McHenry County PADS, a program of Pioneer Center for Human Services, is urgently recruiting new emergency church shelter sites for the upcoming winter weather season which starts on October 1.
From October through April, churches across McHenry County fulfill the vital need for shelter and food for hundreds of individuals who are homeless. Opening their doors at 7:00 pm, the churches rotate site locations throughout the week with each church having a designated day of operation. Sites are needed for Saturday night for men, women and children. In addition, overflow sites are needed for women and children only on Sunday, Monday and Thursday.
“Winters in McHenry are long and cold…and the churches that open their doors and hearts to individuals who are homeless are so important to our community,” said Sam Tenuto, Interim President and CEO Of Pioneer Center. “McHenry County PADS simply could not provide this type of service without their partnership and their commitment.”
Volunteers at the site provide individuals seeking shelter receive dinner, a warm place to sleep, a hot breakfast and a sack lunch to take with them when they leaving the following morning by 7:00 am. Transportation to and from the church sites is provided through the PADS program. On average 20 – 40 individuals per day utilize the emergency church site service.
If you are interested in learning more about how your church can become involved, contact Erin Brumfield Grima, MS, LCPC at 815.759.3163 or [email protected]
