Throughout October, we’ve discussed the funds needed to keep Nest open beyond the generosity of grants. We’ve talked about the trained staff and volunteers who are the heart of this work, reconnecting our guests back to the community. The insurance no one sees on a donation page is mission-critical to this work, and funding cycles leave gaps that our community helps cover. Grants make so much of what we do possible, and we’re deeply grateful for every one of them, but grants were never designed to do it all.
This is one of the ways community supports the work we do.
Twenty-Five Years of Community
Since 2001, Nest has been here for neighbors facing their hardest nights. For twenty-five years, this shelter has been built, sustained, and carried by people in this community: volunteers who show up, donors who give what they can, businesses that step forward, and neighbors who refuse to look away.
As we mark our 25th year, we recognize where our community is right now. Many families are feeling stretched. Costs are rising for everyone, including those we serve and those who support us. We know that. That’s exactly why this holiday season, we’re doing something a little different.
Introducing This Season, Be the Reason
Today we are launching our end-of-year fundraiser. This Season, Be the Reason is a community-wide fundraiser built on a simple idea: when many people give, every gift matters, no matter the size.
We invite our community and beyond to be the reason a guest has a warm, safe bed tonight. Be the reason the lights stay on, and our doors stay open. Be the reason someone gets a fresh start in the new year.
Every gift through this campaign is flexible, which means it goes where it’s needed most: staffing, building costs, insurance, and everyday needs that grants rarely cover.
How You Can Be the Reason
- Every gift counts, whether it’s $10 or $1,000. Give online this holiday season.
- Over the coming weeks, you’ll see neighbors, volunteers, board members, and partners sharing why they support Nest. When you see someone you know, share their post. It’s one of the easiest and most powerful ways to help.
- Invite someone in. Forward this post, or tell a friend why Nest matters to you. Many of our most faithful supporters first heard about us from someone they trust. If you’d like to be featured for why you support Nest, send your photo and your reason to info@nestcommunityshelter.org to be featured on our social media this holiday season.
- Mark your calendar. Giving Tuesday is December 1. It’s one of the biggest giving days of the year, and a perfect day to be the reason.
Because of You
For twenty-five years, Nest has existed because this community decided it should. Every bed, every meal, every new beginning has a person behind it, someone who chose to be the reason.
This season, we hope that person is you.
