The program uses 800 volunteers throughout the shelter season, most from Oak Park. The program issues all guests a Tri-Village P.A.D.S. identification card which they show to the volunteer during registration. When a new guest arrives they spend additional time with the registration volunteer to give personal information and receive an identification card. Unlike many other overnight programs, Tri-Village P.A.D.S. will admit people of all ages, including children, provided they are supervised by their parents. The program may admit up to 40 people each night.
Guests receive a sleeping pad, blanket, two sheets, towel and toiletries at registration.
Guests then rest, play cards, talk with volunteers, or quietly watch television. Interns are available during this time five nights a week to provide case management to guests seeking to make changes in their life. The case manager will listen, assess the needs of guests and provide counseling and referrals to community agencies as appropriate. As the case managers build relationships with guests, they will discover which guests are ready to make changes in their life and who will benefit most from the daytime Support Center. Once a week a group of volunteer resident doctors offer guests a free medical clinic.