McHenry County PADS

In 1988, people from the McHenry County faith community became concerned about homeless people they had observed living in cars, under bridges, viaducts and in wooded areas in the county during the cold winter months.

These congregations agreed to open their doors at 7:00 pm to provide individuals with dinner, a warm place to sleep and breakfast; sending them on their way by 7:00 am. Blankets, sheets, mattresses, supplies for cooking and providing meals, volunteers and staff all provided by the church.

In order to secure its sustainability, 12 years ago McHenry County PADS merged with Pioneer Center for Human Services, McHenry County’s provider of the broadest range of human services. The merger of these two organizations was the very first of its kind in McHenry County.

The Day Center is the first and only year-round, daytime facility in McHenry County for all sub-populations of individuals experiencing homelessness. Pioneer Center has since transformed homeless services in our community from partnering with local church sites for shelter to other services for collaboration to best serve each individual that walks through our shelter. The priority of well-being, safety and security for each individual is held to a high standard on how we operate our services.

McHenry County PADS offers emergency shelter coupled with support services in order to help individuals experiencing homelessness work toward becoming self-sufficient. These support services enable individuals to receive crisis intervention, case management, linkage to community resources and life skills training, as well as day-to-day services including access to showers, laundry facilities, transportation, computers and an address at which to receive mail.

Lack of reliable transportation is often a barrier to people working their way out of homelessness. McHenry County PADS provides transportation assistance to those receiving PADS Services offering rides to the Day Center, emergency shelter sites, job interviews, social service agencies, medical appointments and more. Transportation schedules are provided after intake.

All individuals must go through an intake process before receiving services as well as being a McHenry County resident. The pre-intake process includes admission screening to ensure the safety of all individuals being served.

Why Should I donate?

To sustain the operations of McHenry County PADS, the most impact way you can contribute are monetary donations. The state, local and federal government provides 30% of the funding needs to operate our homeless shelter. Be a part of the 70% today and help house our future.

What is your in-kind donation policy?

At times, we may be in need of more items than others and we may have surplus of certain items. Before you plan to donate something from our wish list, please call 815.344.1230, option 2 for in-kind donations for approval.

We want to control our inventory, keep our storage spaces accessible and have our staff working with those experiencing homelessness as much as possible. Once approved, donations will only be accepted for drop off at McHenry County PADS located at 1805 S Illinois Rte 31, in McHenry, Illinois 60050.

We are thankful for all donors of our community who contribute to the fight to end homelessness. As we help people live a dignified life of well-being, independence and inclusion, this policy allows us to fulfill our mission to the full extent. We would love for you to donate in the most beneficial way possible!

What is on the PADS Donation wish list?

Supplying any of the below items is a blessing. (Please note: Due to health codes, we are requesting new items. In addition, we have reached maximum storage for bar soaps and toothpaste, please donate these items to other organizations in the community.)

  • Travel size Shampoo
  • Travel size Body Wash
  • Mesh Laundry Bags
  • Deodorant
  • Plastic/Disposable forks, knives, spoons
  • Sidewalk Chalk
  • Calendars
  • Shower Caddies
  • Antibacterial hand soap (pump bottles preferred)
  • Kleenex/Facial Tissue
  • Gift Cards to pharmacies: CVS, Walgreens
  • Uber/Lyft cards
  • Individually packaged snacks (chips, fruit snacks, etc.)
  • Instant Coffee

More services

PADS By The Numbers

Last year, PADS served over 220 men, women and children…

  • 145 out of 220 left McHenry County PADS to a more positive outcome (66% of those being served)
  • 7,903 nights of shelter were provided to 151 people including 11 families and 26 children in the Emergency Sleeping Rooms
  • 10,143 client rides were provided for linkage and resources into the community totaling 35,964 miles

Looking for more info?

If you want more information on McHenry County PADS please fill out the form below and we will respond quickly!

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McHenry County PADS moved to McHenry IL at 1805 South IL Rt 31

Direct Line: (815) 759-7284

For ways to donate and help us in our transition, please click the donate button.

Donate Today!
Donate Today!