Volunteers Save Lives!

We hope that if you’ve followed the blog posts this past month, one thing has stood out: we cannot do this alone. Last year, our operations were only possible in La Porte with the volunteer support of our entire community. Literally hundreds of hours were donated in service to our neighbors in need. Countless lives were saved, and some lives were changed for the better from this opportunity. The way the community rallied around Nest La Porte was incredible! This year, we will need the community to rally support once again. Not only will we be open longer this season in La Porte, but the need has continued to grow. While we are hiring for a few positions in La Porte, we are a volunteer-based organization. If you’d like to volunteer or learn more about volunteering at Nest La Porte, you can find out more information by clicking here.

Between now and October 15th, we will be actively recruiting volunteers. We are seeking steady and reliable volunteers who are committed to a regular shift on a weekly or monthly basis. This means that one Tuesday night per month is your jam, or every Sunday afternoon you’d like to give your time, or maybe it’s every third Wednesday. We need our volunteers to commit to a regular shift that fits their schedule. If you can claim a shift, please do so! We will be providing volunteer training once volunteers are signed up. We will also be holding volunteer meeting call-outs, as well as attending many local events, such as the Farmed and Forged markets in Michigan City and La Porte, where you can sign up to volunteer.

Readying the Shelter

In the time between now and when we open, we are readying the old train depot building, generously donated by the City of La Porte, to support shelter operations over the winter. Our current most significant need is a standard refrigerator with a freezer. We would love a second-hand model in good working order. Please get in touch with us if you have one that you’d like to donate.

We also are in need of several items that we will use daily at Nest La Porte:

• Cereal
• Coffee
• Creamer
• Sugar
• Toilet paper
• Multifold towels
• Paper plates
• Disposable utensils
• Napkins
• 5 gallon bottles of water
• Monetary Donations- which can be made directly here.

All of these items can be dropped off at Nest Community Shelter in Michigan City or at The Center Township Trustee’s office in La Porte (1108 W State Rd 2, La Porte, IN 46350)

Because Food is Love

Currently, Nest La Porte does not have a commercial kitchen in order to cook food on-site. We are actively recruiting faith communities and other community partners to help support meal creation and or meal donation for our guests at Nest La Porte. We believe that no one should go to bed hungry, and that is why we always provide dinner and breakfast for our guests. Nest La Porte is a place of refuge where one can rest in safety with food in their stomach. We want our guests to concentrate on rebuilding their lives, not worrying about their next meal. If you know of a potential partner, please have them contact us as soon as possible.

Stay Updated

We encourage you to stay updated on Nest La Porte by following Nest La Porte on Instagram and on Facebook. You can also sign up to receive the Nest Community Shelter monthly newsletter, which includes news and updates about Nest La Porte.

The post Nest La Porte: Next Steps for Opening the 2025/ 2026 Season appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

As a non-profit organization, Nest Community Shelter and now Nest La Porte rely on grants and donations to operate. We operate as lean as is responsibly possible, from supplies to staff, thus relying on a dedicated team of volunteers at both locations. This year will be no different. It is the generosity of the community in time, goods, and funds that makes what we do possible, and together with the generosity of the community, we save lives.

In gearing up for Nest La Porte, we have a list of needs for the upcoming season. These aren’t simply “nice to have items,” they’re needs. Every night at Nest La Porte, each guest is provided with a dinner before bed and a breakfast to start their day. Food is expensive, as are supplies, utensils, paper products, and so forth. We need these items to operate a safe and sanitary emergency shelter in La Porte.

Our current list of needs as of today (August 19, 2025) are:

• Cereal
• Coffee
• Creamer
• Sugar
• Toilet paper
• Multifold towels
• Paper plates
• Disposable utensils
• Napkins
• 5-gallon bottles of water
• A full-size fridge and freezer (Freezer on top and fridge on bottom)

While these items may not seem like much, they truly are key to allowing us to operate. A few donated boxes of cereal might not seem like much, but they are the start of a guest’s day, working back towards a healthy, happy life. That bowl of cereal is the energy needed to accomplish something big, whether it’s working towards home or simply knowing that there is kindness in the community. Many of the items on our current list might seem small, but it is sometimes these small things that make the most significant impact in the lives of our guests.

