The name Nest was specifically chosen when we found our permanent home and evolved from Interfaith Community Pads. A nest represents a safe place to land and to grow, but not a permanent home. Our guests receive support along the way, and our Flight School program prepares them to leave our nest and succeed in their future.

Flight School pairs shelter guests with trained community volunteers for weekly one-on-one support. For the past few years, this program has helped unhoused individuals staying at Nest navigate their path forward, with a key ingredient: consistent human connection.

How Flight School Works

Flight School instructors are community volunteers who commit to meeting with shelter guests once a week in the evening. Working in partnership with our case manager, these instructors provide guidance, encouragement, and dedicated time to help guests work toward their goals.

Each guest receives professional case management support and benefits from the additional accountability provided by their Flight School instructor. It’s a model that recognizes what we’ve always known: getting back on your feet requires both practical resources and the reassurance that your community hasn’t forgotten you.

More Than a Meeting

These meetings create something powerful. Trust. Barriers come down, and guests begin to see themselves not as problems to be solved, but as people with agency, goals, and potential. Their instructors become witnesses to their progress and partners in their setbacks, showing up, week after week, with the simple message that what our guests have to say matters. So many who experience homelessness are shunned by society and often move in our community as unseen or a problem, not as a human being. Flight School demonstrates that their voices, their goals, and the work they are doing to rebuild their lives truly matter.

This consistency is key. For our guests, so much feels unstable. Flight School offers a steady presence, a recurring appointment that says: someone is invested in your success and your community cares about you, we see you.

A Community Investment

Our Flight School instructors receive training and work closely with our case manager to ensure guests receive coordinated, effective support. Our Flight School Instructors are community volunteers who share a genuine commitment to our mission to reconnect guests with the community they’ve become separated from.

This is how transformation happens: not through programs alone, but through relationships that restore dignity, determination, and dedication.

Get Involved

Flight School works because community members choose to show up. If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a Flight School instructor or supporting this program, we welcome you to reach out to our volunteer coordinator, Katie, at kswistek@nestcommunityshelter.org.

When we come together as a community to listen, guide, and support, anything is possible.

The post Flight School: How Community Mentorship Changes Lives at Nest appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

Understanding how being unhoused affects every part of a person’s wellbeing explains why our comprehensive approach works at Nest. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs offers a strong framework for understanding what we do at Nest and why it matters.

The Foundation: Physical Survival

Maslow’s Hierarchy begins at the bottom with our most basic needs: food, water, rest, and shelter.

“This is what our shelter does. This is the basic things that we do, we open our doors, and we invite people in, we get them into a situation where they’re comfortable and relaxed and out of the elements and safe.” Executive Director Harrison Holtkamp said on Nest’s WIMS show this morning.

In 2025, Nest did this by providing:

• Nearly 15,000 bed nights across both locations in Michigan City and La Porte.
• Served more than 30,000 meals.
• Safe, warm shelter 365 days a year in Michigan City and seasonally in La Porte.

These aren’t just big numbers; they’re nights when someone didn’t freeze, meals that provided energy to look for work, and rest that allowed bodies and minds to begin healing. This is Nest meeting the needs of our neighbors in need within our community.

Building Safety and Stability

Once physical needs are met, people need safety, not just physical protection, but stability and predictability.

“Nest (in Michigan City) is always going to be there. So, our doors will open for them, and we are here to help them. And it is very stable, and it is very safe.” Harrison Holtkamp shared on-air this morning, explaining the needs of our unhoused community.

For someone sleeping in their car or bouncing between couches, knowing where you’ll sleep tonight and tomorrow night provides the foundation needed to start rebuilding. It is almost impossible to focus on finding a job when one doesn’t know where they’ll be safe tonight.

This year at Nest, we saw families with children who had nowhere else to turn, providing 125 bed nights for children alone. The need for stable, predictable safety has never been greater.

Connection: Love and Belonging

The middle level of Maslow’s Hierarchy addresses our human need for relationships, community, and connection.

“This involves relationships and community and connections. And this is where our staff and our volunteers come into play because we’re showing these individuals who are suffering that we are there for them, that people do care about them, and that they are a part of our community, and we want to see them do the best for themselves as possible.” Holtkamp spoke about the importance of belonging on the air this morning.

This is where our volunteers make a profound difference. Our 5,500 volunteer hours in 2025 were about human connection. Every conversation, every meal served together, every moment of genuine care sends the message: You matter. You belong. Your community hasn’t forgotten you; you are a member of our community.

Restoring Dignity and Self-Worth

The fourth level addresses esteem, dignity, confidence, and a sense of self-worth.

“So as our volunteers and staff in the shelter are guiding these guests, they start to gain more confidence in themselves. They start to realize they do have dignity… because of what we offer and what they’re shown… And they do get a sense of self-worth.” Holtkamp said about the impact of volunteers at Nest.

Consider what it takes to get a job when you’re unhoused. You need clean clothes. You need a shower. You need boots that aren’t falling apart. You need to show up to an interview feeling like someone who deserves employment.

Through partnerships with township trustees and case managers, Nest helps provide these basics that restore dignity: laundry facilities, showers, and clothing for job interviews. These aren’t luxuries, they’re essential stepping stones back to self-sufficiency.

