Mission
South Suburban PADS works to prevent and end homelessness in the south suburbs of Chicago through hospitality, compassion, service and dignity. We believe in empowering others through compassion and respect for all.
We are working to make homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring. We provide emergency shelter, affordable homes and supportive services that enable people to overcome homelessness and find pathways home. Our work helps people escape homelessness, improve their health and achieve greater economic security.
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 |
How is homelessness impacting the Southland region?
12,816
Estimated number of people who are homeless
3,682
Estimated number of students (pre-K–12) who are homeless
48,732
Number of people who live in extreme poverty
Emergency Shelter
Affordable Housing
Supportive Services
Housing Stability
Better Health
Economic Security
Pathways Home
Discover how we support members of our community in finding temporary and permanent housing solutions, as well as other supportive services.
Emergency Shelter
Prior to the pandemic, our network of emergency shelters provide safe overnight lodging, healthy meals and warm hospitality throughout the Southland region in churches. The church-based shelters are currently closed, and guests have been provided with hotel rooms to self-isolate and stay safe. Our case managers work closely with shelter guests to determine the next steps for their success (e.g., housing assistance, mental health services, etc.)
Affordable Housing
For homelessness to be brief and nonrecurring, there needs to be a clear path forward. Our affordable housing programs strive to provide sustainable assistance by helping over 400 individuals and families progress toward self-sufficient, dignified housing every year.
Supportive Services
Housing alone is just one piece of the puzzle, which is why we offer extensive support services to ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients. Our caseworkers assist each client individually to determine the types of services they need to succeed.
Housing Stability
We work with each client individually to determine their unique housing needs. Then, we provide them with adequate assistance to secure dignified housing through in-kind donations of home goods such as furniture, clothing, childrens’ necessities and more. Take action and view our in-kind donations options at the bottom of the page to learn more.
Better Health
Consistent housing not only provides comfort — it improves physical and mental health. In addition to housing, South Suburban PADS provides care coordination, education, transportation and healthcare referrals to enable children and adults to achieve better health. This promotes mental clarity and encourages a positive sense of self, leading to better overall outcomes. Along the way, we provide a supportive community equipped with endless grace to celebrate wins, both big and small.
Economic Security
When we lift the burden of homelessness, individuals can better take the necessary steps to financial independence. Our counselors equip our clients to look for, find and keep a job. They also help our clients live according to a budget.
