The Home Run for PADS

You can sponsor our event right on this site by choosing your level of sponsorship.

Once you have done so please contact Jen Keller at PADS to receive your free race entries and to submit your company logo for advertising.

Thank You!

Jen Keller

Race Director

PADS of Elgin

jkeller@padsofelgin.org

PADS of Elgin was founded in 1989 by a collaboration of churches whose mission grew out of an intention to address the rising numbers of men, women, and families experiencing homelessness in Illinois including Elgin, Northern Kane County, and Hanover Township. PADS of Elgin was officially designated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on September 28, 1990. The PADS mission was formalized under the direction of the Board of Directors and stated as follows: “Offering emergency shelters to individuals experiencing homelessness to develop a sustainable future by providing essential services.”

PADS of Elgin provides 24/7 emergency shelter year-round. These services include but are not limited to, a safe place to sleep, access to shower and laundry facilities, three warm meals, and most importantly, comprehensive case management. In addition to shelter and case management, the program also provides guests with referrals to medical, mental health, and addiction services, as well as necessities such as hygiene products, clothing, and footwear.

Case management is the cornerstone of the PADS program and is designed to holistically address every client’s individual barrier to regaining self-sufficiency. Case managers meet with each guest at the time of intake to perform a comprehensive assessment, which they then use to co-create a personalized action plan detailing specific steps that will be taken by guests to achieve individualized goals within an agreed timeframe.

PADS of Elgin case managers act as advocates, helping guests navigate the often-confusing world of social services to utilize appropriate programs and opportunities as they work towards achieving their goals for housing, employment, and health care. Children and youth also receive case management services to identify their unmet needs including medical, dental, mental health, and education. While at the PADS shelter, guests have completed their GED and educational or job training. Still, others have finally sought treatment for addictions or mental illnesses that have had a negative impact on their lives. Our program provides not only shelter but a support system that provides vulnerable individuals with a sense of security and the necessary support to turn their lives around.

During FY2022, PADS provided 10,933 days/nights of shelter and case management services including 32,844 meals to 109 individuals. The demographics break down as follows: 46% male, 26% female, 53% white; 36% Black or African American; 28% children, and .05% seniors.

• $10 can buy 2 bus passes for a guest.
• $25 can buy breakfast for our guests for 1 day.
• $50 can buy lunch for a day for our guests.
• $100 can buy dinner for a day for our guests.
• $250 can buy staff laundry soap for a year.
• $500 can buy copier paper for our office for a year.
• $1,000 can buy the gas for our PADS van for a year.
• $2,500 can buy our supply of toilet paper for a year.
• $5,000 can buy breakfast for a year.
• $10,000 can pay our water bill for a year.

Stats that maybe you didn’t know about homelessness in our community.

• The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Elgin, IL is $1,900 per month. An individual would have to earn over $20K per year after taxes just to cover rent. The rent for a 3-bedroom apartment (appropriate for a family) is around $3,000 / month. A family would have to earn $36K after taxes just to cover rent.
• The current rate of available housing in all of Kane County is 0.57%. That is NOT the rate of affordable housing, but rather ANY housing. The sad fact is that even when guests have the money to pay for the exorbitant rental rates in the Elgin area, there are very few units available to rent.
• 70% of guests currently in the shelter, who are of working age, have at least one job. They still cannot make ends meet with the housing crisis in our area.

Case Manager, Shelby on what working at PADS means to her:

Homelessness impacts a person’s mental and physical health profoundly. Often others don’t understand that most of us are a few paychecks from disaster.

From our Shelter Care Coordinator Assistant Supervisor Christina on what it means to her to work at PADS of Elgin, Inc.:

Working at PADS is more than a job; it's a commitment to empathy and transforming lives. Each day brings an opportunity to be a beacon of hope for those facing homelessness, fostering a sense of dignity and belonging. It's a privilege to be part of a team dedicated to making a tangible impact in the lives of individuals seeking shelter and support. I'm honored to be part of PADS, where compassion meets action. Being involved means contributing to a community that embodies gratitude, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

From our neighbor at PADS of Elgin, Inc. and one of our wonderful sponsors, Alan at HUDDL DESIGN:

It's a great day at PADS every day. I'm very fortunate to have my business neighboring PADS and witness the great work they do day in and day out. Everyone, including me, goes through life and stumbles. It is always nice to have organizations like PADS to lift people up, provide them shelter and food, and take the extra effort to help guests get back on their feet and prosper in life. To see the relief and smiles from the individuals and families that PADS serve is very heartwarming. It is an honor for my company and I to support an organization that truly builds people and community.

From our overnight Shelter Care Coordinator Daniel on what it means to work at PADS:

I am usually just getting by. I understand the fragile nature of existence. So we should take care of our fellow citizens when we can.

From our Development Manager, Jen.

I first became connected to DuPage PADS as a volunteer in high school. Fast forward 20 years to when my husband and I were looking for a place to donate a meal and we discovered PADS of Elgin. We loved giving back to an organization that does so much to help our community. My life has come full circle now as an employee of PADS. I love sharing the mission of PADS with the community through outreach events, fundraisers, and service opportunities. Working directly with our guests and seeing the impact this work has on their lives is medicine for my soul.

From former guest and current Board Member, Krystal on what PADS of Elgin, Inc. means to her:

When I walked through the doors of PAD, I had lost everything—my career, my home, my car, and my health. At the time, I could not look past needing a safe and warm place to sleep while I figured out what to do next. When I look back on those first 90 days at PADS, it is hard for me to believe how far I have come. PADS put me on a path not only to get back onto my feet but most importantly helped me to find my voice and my true purpose in life. Without a doubt, experiencing homelessness and learning about PADS of Elgin has been the greatest gift of my life. I went from sleeping on a pad for over two years to serving on the board of PADS and using my voice to advocate for members of our community who are experiencing homelessness. In a world where homelessness can happen to anyone, we all need to do our part to help our community. I am honored to have the opportunity to advocate for PADS and its guests on the local, regional, and national levels.

Guest "Jonathan" on what PADS of Elgin, Inc. means to him:

Everyone at PADS is willing to help. From finding us a place to live to helping us set up our new homes to just being there to talk and to listen. They provide resources to help us to get where we want to be.