The Ultimate Goal: Self-Actualization

The top of Maslow’s Hierarchy represents reaching one’s full potential, becoming the person you’re meant to be.

“The last step is the step that we’re all hoping for, and that’s self-actualization, which is reaching one’s full potential. So basically, getting a job and getting out on their own, returning to the community, and such. This is what Nest does.” Holtkamp said.

In 2025, 76 individuals found housing through Nest and our community partnerships. Seventy-six people transitioned from survival mode to stability. Seventy-six neighbors rejoined the community as housed, employed, contributing members.

“This is the basics of where we start with our guests. And we’re really proud to be doing this.” Holtkamp added.

The Perfect Storm We’re Facing

The need has never been greater. Nationally, homelessness increased 18% in 2025. At Nest, we’ve seen nearly 60% growth in services within our community since 2022.

“We knew the numbers. We’ve seen, on a nightly basis, that those numbers continue to grow,” Holtkamp said when discussing the rise of need within the community. “We actually saw higher numbers in May and June than we saw in October and December, which is the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen in my life.”

This pattern changed in ways we’ve never seen before. Historically, shelter use peaks in winter and drops in summer. Not in 2025.

We averaged 36 people per night year-round in Michigan City. In La Porte, we’re seeing 16-20 people nightly at a shelter that’s been open for just 6 months.

Why the Surge? The Housing Crisis

The elephant in the room is affordable housing, or rather, the lack of it.

We’re seeing elderly residents on fixed incomes facing impossible choices. When utilities jump from $200 to $400 in a one-bedroom apartment, that $200 difference is devastating for someone on a fixed income.

We’re seeing apartment complexes that were income-based housing abandon those programs. We’re seeing landlords requiring first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and a deposit, nearly $4,000 to move in.

“There is a large, large handful of individuals who are saving their dollars, who are ready to start getting back into an apartment. They just can’t find an available place. Rents are outrageous.” Holtkamp commented on the community’s need on-air this morning.

Meanwhile, housing success rates have dropped. In previous years, we saw 33-35% of guests find housing. In 2025, we’re closer to 17% due in significant part to a lack of affordable housing.

A True Team Effort

Nest doesn’t work alone. Our partnerships with township trustees, case managers, probation officers, other shelters, and community organizations create a safety net that catches people before they fall too far and helps them climb back up.

“It’s a team effort. It’s not just one organization or one person. It’s a whole team effort. And if we don’t all continue to work as a team, we’re not going to get anything done.” Holtkamp said about the importance of community support.

How You Can Help Meet These Needs

Every level of Maslow’s Hierarchy requires resources, people, and support.

Volunteer Your Time

“Your time matters to us, and you really do help the community out because our people need to be shown that they are loved,” Holtkamp said in talking about the role of volunteers within the community. “You may think that coming to volunteer, I have to be working. I’m here for two hours or whatever. Listen, listening to individuals really helps those individuals.”

You don’t need special skills or training. You need to care. Whether you prepare meals, help with maintenance, work in the office, or simply spend time talking with guests, you’re providing that essential third level of the hierarchy: belonging and connection.

Make a Financial Donation

If you are not able to give of your time, consider donating to Nest. Every dollar helps us provide the foundation of the hierarchy: food, shelter, warmth, and safety.

Corporate Sponsorship

We’re seeking business partners who understand that addressing our unhoused population strengthens our entire community. Your sponsorship can help us expand services, improve facilities, and serve more neighbors in need.

Act Today

• Sign up here to volunteer.
• Make a one-time or recurring donation.
• Explore corporate sponsorship opportunities here.

Join us in this life-changing work. Because everyone deserves the opportunity to climb Maslow’s Hierarchy, starting with a safe, warm place to sleep tonight.

The post Meeting Basic Human Needs: How Nest Strives to Address Every Level of Maslow’s Hierarchy appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

What is The Coldest Night of the Year?

This is a family-friendly fundraising event that builds awareness and support for our unhoused community. Participants are encouraged to either form or join a team, set a fundraising goal, and walk in support at the Coldest Night of the Year event. Last year, our community showed up to walk- with strollers, toddlers, with those who had mobility issues, moms and dads, community partners, and so many more. At the end of the night, participants were invited to gather for a community meal.

This walking fundraiser was enjoyed by all and raised much-needed funds for Nest Community Shelter and Nest La Porte.

Why a 5K in February?

Typically, in our area, outdoor athletic events are confined to the warmer months of the year, and certainly not when regular snowfall is in the picture. When we combine this with the special “treats” such as brutal wind and lake-effect snow that Lake Michigan provides us, this doesn’t exactly lend itself to an outdoor event. But this is where the magic and the spirit of this event shine. This nationally held event kicks off across the country at the same time, on the same date (This year, February 28th, with registration opening at 4 pm.) The reason this 5K walk is held in February is to highlight the reality our unhoused population faces during these brutally cold months. Even for those sheltering at Nest for the night, our unhoused population typically spends more time in the elements than most people. For those who have not utilized support services, the cold isn’t simply an annoyance; it can be life-threatening. We walk out in the cold to walk in the footsteps of our unhoused population.

How Do I Get Involved in Coldest Night of the Year?