These goods can be dropped off at either Nest Community Shelter or at The Center Township Trustees’ Office in La Porte (1108 W State Rd 2, La Porte, IN 46350). Once our shelter opens in La Porte, you can also drop off items after the shelter opens nightly.

Aside from these important physical goods, we are in significant need of volunteers for Nest La Porte. As a volunteer-based organization, the support of our community makes what we do possible. We are looking for community members to volunteer as consistently as possible. For example, perhaps you’d like to help us with check-in every Tuesday night, or maybe you’re a night owl and would love to oversee our men’s floor. Nest La Porte will be open every night from October 15th through April 15th. This means we do not take a night off when the weather is nasty. We don’t close because it is a holiday. We are there to save lives, and that means we need community support to make it possible. Nest La Porte saved lives last year, and it will do the same again this season.

Remember, not all heroes wear capes; some volunteer at Nest La Porte!

If you’d like to learn more about Nest La Porte or volunteering at Nest La Porte please click here.

The post Common Needs for Nest La Porte: Help us Feather Our Emergency Nest appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

Why This Could Be Your Perfect Second Job

Working at Nest Community Shelter gives you the power to change lives every single day directly. This is so much more than a job; it’s a way to make a lasting difference in the lives of our guests and our community. We’re currently seeking dedicated team members for flexible part-time positions that could be ideal as a second job or for those wanting to give back while earning extra income.

What We’re Looking For:

Nest Community Shelter- Michigan City Location Evening Shift: 7 pm-11 pm daily

• Guest interaction and support
• Door management and site oversight
• Perfect for those who want to make a difference during evening hours.

Nest Community Shelter- Michigan City Location Overnight Positions: 11 pm-7 am

• Provide overnight security and support for our guests so they may rest comfortably
• Ensure a safe, welcoming environment
• Ideal for night owls

Nest La Porte- La Porte Location Evening Shift: 6 pm-11 pm daily

• Daily evening support role- welcome guests in each night
• Guest services and facility management

Nest La Porte- La Porte Location Weekend Overnight: 11 pm-7 am (weekends)

• Weekend overnight coverage for male guests
• Sunday daytime resource center hours available

This is so Much More Than Just a Job

This isn’t your average job; it’s a calling that happens to come with a paycheck. You’ll be part of a mission that truly matters, working with individuals who need dignity, respect, and a helping hand during their most challenging times. You could be the person they connect with who positively impacts their life.

If you’re looking for work that goes beyond a paycheck, work that lets you sleep well knowing you’ve made someone’s day better, safer, or more hopeful, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and become part of a team that’s actively working to address one of our community’s most pressing challenges. Your evening or overnight hours could be the difference between someone having a safe place to rest or facing the dangers of the street alone.

Because everyone deserves dignity, safety, and respect—and you can help provide all three.

Ready to start making a difference? Apply today and join our mission to serve those who need it most. Send your resume to: director@nestcommunityshelter.org

The post Make a Real Difference: Part-Time Positions Available at Nest Community Shelter and Nest La Porte appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

The Reality of Cold Weather For Our Unhoused Neighbors

Every year, we witness the same sobering pattern: as the thermometer falls, our shelter numbers rise, sometimes dramatically. The difference between an October night and a January night isn’t just comfort; it becomes survival. When the elements shift from uncomfortable to deadly, our main shelter becomes a critical lifeline for dozens of additional community members seeking safety and warmth. In La Porte, our cold weather shelter, specifically designed to save lives from the brutal cold, was utilized every night. In Michigan City, we saw near-record numbers consistently during the colder weather months.

Doubling Our Efforts, Doubling Our Need, Doubling The Impact

This upcoming winter presents a challenge. In addition to managing increased capacity at our main shelter in Michigan City, operating at La Porte requires another team of volunteers and staff. Essentially, we’re running two complete shelter operations simultaneously, which means we need twice the staff and volunteers to serve our community effectively. This also means twice the impact, twice the lives being saved, and more opportunities to give our unhoused neighbors the support they need to find their way to a permanent housing solution.

