Lake Co. homeless shelters feel the pinch
High gas prices and an unstable economy have created a crisis situation for PADS Crisis Services, Lake County's homeless shelter.
Local legislators are scheduled to hold a press conference Tuesday seeking support for the agency, which needs to cover what has been described as a dramatic shortfall in funding.
The agency needs $150,000 by June 30 as part of a $360,000 shortfall that needs to be covered by Sept. 1. The situation has occurred because of a need to expand services due to a spike in the number of homeless.
A large part of the jump has been fueled by an increase in the number of tenants who can't afford rent hikes imposed after their landlords have been foreclosed upon, officials said.
Working families who simply can't keep up with rising gas and other prices, as well as returning veterans, are adding to the strain on homeless services, officials said.
"It's just like this ripple effect," said state Sen. Susan Garrett of Lake Forest. "It's almost like we've got a thumb in the dike here."
During the past year, PADS has provided nearly 25,000 nights of emergency shelter, 6,000 hours of case management and more than 327,000 meals.
"We do have clients who have jobs who can't afford to make ends meet," said Cedric Lee, director of community outreach.
Lee said there has been an increase in the number of families who need assistance. Last year, for example, it dealt with 50 children compared to 101 this year, he added.
The average of those needing overnight shelter, which is available from Oct. 1 to April 30, has increased from 136 to 160 per night.
"We had to use overflow sites. It means more transportation and meals," Lee said. The family facility, which is open all year, is at its capacity of 42.
Garrett said the situation has created a need to expand services.
"The spiral of the economy is having a devastating effect on resources of people who need it the most," she said.
The news conference is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the PADS office on the Veterans Medical Affairs Campus, 3001 Green Bay Road, Building 5, North Chicago.