Sounds like fun, right? Believe us, it’s a blast and a great outdoor activity that’s good for you and the community. There are a few ways to get involved.

Walk: Consider building a team of your own, or joining a team to walk at the Coldest Night of the Year 2026! YOu can learn more about how to join a team, form your own team, or simply sign up to walk by clicking the button below.

Volunteer: This is a large event spread across Washington Park in Michigan City that requires a full team of volunteers. We need volunteers staged through our route in Washington Park, set up and tear down crews, as well as kitchen help, and assistance with check in. There are lots of fun ways to help with this unique event. If you’d like to learn more or volunteer for this event, please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator Katie Swistek at Kswistek@nestcommunityshelter.org.

Sponsor this event:

We are currently looking for event sponsors for Coldest Night of the Year 2026. If you or a business you know is interesting in sponsoring this event please reach out to to info@nestcommunityshelter and please put SPONSORSHIP CNOY in the subject heading.

This event is well attended and quickly becoming a hallmark winter event in Michigan City. This is a great way to do good in the community and reach your target audience.

Have More Questions:

Nest Community Shelter has an entire page dedicated to our Coldest Night of the Year Fundraiser. You can read more about this event, get some great stats, look at the teams and so much more on the Coldest Night of the Year website. Click here to take a look. 

The post Join Us on the Coldest Night of the Year 2026 appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

A Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight

Kalah Riley, Executive Director of Stepping Stone Shelter, a domestic violence shelter serving our community, sees this reality every day. “We see people who flee, individuals, male and female, families, who come from all economic backgrounds,” she explains. “When you’re talking about the unlikely unhoused, we don’t see just people who are in a lower economic bracket or people who are struggling financially. It genuinely is all sorts of people from all walks of life.”

In September, Stepping Stone Shelter answered 212 crisis calls. Each call represents someone at a crossroads, weighing the terrifying prospect of leaving against the danger of staying.

The statistics paint a sobering picture of Indiana’s domestic violence crisis. According to recent data, 42.5% of people in Indiana experience domestic violence in their lifetime, significantly higher than in many other states. Kalah puts it more simply, “So 3 out of 5 women in the state of Indiana, which is 60% of women, experience sexual violence in their lifetime. For men, it’s 25% or one in 4 men in the state will experience sexual and or domestic violence.”

Indiana ranks the lowest, with an “F” rating when it comes to domestic violence due to our lack of protective laws for survivors and high rates of domestic violence.

Economic Stress and Rising Violence

The connection between economic hardship and violence is not abstract; it’s immediate and devastating. Kalah sees it clearly, almost daily at Stepping Stones: “Because of the economic status that’s going on, with energy costs going up, people losing their benefits, all of these things create violence. They create an uptick in violence.”

She continues, “The stressors that it causes on the average American family… it creates the perfect storm for violent acts.”

The data support what advocates, like Stepping Stone Shelter, are witnessing on the ground. According to the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Indiana experienced a 181% increase in domestic violence homicides between 2020 and mid-2021. The Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence reported 83 fatalities as a result of domestic violence.

In talking with Kalah, she shared another sobering statistic; she recounted that the number of domestic violence incidents rose sharply during the pandemic, and while many thought these numbers would decline post-pandemic, that has not been the case in Indiana. The numbers in Indiana continue to rise.

When Violence Leads to Homelessness

The relationship between violence and homelessness is direct and devastating. Close to 60% of women experiencing homelessness report domestic violence as the immediate cause, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Furthermore, more than 90% of unhoused women have experienced severe physical or sexual abuse at some point in their lives, according to the American Bar Association.

“Violence does not prefer one class over the other. It doesn’t prefer one gender over the other. It doesn’t prefer one age group,” Kalah emphasized. “It affects everybody. We’ve experienced doctors, law enforcement, teachers, and other kinds of professionals. It would probably cause people to go, ‘Oh, I never would have imagined.'”

Many times, those who flee literally have no choice but to stay. When survivors flee, they leave behind home, vehicles, jobs, and sometimes risk custody of their children. To flee into the unknown can be the ultimate act of courage. Kalah also shared that the most dangerous time in a domestic violence relationship is often when one flees. So, for those leaving, walking out into the unknown, it is essential to have a safe place to shelter.

Indiana’s Domestic Violence Shelter Shortage

Indiana faces one of the most severe domestic violence shelter shortages in the nation. A sobering statistic from Break the Cycle states that “95% of shelter requests go unmet,” ranking Indiana the worst rate in the entire country. As mentioned earlier, Indiana is the only state to receive an “F” rating for its response to domestic violence, due to high rates, limited legal protections, and severe shelter shortages.

When someone finds the courage to leave, they’re often met with waiting lists and turned away from full shelters.

“Every crisis call, at the bare minimum, we offer a safety plan,” Kalah explains. “What is it going to take for you to be safe where you’re at? We have emergency shelter and transitional housing specifically for survivors. But we also offer other services, legal advocacy, and medical accompaniment. If we don’t provide the exact service, we try to connect them with somebody (community partners).”

