In 1990 the Homewood-Flossmoor League of Women Voters and the Chicago Heights Ministerial Association convened a series of meetings, including 250 local stakeholders, to address the growing issue of homelessness in the communities which comprise the far south region of suburban Cook County, Illinois. Their efforts resulted in the formation of a grassroots, faith-community based organization known as South Suburban PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter). Over the first 19 years of operation, South Suburban PADS has developed partnerships with 10,222 volunteers, over 250 faith communities and community-based organizations and 50+ social service agencies to provide a continuum of 11 housing and supportive service programs which annually serve 1,200 men, women and children. Today, South Suburban PADS homeless service programs serve 52 municipalities in the south and southwest suburbs through 29 shelter sites situated in 13 communities and two service centers located in Chicago Heights and Oak Lawn, Illinois. Throughout its history, South Suburban PADS programs have assisted 9,512 people by providing 294,121 nights of shelter, 905,450 meals, 106,000 days of supportive services and 16,836 medical visits.

South Suburban PADS is an interfaith program providing shelter and supportive services to homeless persons. Compassion, hospitality and dignity are key charateristics of the PADS program.

South Suburban PADS programs and their dates of origin () include: Emergency Overnight Shelter (1990)-Nightly shelter, hospitality and three meals per day are provided from October 1st through April 30th through the participation of 29 host faith communities, operating one-night a week on a rotating basis, and over 4,000 volunteers. In 2008-2009 this program provided 33,348 nights of shelter and 101,789 meals. The Interim Housing Program (2003)- The IHP combines overnight shelter with a comprehensive supportive service program to provide year-round temporary housing for people committed to obtaining employment/income and securing permanent housing. The IHP extends the availability of shelter services beyond the scope of the emergency shelter season. In 2008-2009 the IHP provided 2,525 nights/days of service. Families First (2002)- The Families First program focuses specialized case management services on the needs of those families with children who become homeless within South Suburban PADS service area. The housing first component of Families First provides families with children with a rapid return to self-sufficiency by providing qualifying families with a transitional to permanent housing opportunity which includes short-term housing subsidies (6-12 mos.), intensive supportive services and ongoing mentoring. Families First Permanent (2009) - This program delivers the same Families First services as the original program in a permanent supportive housing environment. The Families First Permanent program serves households with children where one of the parent's are disabled. PADS Daytime (1994)- Through two supportive service centers, PADS Daytime provides year-round case management, employment services, adult education classes, computer services, children services, laundry/bathing facilities and mail/telephone services. Homeless Healthcare Network (1995)- Utilizing the services of volunteer medical professionals and two staff nurse case managers, the HHN provides primary medical care in a free clinic setting for men, women and children who are homeless. The HHN operates free-clinics five days each week and up to three evenings each week. Project WIN (Wellness Initiative Network) (2002)- This partnership coordinates the services of 10 medical, mental health, addiction and emergency shelter programs for the benefit of those men, women and children who become homeless in the south, southwest and western suburbs of suburban Cook County, Illinois. Project WISH (Wellness Initiative through Supportive Housing) (2004)- Project WISH provides a six-month transitional to permanent housing program for single adult graduates of Project WIN. Homeless Prevention Program (1998)- The HPP provides case management, financial assistance and ongoing mentoring for individuals/families who are either in danger of losing their homes or are re-establishing permanent housing following a period of homelessness. Rapid Re-Housing (2009)- PADS is the south Cook County administrator for the Rapid Re-Housing Program (RRH). The RRH serves households who are "literally homeless" by providing housing subsidies, case management services and housing services so they may "rapidly" move from homelessness to permanent housing. The Weekend Family Center (2006) The Weekend Family Center (WFC) provides a safe and stable environment in which families can perform normal weekend family activities when traditional daytime programs are unavailable. As part of the WFC, time and space is available for laundry, bathing and grooming activities. Volunteers and staff are on hand to offer youth tutoring, case management and computer services at the PADS Daytime location at 414 W. Lincoln Highway in Chicago Heights, IL.