MEDIA ADVISORY

from the Illinois Senate

State Senator Susan Garrett

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2008

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Susan Garrett (847) 433-2002

MORTGAGE MELTDOWN & RISING GAS PRICES THREATEN PADS HOMELESS SERVICES

Local Lake County legislators and leaders will be holding a press conference to notify local residents of the financial crisis of PADS, Lake County’s homeless shelter. Based on uncontrollable factors, PADS has a dramatic shortfall in funding. PADS needs to cover a shortfall of $360,000 by September 1st, of which $150,000 must be received by June 30th. At the press conference, outreach will be made to Lake County citizens to help support some of these unprecedented costs associated with taking care of the homeless.

This crisis has been brought about by the need to expand services due to the increased number of homeless people stemming in large part from the mortgage securities crisis and the overall economic condition. Many families who were living month-to-month have seen their landlords foreclosed upon and cannot afford the new higher market rate rents. Additionally, PADS is seeing the number of homeless veterans swell as servicemen and women return from the current conflicts unable to maintain self-sufficiency.

During the past twelve months PADS has provided 24,765 nights of emergency shelter, 35,840 hours of case management and 327,040 meals and snacks.