The Reality of Sexual Violence

The Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault states that sexual violence is deeply intertwined with the homelessness crisis in Indiana. Half of the women in Indiana have been victims of unwanted sexual contact in their lifetime, and an intimate partner assaulted more than 39% of female rape survivors. For many, sexual assault occurs in their own homes, perpetrated by someone they know. When home becomes the site of trauma, leaving becomes a matter of survival, even if it means facing homelessness. Research shows that 38% of domestic violence victims become homeless at some point in their lives, according to an article by the YWCA.

Hope Takes Courage

Throughout our conversation, Kalah returned to a powerful theme: the importance of hope and community support. She shared the campaign message from Stepping Stone Shelter’s current fundraiser: “Pull up a seat. The story belongs to everybody because so many people are still writing their story.”

“Hope, in general, takes courage,” Kalah reflects. “People need others-officials, but also neighbor Bob, to pull up alongside them and say, ‘How can I help you pick the pen back up? How can I help you have the courage to keep writing?’ Because that really is what it takes. It takes immense courage.” Domestic Violence may be a chapter in one’s life, but it certainly does not have to be the end, and organizations like Stepping Stones Shelter ensure that there is support there for those who need it.

For survivors of domestic and sexual violence, that courage means making the difficult choice to leave. For our community, courage means ensuring that when they do, they find safety, shelter, and support.

If You or Someone You Know Needs Help

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 1-800-332-7385
• Text/Chat Available: Text “START” to 88788
• To learn more about Stepping Stones Shelter, visit their website: https://steppingstoneshelter.org/

Note: To ensure that we are providing adequate resources when speaking on educational topics Nest will be providing the sources quoted in our blog posts. 

Sources

1. Domestic Violence By State 2025. DataPandas. May 24, 2025. https://www.datapandas.org/ranking/domestic-violence-by-state
2. Scott, Rachel. “Homelessness compounds the danger of domestic violence.” Indianapolis Recorder, September 9, 2024. https://indianapolisrecorder.com/homelessness-compounds-the-danger-of-domestic-violence/
3. Scott, Rachel. Indianapolis Recorder, 2024.
4. “IN domestic violence rates remain at troubling levels.” Public News Service, October 16, 2023. https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2023-10-16/domestic-violence-sexual-assault/in-domestic-violence-rates-remain-at-troubling-levels/a86748-1
5. “45 domestic violence-related homicides so far in Indiana in 2024.” WTHR, 2024. https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/45-domestic-violence-related-homicides-reported-in-indiana-this-year-network-impd-coalition-caryn-burton-lafayette-reserve-officer/531-5ff4d09d-9029-4c52-87cb-c8ede09ef120
6. “Addressing Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence.” Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, August 12, 2024. https://www.womensfund.org/addressing-domestic-and-intimate-partner-violence/
7. Barnes Griffin, WaTasha. “Newsletter: Sexual Assault and Homelessness Intertwined.” YWCA Central Indiana, March 31, 2025. https://ywcacentralindiana.org/2025/03/sexual-assault-and-homelessness-intertwined/
8. “Domestic Violence Statistics by State 2024.” Break the Cycle, November 1, 2024. https://www.breakthecycle.org/domestic-violence-statistics-by-state/
9. “Stats – Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault (ICESA).” August 5, 2025. https://www.endsexualassault.org/stats/

The post The Unlikely Unhoused: Those who Flee appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

Today, we are sharing weeks 4-6 at the Nest program. Our average stay is about 45 days, which brings us towards the end of our program for some. As our mission states, we reconnect our guests to their community, meaning that we remain a resource for them even after they are housed. So, with that, let’s dive into the last few weeks of what our program at Nest Community Shelter typically entails.

Week 4’s Goal: Employment

By the one-month mark at Nest, our goal is that our guests have either obtained employment, secured additional employment, or are actively seeking a role that will cover their expenses and provide a stable living environment. For some, this process takes a little longer and can be more complex when combined with health issues, document issues, or other extenuating circumstances. During this time, guests will meet with their case worker and/or Flight School instructor to continue focusing on their goals and address any obstacles that might stand in the way of obtaining employment. For those who require a little more time and support, our team must emphasize the importance of consistency. At this time, we also want to support our guest who are obtaining new employment, ensuring they have all they need to be successful in their new job.

Week 5’s Goal: Budgeting and Money Management

For those who arrived at Nest with a job and for those who are newly employed, we continue to emphasize the importance of saving funds for housing. This week, we take a close look at the distinction between wants and needs when budgeting. This can be an adjustment when the dream of a future home and all that it entails does not align with budget reality. For example, when considering furniture, does it have to be brand new, or will a second-hand option suffice? Does your new place need to be fully furnished, or can it be done slowly over time to manage cash flow? Looking at things like streaming services, internet, and small creature comforts that, when added up, make an impact on a monthly budget. We help our guests distinguish between what is truly needed and what is merely wanted.

As savings accumulate and job stability is achieved, we begin to assist guests who have sufficient funds saved to explore housing options. We connect with partners and our network of landlords to identify potential vacancies. For those who qualify, we also explore whether there is a housing voucher opportunity available. This is rare, but it does occasionally happen for our guests. Our goal is stable housing. For some of our guests, this may mean renting a room, living with a stable family member, or sharing a room with a roommate. We work with our guests and partners for innovative, healthy, and stable living environments.

