South Suburban PADS Expands Services with Move to Homewood

Nonprofit relocates to larger facility to better assist growing number of clients facing housing insecurity

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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South Suburban Public Action to Deliver Shelter (SSPADS), a local nonprofit that provides aid and shelter to those facing homelessness or housing insecurity, recently moved its offices from Chicago Heights to Homewood to better serve clients and expand staffing capabilities. The organization has grown significantly in recent years, with its budget increasing from $3 million to $8.5 million and staff expanding from 25 to 42 employees.

Why it matters

The move to Homewood allows SSPADS to provide more comprehensive services to a growing number of clients in the South Suburbs who are struggling with housing insecurity and homelessness, which has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and due to rising costs of living. The new, larger facility gives the nonprofit more space to operate its emergency shelter, diversion programs, and administrative functions.

The details

SSPADS now occupies an entire office building at 950 175th Street in Homewood, a significantly larger space than its previous location in Chicago Heights. The first floor is dedicated to emergency shelter, which puts clients in hotel rooms, and the shelter diversion program, which helps clients find alternative living arrangements. The second floor houses case managers, and the third floor has a staff training space, administrative offices, and a conference room.

  • SSPADS recently moved its offices from Chicago Heights to Homewood.
  • The nonprofit's budget has grown from $3 million to $8.5 million in the past five years.
  • SSPADS' staff has expanded from 25 to 42 employees in the past five years.

The players

South Suburban Public Action to Deliver Shelter (SSPADS)

A local nonprofit that provides aid and shelter to those facing homelessness or housing insecurity in the South Suburbs of Chicago.

Doug Kenshol

The Executive Director of SSPADS.

Rashida Hughes

The Shelters Operation Manager at SSPADS.

Courtney Suchor

The Emergency Shelter Director at SSPADS.

Phyllis Smart

The Finance and Operations Director at SSPADS.

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What they’re saying

“We grew from roughly 25 staff to 42 staff, and we grew from about a $3 million budget to an $8.5 million budget in about the past five years.”

— Doug Kenshol, Executive Director (hfchronicle.com)

“When you are an individual experiencing homelessness, and you have to go from town to town, church to church, every night with all of your belongings, it's very difficult to feel secure.”

— Courtney Suchor, Emergency Shelter Director (hfchronicle.com)

“If they're staying with grandma, can we help grandma with her water bill, so that she can continue to house their family? If someone has family out of state, can we give them a bus ticket?”

— Doug Kenshol, Executive Director (hfchronicle.com)

“I'm just happy to give back.”

— Rashida Hughes, Shelters Operation Manager (hfchronicle.com)

What’s next

SSPADS plans to continue expanding its services and reach in the South Suburbs to assist more individuals and families facing housing insecurity.

The takeaway

SSPADS' move to a larger facility in Homewood demonstrates the growing need for comprehensive housing support services in the South Suburbs, as the nonprofit has significantly expanded its budget and staff in recent years to better serve a rising number of clients struggling with homelessness and housing instability.