The closure will provide an opportunity for the shelter to work with the community to restructure. Approximately 30 men and women who currently depend on the shelter for housing, meals, and case management services will be directly affected by the closure. With the assistance of Tri-County Opportunities Council (TCOC), help is being provided to the people currently at the shelter to find housing.
A task force is being set up with TCOC and CGH Medical Center in order to provide immediate resources for clients. TC PADS understands this is a sudden shift and wishes to provide the best resources possible to the people currently residing at the shelter.
All services at the shelter will be closed starting September 1, 2026.
Founded in October 1990, TC PADS has served as a vital lifeline for the most vulnerable residents of Whiteside County. Operating from its facility at 111 E. 29th St. in Sterling, the shelter has provided emergency overnight housing, hot meals, hygiene services, and individualized case management to those experiencing homelessness.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, TC PADS served eight to nine people on average per night, open seasonally from October to May. Since 2022, the shelter has been open year-round and serving near its maximum capacity of 32, creating a much greater demand on services.
TC PADS understands the importance of the services it provides; however, in order for the work to continue, support and funding are necessary to restructure and reopen. Working together with the community, the board is committed to improving and providing the best services possible for people experiencing homelessness.
TC PADS Impact at a Glance
As of August 2026:
- Provides nightly emergency shelter to approximately 30 individuals.
- Serves an estimated 30 hot meals per day to shelter clients.
- Employs four staff positions.
- Has served more than 2,000 unduplicated individuals since its founding in 1990.
September 1, 2026, is the first day of a temporary closure.