The community also plays a vital role at this time for our guests and will remain key to their success in the future. We know that individuals who build strong support networks are less likely to return to Nest or to another shelter for unhoused individuals. Throughout a guest’s stay with us, they’ve the opportunity to meet other guests, Flight School instructors, and several volunteers, as well as members of local faith communities. This time of reconnection is essential for our guests, and we see increased confidence in them. Some might attend a church service if they wish and form connections within a church community, while others establish deep connections with other organizations and individuals who work with Nest. This creation or rekindling of one’s community is essential for our guests.

Week 6: Home (For Some)

By week six, if all has gone to plan and there have been no unexpected obstacles, it is very possible for a guest to be moving into a safe and stable living environment of their own. However, this doesn’t mean that their involvement with Nest ends once they move on from the shelter; we remain a resource and an integral part of our guests’ support network. We can sometimes help guests source some basic household needs by working with partners and volunteers across the community. This transition is a significant milestone in the lives of our guests, and we cheer on and support each individual who comes through our door. We are committed to helping our guests reach this turning point in their lives, which we hope will pave the way forward for a happy, healthy, and successful future.

While our program is designed to last around 45 days, we also recognize that this timeframe may not be feasible for every guest. Each individual is unique, and so are their obstacles and challenges. For example, for an individual who needs to restart a medication to function in life, it may take several weeks for the medication to regulate in their system. Individuals in certain situations may require a different approach with a different timetable. No two guests are the same, and setbacks happen. It is our job to support and encourage our guests during these times and show them that achieving their goals is still possible despite setbacks. We approach each guest with dignity, dedication, and determination, because we believe that success is achievable for every one of our guests.

The post Walking The Path Home: Weeks 4 Through 6 at Nest appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

In the early days, we lay the groundwork with our guests, set goals, and establish routines, all of which work towards a safe and stable home for Nest’s guests. Much of the early days at Nest are about obtaining documentation and connecting the guest to services, so that in the later weeks, we can progress in partnership. You can read more about those early stages here.

Building on Progress

Now moving into week 2 and 3, we’ve worked in partnership to support our guests in a few crucial steps. The process for obtaining a lost or stolen ID has started, and case management is happening regularly at Nest with our staff and Flight School instructors, as well as at partner agencies if needed. At this point, the guest has a better understanding of what partners can assist with in various aspects of support.

In these crucial weeks, the guest might have the necessary documentation to see a doctor or obtain medical care if needed. The process of obtaining insurance to continue medical care is underway at this point as well. We need to support our guests’ access to healthcare, if needed, so that they can progress in the program.

Employment, The Next Hurdle

The focus shifts between weeks two and three to employment. If the guest is already employed, we look at ways to support them in their role. For example, do they need a bike, a bus pass, or a vehicle to get to work? Perhaps they need a phone. We see how we can help overcome any barriers to retaining solid employment, if required.

If the guest does not have a job, we help them learn the process for obtaining a job. We help with resume creation and getting our guests online to search through job databases. For some guests, computer literacy may be an issue, so we work with the guest to ensure that they can navigate today’s hiring landscape. While guests are applying for jobs, in the evening, and occasionally during the day, we offer services that include mock job interviews to ensure our guests are well-prepared for success. Our interview program has been highly successful, and guests consistently report that it is beneficial for them. As a result, this program is growing at our shelter. We are always looking for volunteers to help support this vital program.

Continuing not only with computer literacy but also in supporting current job trends, we instill the importance of being accountable and following up on jobs and tasks related to obtaining employment. During this time, if an interview opportunity arises, we might connect with a community partner that has clothing closets for interview attire. Our goal is to support our guests for employment success.

While this technological approach to job hunting might be commonplace to some, for others, the process is entirely different from when they first entered the workforce. As hiring has become more technical over the past few decades, computer literacy and navigating a digital job market can be incredibly overwhelming and a real barrier to employment for some.  We work with our partners to ensure that guests know how to navigate the online job market, check and send emails, as well as upload resumes and follow up with potential employers.

For some guests, we also partner with temp agencies. This is a beneficial tool for some guests, enabling them to return to work quickly and progress toward a higher-paying job. This option is well-suited for guests who may have formal training, licenses, or special certifications.

Saving for Success

At the same time, while the guest is working towards employment, continuing employment, or working with a temp agency, we begin setting realistic savings goals together. We encourage and support the opening of bank accounts and teach the basics of budgeting and financial literacy for the long-term economic success of our guests. These savings goals focus on down payments, utilities, and other expenses to establish financial independence and a stable living environment.

Meanwhile, the guest will continue to meet with their Flight School instructor on a weekly basis. Together, they’ll celebrate successes, discuss setbacks as a learning experience, and move forward in the program.

To some, this might not seem like a lot, but for some of our guests, weeks 1-3 are life-changing. Goal setting, structure, and accountability may be new concepts or a welcome return. Either way, we work to meet each guest where they are while still supporting forward progress in our program.

On Thursday, we will publish this process from a guest’s perspective as our fictionalized guest, John, walks through the Nest Community Shelter program. We encourage you to join us as we walk through this process in September.

