Last Friday, the community convened at the Blue Chip Casino to recognize and honor businesses and nonprofit organizations within the chamber community. Nest Community Shelter was nominated for the Chamber’s Community Impact Award earlier this year. We are thrilled and deeply honored to announce that on Friday night, at the awards dinner, Nest Community Shelter was recognized with the prestigious Community Impact of the Year award from the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce!
This is an award that is bestowed upon organizations that are making a significant impact in the areas they serve. Michigan City Chamber President Kurt Gillians said, “This year’s Community Impact Award goes to an organization that has become a vital lifeline for those in need, providing shelter, support, and hope to individual space and hardship. Through compassionate service, innovative programs, and unwavering dedication, this organization (Nest) has created a safe space where people can rebuild their lives and find a path forward. Their commitment to uplifting the community and addressing critical needs makes them truly deserving of this recognition.”
While we view our work as more than worthy of this recognition, the other nominees in this year’s Community Impact Award category also have had an immense positive impact on our city. To be chosen as this year’s recipient is a testament to our team’s compassionate work every day at our shelter. When someone experiencing homelessness walks through our doors, they’re taking their first step toward transformation—and we’re privileged to walk alongside them on that journey. While we support our guests, our community supports us in so many ways!
Nest Community Shelter Director Harrison Holtkamp accepts the 2025 Community Impact Award.
Nest Community Shelter Director Harrison Holtkamp accepted the award on behalf of the shelter and said, “Truthfully, we really do care for our community, but it takes a community here and a lot of the community to really bring it together.”
The Impact of the Year award highlights what we’ve always known: addressing homelessness strengthens our entire community. Every time we help a guest reconnect with their community, secure meaningful employment, obtain essential documents, access personalized case management, and find permanent housing, we’re not just changing one life; we’re creating a positive ripple effect throughout our community.
Nest Community Shelter Board Members and Executive Director pose with award. (Left to Right, Kristy Hahn, Jessie Baldwin, Harrison Holtkamp, Jackie Dermody, Eric Williams, Jamie Llorens)
This recognition belongs to our dedicated staff and our entire community of supporters. The truth is, we couldn’t do this vital work without the unwavering support of our local business community. The contributions made by our business community make our mission possible through corporate sponsorships that fund essential programs, volunteer hours that extend our capacity to serve, professional expertise that enhances our services, and in-kind donations that meet immediate needs. This support is vital, and in many ways, our entire business community was responsible for this award through their support of our organization.
Each life changed, and each story told is only possible through the unwavering support of our community.
