Wabash Area Development, Inc. (WADI)

Founded in 1965 as the Wabash Area Economic Opportunity Association, Wabash Area Development, Inc. (WADI) is a nonprofit community action agency headquartered at 119 W 12th Street in Mount Carmel, IL. WADI serves low-income individuals and families across seven Southern Illinois counties—Edwards, Gallatin, Hamilton, Saline, Wabash, Wayne, and White—offering comprehensive services including energy assistance, emergency and transitional housing, Head Start programs, homeless prevention, and workforce development. Through initiatives like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and community food pantries, WADI has made a measurable impact on local economies and vulnerable populations for over 60 years.