The post Walking The Path Home: Weeks 2 and 3 at Nest Community Shelter appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

A Unique Series to Demonstrate the Nest Community Shelter Program in September

Throughout September, we are going to talk about the process that a guest experiences at Nest from the first day, all the way through our program, and the support still available after they’re housed. Each Tuesday during the month, in this series, we will write about 1-2 weeks at a time in a guest’s journey, highlighting the most common steps that guests generally take. This is our side of what happens and what we bring to the table for those in need. On Thursdays this month, we will tell a fictionalized story of what it is like to be a guest walking through the Nest program. We want to show how our program works. You may be wondering why not interview Nest’s guests about this process. At Nest, we believe in providing our guests with dignity and anonymity during and after their stay with us. In this spirit, we will be sharing a fictionalized account of the entry process from our fictionalized guest’s perspective on Thursdays through this series.

Welcoming Guests to Nest:  Day 1- Week 2

 Typically, we ask guests to call ahead and make arrangements to stay with us, if possible. This small action mitigates a few potential issues. First, it ensures we have the room. Second, it allows us to understand any special needs that a future guest may have. Lastly, this call allows us and the guests to ask any pressing questions and go over a few basics about Nest.

When shelter doors open for the evening at Nest Community Shelter and the new guest arrives for the first time, they are welcomed warmly, and they begin our nightly intake process. Each night, we conduct a basic health screening for every guest at the door. This is done to ensure the health and safety of all guests, as we are in a dormitory-style environment. Once health screenings are complete, guests who have newly arrived will be assigned a plastic tote (roughly 27-gallon size). Inside the tote, the guest will find their bedding for the evening- sheets, a blanket, and a pillow. From there, the guest is invited to find a bed for the evening. Once the bed is made with the bedding from the tote, the guest’s belongings should be put into the tote. As space is limited, all of the guests’ belongings must fit in this tote nightly.

Once the guest has had a moment to settle in, one of Nest’s case managers will connect with the guest. This is perhaps one of the most important meetings in a guest’s life. This meeting is where Nest staff and or our Flight School instructors learn about the guest, the challenges they have, and begin to build an action plan to get the guest back on their feet. This intake meeting will also provide Nest staff with the needed information on what support is required. For example, is the guest missing key documents or identification? Trying to get a job or rent an apartment is next to impossible without the proper documentation. This is where Nest can help. We also assess if the individual is currently working, if they have savings, and if they will meet the HUD qualifications for homelessness.

After this meeting, the guest is welcome to have a hot dinner and rest for the evening. The first night in a shelter can be traumatic for some guests, realizing that they find themselves sleeping in a shelter for those who are unhoused. Our job that evening is once again to make the guest feel welcome, ensure they are well-fed and comfortable enough to sleep that evening.

The next morning, guests spend the day with Nest staff and Flight School instructors, connecting to support services and community resources. For some guests, their stay is short; perhaps they have a job but aren’t making quite enough to qualify for rent. Through our community partners’ programs, housing support may be an option, so the guest comes and goes very quickly. For others, there might be more work to get them back on their feet. This is where our vast support network comes into play. For example, if a health issue must be addressed first, or if the guest needs access to health care, we’ll help the guest navigate this system so they can move forward with rebuilding their lives.

For the next two weeks at Nest, the guest will meet regularly with their Flight School instructor to track progress and set goals. At this time, we have the opportunity to get to know our guests better, what led them to us, what hurdles they have to overcome, and any additional support that will be needed. We’ll help schedule appointments, continue with document recovery, and continue to reconnect our guests to their community.

Key Things that Happen in this time:

• Initial intake is completed to learn challenges and gauge support that will be needed.
• Guests meet with Nest Case Manager, and or Flight School instructor
• Guest and staff plan and begin roadmap to guest finding their way to housing security
• Needed documents are accessed
• Connection to community partners are established
• If needed appointments are set with additional outside partners
• Friendships may begin thus building strong support networks.

A Crucial Time for Guests and Staff

This time is crucial for our guests, as they may be learning how to navigate the support system in place to help them for the first time. During this time, we are working intensively with our guests to set them up for success. We also recognize that for many of our guests, this initial period, the first two weeks, is often a time for decompression. Living out on the streets, or in hidden homelessness, is traumatic, scary, and can often be life-threatening. The realization that the shelter is there to help, that there is a safe place to sleep, and that one does not have to worry about food for the day, but can focus on the goal of being housed, can be a jarring transition for some. Either way, Nest staff and volunteers are there to set our guests up for success and support them along the way. We also find that friendships begin at this time amongst guests. This is important in building support networks. We know that those most at risk of being unhoused are often disconnected from their community and lack a support network.

At Nest Community Shelter, we understand that all of our guests are on a journey. We hope that Nest is a comfortable, temporary, and supportive stop along the way to finding their way home. At Nest Community Shelter, every guest is expected to set goals and achieve them, as we work together in partnership to get our guests into a stable housing situation of their own.

On Thursday we will be sharing a fictionalized account of this process from a fictionalized Nest guest’s perspective. We want to illustrate what this process is like from both sides. We invite you to join us on this journey and share it with those who have wondered what sets Nest Community Shelter apart.

