Wednesday evening, as temperatures dropped and night fell over Michigan City, dozens of community members gathered not to escape the cold, but to embrace it in support of those who are unhoused this season. The public gathered at Nest Community Shelter to stand in solidarity with those who are unhoused. This second annual gathering and fundraiser was a moving evening for guests at Nest, speakers, and those attending.
Standing Together in the Cold
“If we can’t stand this for half an hour to an hour, we really need to think about the other side of the coin and the people that we’re helping,” shared Harrison Holtkamp, the Executive Director of Nest, as he welcomed the crowd. “There are times that they don’t get to choose when to come in and get warm, when to seek help.”
His words set the tone for an evening that was equal parts sobering and uplifting, but a constant reminder that while the holidays bring joy to many, they compound the struggles of those without a place to call home.
Finding Jesus in the Manger, and on Our Streets
Pastor Mark Reshan from St. Paul’s opened our hearts with a powerful reflection on the Christmas story we often overlook: Mary and Joseph were essentially unhoused when Jesus was born.
“There was no place for them in the inn,” Pastor Reshan reminded us, drawing a direct line from that Bethlehem cave to the work we do today. He shared how Jesus later said, “Birds have nests and foxes have holes, but I have nowhere to lay my head,” explaining why Christ so closely identified with the unhoused, the sick, and the poor.
“As people of faith, we help those in need, not because it’s our civic duty,” he said, “but because in so doing, we meet Jesus. And at this time of year, especially, it’s hard to imagine a better Christmas gift than that.”
A City That Cares
Council Member Greg Coulter brought greetings from Michigan City’s First Ward and offered heartfelt thanks for NEST’s work and Harry’s advocacy.
“Harry is an advocate for the homeless community in Michigan City,” Coulter shared. “While other people might be quick to use some degrading words, Harry is kind and reminds us to call our brothers and sisters people.”
His words underscored a vital truth: the city cannot do this work alone; it takes partners like NEST and supporters to truly serve all residents.
United in Spirit, Bound by Peace
Erica Boyd, Nest Board Member, reminded us that we each have been given gifts to share with others. Reading from Ephesians 4, she called us to be “humble and gentle, patient with each other,” and to support “those who are less fortunate than us.”
“We’ve gathered today in humility and peace,” she said, her voice full of gratitude for everyone who chose to stand together on that cold evening.
Beyond Emergency Shelter: Building Pathways Home
Mickey Ferrantella brought a unique perspective as a volunteer with the Indiana Department of Corrections who teaches construction skills and pastors a church inside the prison. His connection with NEST began just two weeks ago when one of his church members was released and found himself unhoused.
“I found a partner,” Mickey shared with evident joy. “I found a partner that I can partner with for people who leave my church family in prison.”
His vision for transitional housing reminded us that helping our unhoused neighbors isn’t just about emergency shelter, it’s about creating pathways to stability, dignity, and hope.
You Are the Light
Pastor Roscoe Hoffman closed the speaking portion of our evening with a beautiful meditation on light. “You are the light of the world,” he declared, reminding us that in older days, a light in the window or smoke from the chimney signaled warmth and welcome inside.
“It’s a lot harder nowadays to see the warmth on the inside because we hide the warmth on the inside and keep it for ourselves,” he reflected. “But what you’re doing here is the warmth on the inside is showing, so people can see that there’s a light on the inside.”
His challenge was clear: be the signal that someone in need is searching for. “You may be the only signal that they ever see. So, let’s make it a good one.”
An Evening of Community and Support
As Peter Bailey led the crowd in joyful holiday carols, voices rose together in the cold night air, a beautiful reminder that we are stronger together. Hot cocoa, generously sponsored by JOYRide and South Bend Chocolate Café at Lighthouse Place, warmed hands and hearts as neighbors shared conversation and fellowship.
The evening concluded with a small collection, allowing those present to contribute directly to NEST’s mission. But perhaps more valuable than the funds raised was the awareness kindled and the community bonds strengthened.
The Work Continues
NEST Community Shelter remains LaPorte County’s only emergency shelter for men, women, and women with children. Since 2001, we’ve been serving Michigan City, and since 2020, we’ve called our current location home. Our LaPorte location, now in its second season, is extending this vital work throughout the county.
The stories our guests could tell, of triumph over insurmountable odds, of survival against all expectations, of finding hope when it seemed lost, these are the stories that drive us forward. Every day, we have the privilege of being a seat at the table for those who aren’t invited, a voice for the voiceless, and a stand-up for people who can’t stand up for themselves.
How You Can Help
As we move deeper into this season of giving, we invite you to consider how you might be a light in someone’s darkness:
- Donate: Your financial support provides emergency shelter, warm meals, and essential services to our most vulnerable neighbors.
- Volunteer: Share your time and talents to make a direct impact.
- Advocate: Help us remind our community to see our unhoused neighbors as people—our brothers and sisters.
- Spread the Word: Share our mission with others who might want to help.
This holiday season, as you gather with loved ones in the warmth of your homes, remember those who are still searching for that light in the window, that smoke from the chimney, that signal of welcome and warmth.
Together, we can ensure that no one in LaPorte County has to face the cold alone.
