This week, we’ve been highlighting our partnership with law enforcement in the local area. This highlight just happened to coincide with the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program for La Porte County. This innovative initiative aims to equip our local law enforcement officers with the knowledge and resources they need to better serve our community, especially when interacting with our unhoused neighbors.
The CIT program is more than just a training course; it’s a bridge between law enforcement and social services. Since its inception, our Executive Director, Harrison Holtkamp, has been a dedicated participant, sharing insights and expertise to help officers understand the complex issues surrounding homelessness. From joining other support services organizations on panel discussions to speaking directly to officers to offering tours, Nest has been and will continue to be a committed partner with La Porte County law enforcement.
Our goal is twofold: to educate law enforcement about the challenges faced by the unhoused population and offer resources that can make a real difference in their interactions with those experiencing homelessness in La Porte County.
A crucial component of the CIT program is the shelter tour. We regularly welcome groups of police officers from La Porte County to visit our facility, see our operations firsthand, and meet our staff face-to-face. This morning, we had the pleasure of hosting two groups of officers, and the experience was as enlightening for us as it was for them.
Sargent Mike Oberle of the Michigan City Police Department remarked, “Well, I was unaware that Nest was an option for us as far as when we encounter somebody experiencing a mental crisis, and experiencing homelessness things of that nature, especially working late nights it was difficult to try to find a place to be able to take them while we try to figure out resources for them. Talking with Harry, it’s been an eye-opening experience.”
This sentiment echoes what we often hear from law enforcement visitors – a growing appreciation for the multifaceted nature of homelessness and the various support systems in place.
These tours do more than just showcase our facilities; they break down barriers and foster understanding. Another officer, Officer Katherine Doperalski, said, “So, I have used Nest and dropped individuals off here before working the afternoon shift, but I’d never met Harry before. I think he is an amazing resource that we have in this community to work with and partner with.” This kind of feedback reinforces the importance of these personal interactions in building trust and cooperation between our shelter and local law enforcement.
By putting faces to names and seeing the day-to-day realities of shelter operations, officers gain a deeper understanding of the work we do. This understanding is crucial when they encounter unhoused individuals in the community and need to make decisions about the best course of action.
Our partnership with law enforcement is not just about what we can offer them – it’s a two-way street. We value the insights and support that officers bring to our work. Their experiences on the front lines of community interaction help us refine our services and better prepare for the challenges our clients face.
As Officer Ryan Koontz put it, “We appreciate the opportunity to come to the facility and learn more about what Nest does. Their involvement with the community in the homeless community and those who struggle with addiction and for helping us learn how we can direct those who need this kind of help to this resource. We learned what this resource can do for them and how we can impact that part of our community.” This collaborative spirit is exactly what we aim to foster through our participation in the CIT program and our ongoing engagement with law enforcement.
As we continue to work closely with local law enforcement through the CIT program and beyond, we’re constantly seeking new ways to strengthen this vital partnership. We’re committed to being a resource for officers, a safe haven for those in need, and a bridge between different parts of our community.
Our Executive Director’s ongoing involvement in the CIT program ensures that we stay at the forefront of best practices in crisis intervention and community support. We’re dedicated to evolving our approach as we learn more about the changing needs of both law enforcement and the unhoused population.
The work we do at Nest Community Shelter, including our partnership with law enforcement, is only possible thanks to the support of our community. If the impact of this collaboration inspires you and want to be part of the solution, we invite you to support our work through donations.
Your contribution can help us continue to provide essential services, maintain our facilities for law enforcement training and tours, and develop new programs to address the evolving challenges of homelessness in our community.
Together, we can create a safer, more compassionate community for all. Thank you for being a part of this vital journey.