At Nest La Porte, we’re actively staffing up to support the upcoming seasonal surge. Meanwhile, our Nest La Porte location requires us to build an entirely new team and recall returning volunteers from last year. This isn’t just about finding extra hands, it’s about recruiting a whole team of dedicated volunteers who can help us maintain the same high standards of care and safety at both locations.

What Our Volunteers Do: They Save Lives

The work our volunteers do each evening is both practical and profound. Here’s what a typical evening looks like at our shelters:

Check-in Process: As guests arrive each evening, our volunteer teams conduct essential safety and health checks. This isn’t just administrative work; it’s often the first warm welcome someone receives after a difficult day, and these initial interactions set the tone for a guest’s entire experience with us.

Meal Service: Our teams work together to serve dinner, ensuring that every person who walks through our doors receives not only nutrition but also dignity and respect. These shared meals become moments of community and connection.

Evening Operations: After dinner service, volunteers help the shelter transition into its overnight phase, ensuring everything runs smoothly as our guests settle in for the night.

Overnight Safety: Our overnight staff maintains a vigilant watch throughout the night, providing security and peace of mind for everyone in our care.

Each of these roles is essential. Without adequate volunteer support, we simply cannot provide the level of care our community members deserve.

Two Opportunities to Get Involved

We understand that volunteering at a shelter might feel intimidating if you’ve never done it before. That’s exactly why we’re hosting two information meetings where you can learn more about what volunteering with us looks like at Nest La Porte:

These meetings are designed to be welcoming and informative. Whether you’re considering volunteering for the first time or you’re a seasoned volunteer looking to expand your involvement, these sessions will help you understand how you can make a real difference in your community.

Your Community Needs You

When we talk about volunteers, we’re not just talking about filling shifts on a schedule. We’re talking about community members who understand that housing insecurity affects real people, our neighbors, our fellow community members, who need support to get through the most dangerous months of the year. Kindness can move mountains and completely change the trajectory of someone’s life for the better.

The volunteers who step up during cold weather months literally save lives. Your presence at check-in might be the difference between someone feeling welcomed or rejected. Your help serving dinner might be the highlight of someone’s day. Your commitment to showing up regularly helps create the stable, reliable environment that allows our neighbors and community members to focus on getting back on their feet.

The Bottom Line

As winter approaches, we face a simple equation: more people needing shelter plus expanded operations equals a critical need for more volunteers and staff. We can’t do this work alone, Creating a safety net for community members experiencing homelessness is a collective responsibility.

If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a tangible difference in our community, this is it. If you’ve been looking for a way to turn concern into action, we’re offering you that opportunity.

Our community has always stepped up when it matters most. As the weather turns cold and the stakes get higher, we’re counting on that spirit of community and support once again.

The post Community Support Is Vital to Saving the Lives Of Our Unhoused Community Members appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

When we closed our doors last spring, we knew the need was great. But the numbers told a story more urgent than we had imagined. We knew that we had to find a way to return to La Porte this season. This season will once again be a community effort with partnerships from the City of La Porte, the Center Township Trustee’s office, and the community to support this emergency cold weather shelter.

Behind Every Number, A Human Story

These aren’t just statistics on a spreadsheet. Each filled bed represented someone who might otherwise have spent the night outside in frigid conditions and may have lost their life due to the extreme cold. Each person who walked through our doors brought their own story, but they all held one thing in common: they were our neighbors in need who needed refuge from the brutal cold of the season.

What struck our staff and volunteers most wasn’t just the measure of the need, but the diversity of people seeking shelter. This wasn’t one demographic facing housing insecurity, it was our entire community. We saw guests of all ages and backgrounds, solidifying that homelessness can impact anyone.

The Reality We Couldn’t Ignore

Being utilized every night meant we had to rely on our volunteer base more than ever, as both shelters operated in Michigan City and La Porte. For our organization, this meant closely monitoring staff and volunteers as they stretched resources, because no one should freeze to death in the cold on the streets.

But it also meant something else: our community has a crisis that won’t solve itself over the summer months. We knew when we ceased operations last spring that we had to find a way to make this shelter return this fall.

