About

    About Us

Our Mission & History

South Suburban PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter, or SSPADS) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization with a mission to prevent and end homelessness in the south suburbs of Chicago. SSPADS was founded 34 years ago in 1990 by dedicated community members who saw a need and decided to assist their unhoused neighbors across the Southland. Dozens of churches hosted SSPADS shelter on a rotating basis and nightly moved “pads” on the floor each day. They decided to call this initiative Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS). Their efforts helped open the first church-based emergency shelters just in time for Christmas.

Today, the founding legacy endures as thousands of people volunteer every year to continue providing shelter, meals, affordable housing and services to help people overcome homelessness and build brighter futures.

Our Service Area

Alsip
Blue Island
Bridgeview
Burbank
Burnham
Calumet City
Calumet Park
Chicago Heights
Chicago Ridge
Country Club Hills
Crete
Dixmoor
Dolton
East Hazel Crest
Evergreen Park
Flossmoor
Ford Heights
Frankfort
Glenwood
Harvey
Hazel Crest
Hickory Hills
Homewood
Justice
Lansing
Lynwood
Markham
Matteson
Merrionette Park
Midlothian
Mokena
Oak Forest
Oak Lawn
Olympia Fields
Orland Hills
Orland Park

Palos Heights
Palos Hills
Palos Park
Park Forest
Phoenix
Posen
Richton Park
Riverdale
Sauk Village
Southern Chicago Heights
South Holland
Steger
Summit
Thornton
Tinley Park
University Park
Worth

Stay Connected

Take Action

Provide someone with a pathway home.

Donate

Your contributions impact lives and provide services to the community.

Volunteer

Join us in serving the community. 

Contact Us

Learn more about how to get involved.