Our Warm Ministry supports the McHenry County PADS. But what else do you know about this organization? McHenry County PADS offers emergency and transitional housing coupled with support services in order to help homeless individuals work toward becoming self-sufficient. These support services enable individuals to receive case management, job training, counseling and psychiatric services, as well as day-to-day services including access to showers, laundry facilities, transportation, computers and an address at which to receive mail. The program is specifically designed to address the root causes of homelessness and not just treat the symptoms. All individuals must go through an intake process before receiving services as well as be a McHenry County resident or have 30-day residency status. Since 2009, we’ve seen a staggering 51% increase in people needing help. Just this last year, we saw a 33% increase in homeless individuals diagnosed with mental illness, a 54% increase in chronically homeless, and a 46% increase in transitional youth.
SPOTLIGHT STORY Talent at McHenry County PADS Homelessness can happen to anyone. Meet John, 38, who is originally from the Philippines. As a child, he learned how to draw by copying pictures from a phone book. Eight years ago, he received his visa and moved to Algonquin to live with his sister and her family. As time passed, the family’s resources were exhausted and John found himself homeless. With nowhere to go he wandered the streets. Read Full Story