Why We’re Coming Back

The data didn’t just show us the scope of the problem – it showed us the consequences of inaction. Without emergency shelter services this winter, unhoused neighbors in our community would face exposure, unsafe sleeping situations, and possible death from the elements.

The Community We Serve Together

Operating Nest La Porte every night wasn’t just about our organization; it was about our community stepping up. La Porte residents stepped up in a massive way last season to staff the shelter and support their neighbors in need. We could not have done it without these amazing individuals

That same community spirit is why we’re confident we can meet this challenge again.

Looking Ahead

This winter, we anticipate a need that will be just as great, if not greater. But we also know something else: when our community comes together around this shared challenge, we can ensure that no one faces the cold alone.

Our doors will open on October 15th. Because the data is clear, the need is urgent, and our community deserves nothing less than our full commitment to ensuring everyone has a safe place to sleep.

If you’d like to volunteer or contribute to Nest La Porte, please sign up here.

The post Why We’re Returning to La Porte for This Upcoming Season 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.

Meet Kristen Noonan – Longtime Nest Volunteer:

What initially motivated you to start volunteering with our organization, and what keeps you coming back? 

“Through meeting Harrison while I ran a non-profit, years later, he approached me about being a part of starting the women’s program and sitting on the newly established Board. What keeps me coming back eight years later are two things: the quality of the Nest organization and the women I get to interact with every Monday.”

Can you share a specific moment or experience from your volunteer work that has stayed with you or made a lasting impact? 

“Any time I see someone take their power back, it’s like seeing lightning up close. If I had to choose one moment, it would not be what is expected. It was a time when I was short with one of the ladies, and the look she gave me, filled with genuine disappointment, was a good reality check for me. That moment changed my outlook. Everyone who stays at the shelter is going through some of the worst moments of their lives. By “seeing” them and meeting them where they are with love and respect, everyone gets to have a better day than they may have had.”

What would you say to someone who is hesitant about volunteering or thinks they don’t have the right skills to help? 

“Be yourself is the best thing anyone can do. Know that if volunteering is becoming a thought, try it out. Ask to be put with someone experienced. Provide yourself and the coordinator with a timeline of your commitment- a willingness to try it for two weeks for two hours, and then reevaluate if it is a good fit. If you are scared of how the guests might behave towards you, know that the Nest has already made a culture for itself, and that culture is positive and communal. Additionally, I might add that it is worth considering how, by using volunteers, the Nest has more money to put towards programming.”

How has volunteering with us affected you personally? What have you learned or gained from the experience? 

“Not many can say Mondays are their favorite day of the week. Lol. I can say that because of how much I look forward to being with my fellow volunteers and the women guests. I have learned that you get what you give, and there is no bottom if you volunteer the right amount of time and in the way that is right for you.”

If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering volunteering with our shelter, what would it be? 

“Know yourself and yet be open. The less expectations you have of yourself and the experience, the better, because then you can be surprised at how, being you, you can have a genuine positive effect.”

How do you currently volunteer with us, and has that evolved over time? 

“I currently do a longer Monday shift; I come in at 5:15 and stay till 11 pm. I was doing two days a week, and I realized I was burning out and couldn’t give the Nest and guests my best. As a founding board member, I had more roles, which included creating mailers and media to help get the word out. I have represented the Nest at booths, raised money, organized the pantry, sat at the desk during the day to give staff a break, and created meals. I will say, no matter the task, I always like volunteering with a friend, as it not only makes the time fly by, but it gives us time to connect in a more meaningful way, and lets us see one another in a new light.

Thank you so much to Kristen for taking the time to share her experiences with Nest Community Shelter and for legacy of dedicated service!

The post An Interview with Longtime Volunteer: Kristen Noonan appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

What You’ll Be Doing

While our guests are out navigating their day, you’ll be in our shelter kitchen preparing meals that will welcome them home. For example, you might be chopping vegetables for tomorrow’s hearty stew, assembling casseroles that will feed dozens, or prepping ingredients for the week ahead. Every slice, every stir, every seasoning choice you make helps create something beautiful,  a meal that says “you matter” to someone who needs to hear it.

When We Need You

We’re seeking daytime volunteers who can dedicate a few hours each week during regular business hours. This timing works perfectly for retirees, those with flexible schedules, parents with children in school, or anyone looking to make their free daytime hours count for something meaningful.

