A fixed-site shelter with services to help the homeless with counseling, finding employment, medical services and more operated by PADS Lake County will soon be available to 64 area families as a way station while seeking a permanent home.
Allen Swilley, PADS executive director, said the organization plans to renovate a one-time 79-room Travelodge motel in Waukegan into a 64-room shelter, using the rest of the building for community space.
The Waukegan City Council unanimously approved a conditional use permit and the necessary zoning changes Monday at City Hall enabling PADS to purchase the building and begin its renovations.
Swilley said the success rate of turning a homeless family into one with a permanent residence and a stable lifestyle — with a fixed-site shelter rather than using a revolving group of churches each night — can improve more than tenfold.
“Our success rate with revolving churches was 4%,” he said. “This gives them access to a place during the day with resources. DuPage PADS has a success rate of 80% to 86%. Our goal is to have them leave the shelter for a stable family life.”
Mike Morse, a member of Joy Lutheran Church in Gurnee and a PADS “servant,” read a letter from his pastor, the Rev. Mark Borgetti. Borgetti had experience with PADS DuPage County when he led a Naperville church before coming to Gurnee.
“‘They were good neighbors in this fixed-shelter site, and they greatly helped our community,” Morse said, quoting Borgetti. “Every act of compassion must maintain or restore the dignity of the recipient. One of the best ways to restore someone’s dignity is to help find them a place to live.’”
Before the council discussed the PADS legislation, several religious leaders urged the members to approve the shelter. Of the 30 people who spoke during public comments, nine supported PADS and no one was opposed.
The Rev. Luke McFadden, the pastor of Christian Neighbors Church in Waukegan, said each time he hears the story of homeless people, he is moved. Though their problems are unique, he said all their stories are “heartbreaking.”
“Imagine a secure site where people can receive comprehensive care while they’re being sheltered,” McFadden said. “This fixed-site shelter can play a critical role helping those on the margins of our city.”
Swilley said he has a concrete idea how the organization will convert the former motel into a shelter and wraparound center. Of the 79 rooms, 64 will each house a family. The rest will be shared areas.
“They shouldn’t have to spend all day in their room,” he said. “There will be a Waukegan Public Library branch. There will be a wraparound center for employment search, mental health and medical needs.”
Families seeking shelter will continue to go first to the PADS intake center at 1800 Grand Ave. in Waukegan before becoming residents at the fixed-site facility. Swilley said the increase in homelessness the past year has been significant.
Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor said after the meeting her only initial concern was security for the residents. A camera system will help keep everyone safe.
“A lot of women are homeless because they are fleeing from domestic violence,” she said. “We want to ensure this is a safe environment for everyone.”
Taylor said a number of surrounding communities do not want to assist the homeless among them. It is a problem throughout Lake County. She hopes the new PADS fixed-site shelter will send a message.
“I want everyone to see this as a shining example of what transitional housing can be in the community,” she said. “We want to break the stigma of being homeless in this country.”