PADS – Public Action to Deliver Shelter
The PADS Program at First Congregational Church UCC in Naperville
Since 1987, we have offered our church building as a site for interim overnight housing for homeless individuals, as part of the southern circuit of the DuPage PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) organization. From October through May, up to 37 guests are provided with shelter from 7 p.m. each Wednesday night until 7 a.m. on Thursday morning, including dinner and breakfast, showers, and a place to sleep.
Prior to the start of each PADS season, we hold a Blue Jeans Sunday event. Following the church service, volunteers perform cleaning and maintenance tasks required to prepare for the upcoming PADS year. This popular intergenerational activity includes time for fellowship and lunch.
Staffing
Our church staffs the shelter on the second Wednesday of the month. Many thanks to our partner organizations who staff the site on each of the other weeks throughout the PADS season:
• First Wednesday of the Month – Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church
• Second Wednesday – First Congregational Church UCC and Hope Church
• Third Wednesday – Naperville Sunrise Rotary Club
• Fourth Wednesday – DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church
• Fifth Wednesday – St. John UCC and Congregation Beth Shalom
We have also received other gifts of time, talent and treasure from the following organizations in the past two years:
Saints Peter and Paul's Christian Service Commissions – HOPE Church – GE Capital Solutions, Lisle – Edward Hospital – DuPage PADS – NCHS Culinary Club – NCHS Rotary Interact Club – Sathya Sai Baba Center of Chicago West Suburbs – Evangelical Free Church of Naperville – St. Margaret Mary Church – Naperville Noon Rotary Club
You can download a PDF with the volunteer and schedule information.
Donations
Individuals can sign up to provide menu items for the second Wednesday of the month. Donations of socks and underwear, as well as travel-size toiletries, are often needed. Contact the PADS team to learn about our current needs.
PADS Leadership Team
Chris Farthing & Joan Lausier – Site Managers
Susan Greenwood – Volunteer Coordinator
Tiffany Lichlyter – Executive Chef
Diana Lorenz – Communications Facilitator
Nancy Vass – Supply Manager
To volunteer, contact us at pads-volunteers@loveandjustice.org. For other information about the PADS program at First Congregational Church UCC, contact us at pads@loveandjustice.org.
This church brings me joy with the opportunity to participate in Missions & Social Action activites - PADS, Loaves & Fishes, Tassa tags, Night Ministry.