Why Your Skills Matter

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook, a culinary school graduate, or someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, we need you. Food truly is love made visible, and cooking for our guests creates an experience that goes far beyond nutrition. When you volunteer in our kitchen, you’re not just preparing meals, you’re crafting moments of comfort, dignity, and care.

Every volunteer brings something unique to our kitchen family. Perhaps you have a secret technique for making perfect meatballs, or you know how to stretch a soup to feed twice as many people without compromising flavor. Maybe you’re the organizational wizard who can prep vegetables with military precision, or the creative spirit who can transform simple ingredients into something special. If you answered yes to any of this, then this volunteer position is for you!

What We’re Looking For

We want volunteers who can bring their love, dedication, and heart to our kitchen. You don’t need to be a professional chef; you need to care about nourishing the hearts, minds, and bellies of our guests. We’ll provide all the training, equipment, and ingredients you need. All you need to bring is yourself and your willingness to serve.

In return, you’ll discover that while you’re nourishing our guests, the experience will nourish something deep within you too. Our volunteers often tell us that their time in the kitchen becomes the highlight of their week. Cooking at Nest provides an opportunity to create, connect, and make a tangible contribution to our community.

Ready to Join Us?

If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and join our kitchen as a volunteer, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today to learn more about volunteer opportunities and to schedule your first shift. Together, we can continue to show that food is love, and that every meal prepared with care has the power to restore hope and dignity. Click here to learn more.

The post Calling All Kitchen Heroes: Volunteer for Our Daytime Cooking Crew appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

The Power of Personal Stories

What made this radio show so impactful wasn’t just the information we shared about our programs; it was the genuine, heartfelt stories from our volunteers themselves. Each person who spoke brought their unique perspective on what it means to serve alongside our guests.

Kristen Noonan, our former board president, emphasized how NEST makes volunteering manageable and straightforward. “They don’t overextend you,” she shared. “They tell you exactly what you’re getting into.” Kristen’s Monday nights at NEST have become her favorite nights of the week, where she gets to witness the encouragement and support our guests offer to one another.

Terry Greetham shared one of the most moving testimonies of the day. After his first volunteer experience, he found himself overwhelmed by gratitude, realizing how much we often take for granted. His story reminded us that volunteering at NEST isn’t just about what we give; it’s about what we receive in return. Terry’s experience led to a profound realization about the dignity and resilience of our guests.

Lisa Tsaparikos called in to share about her role in our “Flight School” program, where she helps new guests navigate available services. She spoke beautifully about the fulfillment that comes from seeing guests achieve their goals, especially when someone finally secures housing after facing multiple setbacks.

Michael Ducey, one of our newer volunteers, highlighted something many people don’t realize: NEST offers opportunities for “discreet and quiet” service. He appreciates being able to serve a portion of our community that often feels invisible, without needing to “stand on a soapbox.”

Jenni Alexander represented the LaPorte County Family YMCA leadership team, sharing how their group volunteer experience was “amazing, humbling, and rewarding.” She emphasized that only five minutes of training was required, and how grateful our guests are to see volunteers.

Making It Simple

Throughout the show, our volunteers consistently emphasized how NEST makes volunteering accessible:

• Flexible scheduling: We work with whatever time you can give
• Minimal training: Most volunteer opportunities require just a brief orientation
• Clear expectations: We tell you exactly what you’re getting into
• Immediate impact: You can see the difference you’re making right away

Multiple Ways to Get Involved

The radio show highlighted various volunteer opportunities:

• Meal preparation and service: Our most popular entry point, taking about 1.5-2 hours
• Intake assistance: Helping guests check in during our busy evening hours
• Flight school mentoring: One-on-one guidance for new guests
• Administrative support: Behind-the-scenes work that’s equally important
• Skilled trades: Using your professional skills to help maintain our 110-year-old building

Looking Ahead: LaPorte Opening

We’re excited to announce that NEST will return to LaPorte this fall, operating from October 15th through April 15th at the depot. This expansion means we need even more volunteers to fill various shifts:

• Opening shift (5:15-7:30 PM)
• Site monitor (7:00-11:00 PM)
• Dinner service (around 6:00-6:45 PM)
• Overnight (11:00 PM-7:00 AM)

Join Our Community

What struck us most about yesterday’s show was how our volunteers have become a true community. They support each other, they’ve formed lasting friendships, and they’ve found purpose in serving alongside our guests.

