Our Story

1992

West Suburban PADS was founded in response to the growing problem of homelessness in Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park.

Initially run entirely by volunteers, PADS opened the overnight Emergency Shelter Program that year in seven rotating sites, providing food and shelter to 244 homeless individuals from our community.

1996

Support Center was opened, to help our clients achieve self-sufficiency by providing access to basic self-care services necessary for daily living, as well as health and case management services.

Transitional Housing Program was launched for the employed homeless, with four apartment units in Oak Park.

1998

Transitional Housing Program was expanded from four to 17 apartment units for families.

2000

Name was changed from Tri-Village PADS to West Suburban PADS to reflect our expanded service area (20 communities in six townships).

Summer Lunch Program introduced, providing meals five days a week during the summer months when the shelter is closed.

2001

Homeless Prevention Program began, offering one-time rent, mortgage or utility assistance to those at risk of homelessness.

Bilingual Information and Referral line was established.

2002

Project WIN was created, offering intensive and specialized case management services for homeless men and women with medical, mental health and substance abuse problems.

2004

Project WISH was launched, the only transitional housing program in suburban Cook County dedicated to single adults and with units dedicated to veterans.

2006

WCHIP, a permanent supportive housing program specifically targeting the homeless mentally ill, was started in collaboration with five local agencies (West Suburban PADS, Pillars, Thresholds, THRIVE, Vital Bridges).

2007

West Suburban PADS moved administrative and program offices, and the Support Center, to St. Eulalia’s Parish House in Maywood.

2009

The ground-level space of St. Eulalia's Parish House was renovated, creating a new facility for our day-time, year-round Support Center  -- five times bigger than the previous Support Center and better equipped to provide a bridge between the emergency shelter and stable housing.

Career Passport, our Employment Readiness Program, was launched to help our clients identify and resolve their long-term barriers to retained employment and career advancement.

2010

Today, West Suburban PADS’ $2 million budget supports five main program areas: Emergency Shelter, Supportive Services/Case Management, Supportive Housing, Employment Readiness, and Homeless Prevention.