Homeless shelter and resource center PADS Lake County will be heavily renovating a 3,200-square-foot vacant building for its new administrative center thanks to a $270,000 grant from the Endeavor Health 2025 Community Investment Fund.
PADS Lake County was selected by Endeavor as one of 44 local organizations focused on behavioral health, food and housing insecurity, and access to care across the Chicago area.
The funds will cover construction costs to transform the “underutilized” space, currently used as storage due to flooding issues and a lack of heating, and turn it into office space for PADS’ expanding community services according to executive director Allen Swilley.
He said the building has sat largely vacant for at least five years. With the money, PADS will be able to install heating, build seven permanent offices and two conference spaces, and install a new roof. Swilley hopes to have staff in the renovated space by December.
“It couldn’t come at a better time, because PADS is expanding its services, and it’s running out of places to offer those services,” he said.
He expressed his gratitude for Endeavor’s investment in PADS and the area community. The renovated building will become a “vibrant hub” for local services, helping PADS offer expanded housing case management, enhanced nursing and medical services, and improved mental health support for the unhoused, Swilley said.
“This is one of the larger investments into this area,” he said. “It means a lot to the community that it’s being invested in. When Endeavor shared the good news, I just cried.”
According to a news release, the renovations will also improve accessibility, upgrade security features and aid with neighborhood beautification.
