We are excited to announce our Board of Directors leadership for 2025. This transition marks a new chapter in our organization’s commitment to serving the unhoused population in our communities across La Porte County. This change in leadership comes at a pivotal moment as we expanded our reach into La Porte in January 2025.
In a leadership transition, we welcome Kristy Hahn as our new Board President. She succeeds Emily Robbins, who provided valuable guidance during her tenure. Shannon Walker steps into the role of Vice President on our board, bringing her experience and dedication to this new position. Erica Boyd, who also joined our board in late 2024, rounds out our board changes for early 2025.
The board commenced 2025 with an energetic in-person meeting hosted at the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, where members discussed strategic initiatives and goals for the upcoming year. Their first major action demonstrated the responsive leadership our community needs: When the Mayor’s Office of La Porte and Center Township Trustee reached out about establishing an emergency overnight shelter in La Porte, our board swiftly answered the call. This collaboration led to the launch of Nest La Porte in January, extending our services beyond our immediate area to support vulnerable residents across the county.
“Our unhoused neighbors hold a special place in my heart, so I’m deeply honored to serve as Board President of Nest. In this role, I’m committed to supporting our Executive Director Harry and his dedicated staff while actively working to dispel common misconceptions about homelessness and our services. Many don’t realize that Nest offers comprehensive, long-term support through case management and intervention programs – we’re not simply a revolving door. As we implement our strategic plan and expand to serve La Porte, I look forward to continuing my hands-on involvement both as president and volunteer. The trust my fellow board members have placed in me reinforces my dedication to this vital mission,” said Kristy Hahn, 2025 Nest Community Shelter Board President.
“Our unhoused neighbors hold a special place in my heart, so I’m deeply honored to serve as Board President of Nest. In this role, I’m committed to supporting our Executive Director Harry and his dedicated staff while actively working to dispel common misconceptions about homelessness and our services. Many don’t realize that Nest offers comprehensive, long-term support through case management and intervention programs – we’re not simply a revolving door. As we implement our strategic plan and expand to serve La Porte, I look forward to continuing my hands-on involvement both as president and volunteer. The trust my fellow board members have placed in me reinforces my dedication to this vital mission,” said Kristy Hahn, 2025 Nest Community Shelter Board President.
Nest Executive Director Harrison Holtkamp shared his thoughts on the 2025 board slate: “I am so grateful for the time and talent on our board. These community members have joined our board to make a lasting positive impression on the lives of our guests and our community. I am so honored to work with each of these incredible individuals. Their dedication and expertise are dynamic and so unbelievably valuable to our mission. This year looks to be a year of many firsts for our organization as we grow to meet the ever-increasing needs of our community. This board has a firm grasp and understanding of our mission and the communities we serve. I am so grateful for each board member.
Nest Executive Director Harrison Holtkamp shared his thoughts on the 2025 board slate: “I am so grateful for the time and talent on our board. These community members have joined our board to make a lasting positive impression on the lives of our guests and our community. I am so honored to work with each of these incredible individuals. Their dedication and expertise are dynamic and so unbelievably valuable to our mission. This year looks to be a year of many firsts for our organization as we grow to meet the ever-increasing needs of our community. This board has a firm grasp and understanding of our mission and the communities we serve. I am so grateful for each board member.
The board’s commitment to expanding our impact is matched by exciting upcoming fundraising initiatives. February brings our first annual Coldest Night of the Year 5k event, a nationwide fundraiser that kicks off on February 22nd at 5 pm across the U.S. This fundraiser builds awareness of the struggles of rural homelessness. Our board will be out in force at this event, helping support this initiative. Looking ahead to May, the board is also thrilled to announce our first-ever fundraising gala: The Nest Emerald Evening Gala, which promises to be an evening of community celebration and vital fundraising for our expanding programs.
Our dedicated board of directors and new initiatives position Nest Community Shelter to make an even greater impact in 2025. As we grow our services and reach more needy individuals, our board’s dedication to our mission remains unwavering. Their leadership ensures we can continue strengthening our services and support for community members experiencing homelessness throughout our county.
Thank you to the 2025 Nest Community Shelter Board of Directors:
- Kristy Hahn- Board President
- Shannon Walker- Vice President
- Ryan Ebbesen- Treasurer
- Jamie Llorens – Board Secretary.
- Emily Robbins
- Erica Boyd
- Eric Williams
- Jesse Baldwin
- Jamie Llorens
- Kathleen Kelly
- Jackie Dermody
- Gayla Donaldson
