PADS of Elgin appeals to community as it welcomes supporters to tour refurbished shelter
As PADS of Elgin works to solve a budget crisis that threatens its mission, the group took an opportunity Wednesday to welcome supporters to tour its newly renovated space and ask for help.
The organization, which provides support and transitional housing for families and individuals facing homelessness, is confronting an urgent budget shortfall and needs to raise $500,000 to get through the winter.
Executive Director Katie Shaw Thompson told the crowd of about 75 supporters and guests that the PADS board of directors is working hard to “chart a new path” when it comes to funding. First, it needs to make it through the next six months.
“Now we need your help to keep those doors open,” Thompson said. “The work we do now depends entirely on the generosity of our community.”
An end to COVID-era funding, coupled with no new federal funding to replace it, has left PADS of Elgin in a situation where it’s short about half its annual budget. They’ve made some budget cuts but still face a significant shortfall.
Thompson has called it a “best of times, worst of times” situation.
The space the group rents at 1730 Berkley St. from Wayside Cross Ministries recently underwent a much-needed renovation that was funded by the landlord. The makeover included new paint, flooring, kitchen improvements and reorganized office space.
Thompson thanked Wayside for paying to refurbish the shelter.
“We offer not just shelter but the stability, connection to services and support needed for lasting change,” she said. “And now we get to do that in a refreshed space thanks to a remarkable act of generosity.”
Aaron James, pastor at First Congregational Church of Dundee, recently joined the organization’s board. He said they’ve already had a “promising start” to their fundraising campaign after getting the word out about their situation.
“Your support will change the trajectory not just of lives, but of generations,” he said. “No one else is doing quite what we’re doing, and if we cannot do what we do, there is no good other answer.”
Thompson said they’ve raised about $70,000 toward their $500,000 goal since letting the public know about their financial situation.
Guests had the chance to hear about one of the organization’s recent success stories from Nick Sisler, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who has lived at PADS of Elgin since mid-May.
He said the organization helped him develop “a battle plan” that will see him move into an apartment within the next few weeks.
“They see potential in us when I don’t see it in myself,” he said, thanking the case workers. “Something remarkable has happened here — the bond of a shared purpose for us to step forward and get our life on track.”