If you’re interested in learning more about volunteering with NEST, please:

• Email Janelle Knowlton at jknolton@nestcommunityshelter.org
• Call us at 219-276-7582
• Visit our website at nestcommunityshelter.org
• Check our Facebook page for current needs and opportunities

You can also find us this weekend at Singing Sands Festival, where we’ll have a tent set up and a team participating in the Community Challenge sand sculpting competition.

A Final Thought

As Harry mentioned on the show, “This is not a sad place. It’s a happy place.” Our volunteers don’t just serve meals or check in guests, they bring hope, dignity, and community to people who need it most. When you volunteer at NEST, you’re not just helping others; you’re joining a family of people who believe in second chances and the power of community support.

We hope yesterday’s radio show inspired you to consider how you might get involved. Whether you can give an hour a week or a few hours a month, there’s a place for you at NEST. Come see what our volunteers have discovered: you truly do get more than you give.

The post Sharing Our Stories: NEST Volunteers Take to the Airwaves on WIMS appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

Kitchen Volunteer: Where Nutrition Meets Compassion

Our kitchen is more than a place where meals are prepared; if food is love, then the kitchen at Nest is the heart of our shelter. We’re seeking volunteers to help prepare nourishing meals for our guests. Whether you’re an experienced cook or someone more comfortable with prep work, we have a great volunteer opportunity for you.

What you’ll do:

• Prepare ingredients for meals that will feed Nest Community Shelter guests
• Cook alongside our kitchen team and other volunteers
• Help serve dinner to guests in a welcoming and friendly environment
• Learn new cooking techniques while contributing to food security for our guests.

When we need you:

• Meal creation and prep: Starting as early as 10 AM
• Commitment: Just 2 hours per week
• Serving is done in the evenings between 5 and 7 pm
• Flexible scheduling to work with your availability.

Why this matters: Your two hours of work can result in hundreds of meals throughout the month. You’ll see firsthand how nourishment supports and uplifts our guests during challenging times, and you’ll be part of creating a space where everyone feels welcomed and valued.

Perfect for: Anyone who finds joy in cooking, wants to learn kitchen skills, enjoys working with their hands, or wants to contribute to immediate, tangible help for our guests.

Office Volunteer: The Backbone of Our Operations

Behind every successful program is careful organization and attention to detail. Our office volunteer position is ideal for someone who appreciates the importance of smooth operations and wants to contribute essential support that keeps our programs running effectively.

What you’ll do:

• Handle small clerical tasks that keep our operations organized.
• Support our staff by handling administrative tasks that free them up for direct service.
• Help maintain appropriate records and files that ensure we can serve our community efficiently
• Contribute to the day-to-day functions that enable our larger mission to succeed.

When we need you:

• One day per week
• 2-hour commitment
• A consistent schedule that works for both you and our team

Why this matters: Every organized file, every completed administrative task, every piece of paperwork you handle directly supports our ability to serve our guests. Your work ensures that our resources go toward programs rather than getting lost in administrative backlogs.

Perfect for: Detail-oriented individuals, people who work well independently, those who want to contribute professional skills to a meaningful cause, or anyone who understands that strong operations are the foundation of effective service.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Both positions offer the flexibility that fits real life while making a genuine impact in our community. We simply ask for continued commitment. Whether you’re drawn to the immediate satisfaction of preparing meals or the foundational importance of administrative support, we have a place for you.

To get started: Click here!

Questions we’re happy to answer:

• What training or orientation is provided?
• How flexible is the scheduling?
• What safety protocols are in place?
• Can I try both positions to see which fits best?

Your time matters, and we’re committed to making sure your volunteer experience is both meaningful and manageable. Join us in creating a stronger, more connected community, one meal and one organized file at a time.

The post Two Ways to Make a Difference: Kitchen and Office Volunteer Opportunities at Nest Community Shelter appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.