The post Walking the Path Home: A Month-Long Journey (Day 1 – Week 2 (Part One) appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

How the Shelter Works

Our emergency cold weather shelter operates as a true community lifeline. Beginning on October 15th and running through April 15th, each evening at 5:30 PM, we open our doors at this historic train depot where we were housed last year. Guests can stay until 7:00 AM the following morning, giving them not just shelter from the elements but a full night’s rest in safety, warmth, and dignity.

This isn’t just about providing four walls and a roof. It’s about creating a space where people can restore their strength, connect with resources, and remember that their community hasn’t forgotten them.

We Can’t Do It Without You: Volunteers Needed

Last year’s overwhelming success was only possible because of volunteers that showed up to support this life-saving work. The heart of this shelter isn’t just in the building, it’s in the people who showed up, night after night, to serve their neighbors in need.

We’re looking for returning and new volunteers who can make a regular commitment. Maybe that’s every third Tuesday for the dinner shift, or twice a week helping with intake. Consistency matters because it allows us to build trust with our guests and ensures smooth operations every single night.

Ready to get involved? We’re hosting two information meetings where you can learn more about volunteer opportunities:

• August 16th at 9:30 AM at The La Porte County Public Library- Main branch-904 Indiana Ave, La Porte, IN
• August 26th at 5:00 PM at The LPCL Exchange Building- 807 Indiana Ave, La Porte, IN

Whether you have one evening a month or several nights a week to offer, there’s a place for you on our team.

A Special Call to Faith Communities and Commercial Kitchens

Nest La Porte serves as a place of refuge, but we have one significant challenge: we don’t have a commercial kitchen on-site. This is where we especially need our faith communities and local businesses with commercial kitchen facilities to step up as they did last year.

Every night, we need to provide dinner for our guests. Every morning, we need to offer breakfast. These aren’t just meals, they’re acts of care that tell pour guests that they matter, that they’re worth feeding, and that someone cares whether they’re hungry.

If your faith community, or business has a commercial kitchen and a heart for service, we need you. Whether you can help once a month or once a week, your contribution directly impacts lives.

Employment Opportunities: Join Our Mission As Staff at Nest LaPorte

For those called to make this work their vocation, we’re hiring for few positions at Nest La Porte. We’re looking for staff members who bring together the perfect combination of a big heart, unwavering dedication, and deep understanding of the challenges our guests face.

Fair warning: this includes overnight shifts. But for the right person, there’s nothing quite like being part of a team that literally saves lives through the hardest months of the year.

The Items That Make the Difference: Our Wish/ Needs List

Running a shelter requires countless everyday items that most of us take for granted. Right now, we’re collecting donations of essential supplies that keep Nest La Porte shelter running smoothly:

Pantry Staples:

• Cereal for quick, nutritious breakfasts
• Coffee, creamer, and sugar for warm morning comfort
• 5-gallon water bottles

Daily Necessities:

• Toilet paper
• Multifold towels
• Paper plates and disposable utensils for safe, sanitary meal service
• Napkins

These might seem like small things, but they mean the world to the guests we serve. Your donation of any of these items directly supports our ability to provide care.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters

When we talk about emergency cold weather shelters, we’re talking about the difference between life and death. Hypothermia doesn’t care about someone’s circumstances or how they became unhoused. Winter storms don’t distinguish between the housed and unhoused.

What we’re building here is more than a shelter, it’s a demonstration of our community’s values. It’s a statement that says we don’t abandon our neighbors when they need us most, that’s not the La Porte County way. It’s proof that when we work together, we can create solutions that preserve human dignity and save lives.

How to Get Connected

This shelter exists because people like you decide that everyone deserves a safe place to sleep, regardless of their circumstances. If you’re feeling called to be part of this mission, we’d love to connect with you.

Follow our journey on social media:

• Nest La Porte Facebook
• Nest La Porte Instagram

Get in touch with us:

• Phone: (219) 276-7582
• Email: info@nestcommunityshelter.org (Please put NEST LAPORTE in the subject line.)

A Community That Shows Up

Last year once again demonstrated something powerful: when a community comes together with a shared mission to care for its most vulnerable members, extraordinary things happen. Not a single night went unused at Nest La Porte.

This year, we’re counting on that same spirit of community care. We’re counting on volunteers who show up consistently. We’re counting on faith communities and businesses that see feeding the hungry as a sacred calling. We’re counting on donors who understand that even basic supplies can make a profound difference.

Most importantly, we’re counting on people who believe that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, deserves safety, dignity, and and a warm place to sleep.

The doors open October 15th. Will you be part of making this year’s shelter another life-saving success?

The post Nest La Porte Is Returning For the Cold-Weather Months appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

Held at the Orak Shrine in Michigan City, this year’s event honored these remarkable recipients with the Fred Weiss Award and Ed Merrion Award, respectively, recognizing their exceptional service to our shelter and the broader unhoused community.

A Heart That Serves: Deborah Langley’s Journey of Love

When Deborah Langley received this year’s Weiss Award, it was a recognition long overdue. Her story with Nest Community Shelter began from the very beginning. She was there when founders Nancy Bracken and Dorothy Miller first shared their vision with the board of First Presbyterian Church, where Deborah served as a board member.

From the early days of the PADS program to our current permanent home at the historic Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Deborah, or Deb as we know her, has been a constant presence at Nest. After retiring from her career teaching second-grade and early childhood education at Michigan City Area Schools, she could have chosen any number of ways to spend her time. Instead, she decided to serve our unhoused community, and all of Michigan City is better for it.

Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, you’ll find Deb in the kitchen, preparing meals with a beautifully simple philosophy: “food is love.” And anyone who has tasted her cooking can tell you that love is evident in every dish. Guests don’t just appreciate the nourishment; they can taste the care and compassion she pours into every meal.

What inspires us most is Deb’s motivation. When asked why she dedicates so much of her time to Nest, she speaks not of recognition or personal fulfillment, but of her desire to support the Nest staff and ease their burdens. It’s this selfless spirit that has made her such an invaluable part of our community for over two decades.

Two Decades of Unwavering Partnership

The First Presbyterian Church of Michigan City’s receipt of the Merrion Award tells a story of remarkable institutional commitment. This isn’t just about a church or faith community that occasionally volunteers; this is about a congregation that has woven service to the unhoused community into the very fabric of their mission.

The partnership began in 2001 when church members Nancy Miller and Dorothy Bracken witnessed the struggles of unhoused community members and brought this urgent need to their church board. The session (church board) didn’t just express sympathy; they took action, committing the church as a founding partner in what would become the Interfaith Community PADS program and Nest today.

What followed was a masterclass in sustained commitment. Through the traveling PADS days, the 2008 recession, and the 2020 pandemic, First Presbyterian never wavered. They’ve conducted monthly collection drives for essential items, provided yearly financial support, and maintained their volunteer presence throughout our evolution.

Laura Kittle, Clerk of Session, accepted the award on behalf of the congregation, a fitting representation of how this church approaches service: as a collective commitment rather than individual heroics.

The Ripple Effect of Compassion

“Deb and First Presbyterian Church embody the spirit of selfless service that is at the heart of our mission,”  Harrison Holtkamp, Executive Director of Nest Community Shelter said when comment on these acts of volunteerism. “Their dedication has not only impacted the lives of our guests but has also inspired our staff and volunteers.”

This inspiration is perhaps the most important aspect of recognition like this. When we celebrate individuals and organizations that demonstrate exceptional service, we’re not just acknowledging past contributions, we’re lighting a path for others to follow.

The Weiss Award and Merrion Award serve as more than just recognition; they’re a call to action. They remind us that sustainable change happens when people and organizations commit not just to moments of service, but to years and decades of showing up.

Looking Forward

As we celebrate these 2025 recipients, we’re reminded that the fight against homelessness is won through the accumulated impact of people like Deb Langley, who shows up three days a week with love in the form of home-cooked meals. It’s won through partnerships like the one with First Presbyterian Church, where an entire congregation has chosen to make caring for the unhoused a defining part of their identity. It is won through the room full of volunteers that joined us at this impactful event.

These awards don’t mark the end of their service, they mark a moment to pause and recognize the extraordinary impact of ordinary people choosing to serve extraordinarily. Here’s to many more years of their compassion in action, and to the inspiration they provide for all of us to follow in their footsteps.

The post Celebrating Champions of Compassion: Nest Community Shelter’s 2025 Award Recipients appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

The Ripple Effect of Dedication

When volunteers step forward to serve, they create ripples that extend far beyond what they might imagine. Each hour they dedicate, each task they complete, and each person they help creates a chain reaction of positive impact across lives and across generations. Their dedication doesn’t just help those we serve directly; it inspires others, strengthens communities, and proves that compassion in action can change the world.

More Than Time: They Give Their Hearts

What sets our volunteers apart isn’t just the time they give, though that’s precious beyond measure. We recognize that time is one of the few finite resources in life.  It’s the heart they bring to every interaction, every project, every moment of service. Nest volunteers see the individuals behind the need, the story behind the struggle, and the hope behind the hardship. This emotional investment transforms routine tasks into acts of love and service into genuine connection.

Building Something Bigger Together

Our volunteers help us achieve what would be impossible alone. They multiply our impact, extend our reach, and bring diverse skills and perspectives that make our work stronger.  More simply put, Nest would not be possible without our dedicated volunteers. When we recognize their contributions, we’re not just saying thank you; we’re acknowledging that they are true partners in our mission, creators of the change we seek to make.

The Power of Recognition

Taking time to celebrate our volunteers isn’t just nice, it’s necessary. Recognition validates the choice our volunteers make to serve others, reinforces the value of their contribution, and reminds them that their work matters. In a world that often overlooks quiet acts of service, we want to shine a light on the extraordinary ordinary people who choose to make a difference. We want to come together as a community and celebrate the collective achievement of our volunteers.

Looking Forward Together

As we gather to appreciate our volunteers at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Event, we’re not just looking back at what they’ve accomplished. We’re looking forward to the continued impact we’ll make together, the lives we’ll touch, and the hope we’ll spread. Their dedication fuels our mission, and their heart keeps our purpose alive.

To our volunteers: Thank you for choosing to serve, for bringing your whole selves to this work, and for believing that together, we can make a difference. You are seen, you are valued, and you are the reason our mission thrives.

Please join us on July 1st from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at the Orak Shrine in Michigan City. There is no charge for tickets for this event. Click here to secure your free ticket. 

The post Why We Celebrate Our Volunteers: The Heart of Our Mission appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.