the June session is now open:

Thursday, June 25th
10 am - 1 pm
205 W. Etna Rd.
Ottawa, IL 61350

🔹Free washer/dryer access (3 loads per household)

🔹Detergent and dryer sheets provided

🔹Folding assistance offered

🔹Transportation to/from the laundromat available if needed

Preregistration and eligibility verification is required. Serving individuals receiving SNAP/Medicaid and living or staying in Ottawa, Illinois.

Space is limited to 10 households per session, with preference given to those actively experiencing homelessness.

For more information or to sign up, call or text LAUNDRY to 815-503-2320, or stop by the shelter at 201 E. Jackson St. in Ottawa. 💚

02/19/2026

Here at Ottawa PADS, we have had the pleasure to meet 205 people since August!

We are currently housing 80 people each day. This means that we are running through supplies fast! At this time, we could really use your help! Our top needs are - all paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, facial tissue, disposable cups, paper plates, & bowls) all-purpose cleaners, laundry detergent, coffee & drink mixes!

If you can help, donations can be dropped off at the shelter located at 201 E. Jackson Street in Ottawa. Or you can shop our Amazon Wish List below!

Remember, no donation is too small, anything helps! 🏠❤️

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2X2TLN3OS0O9L/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1

11/28/2025