When we returned for a second season in La Porte and opened the doors of Nest La Porte’s emergency cold weather shelter in October, we made a simple promise: no one would have to face the coldest months alone.
Night after night, that promise was kept. No one in La Porte had to face the brutal cold and elements alone; the door remained open, and inside, our guests found safety, warmth, a good meal, and friendly faces who showed them they matter in our community.
As we near our closing date of April 16th, we feel deep gratitude for La Porte, our community partners, sponsors, donors, and the incredible volunteers who dedicated their time, energy, and hearts to making this shelter possible. What happened here this season wasn’t the work of any single organization. It was the collective effort of an entire community choosing to show up.
What Comes Next
We know that for many of you reading this, the most pressing question is: what happens to the people who have been staying at the shelter?
It is a question we are asking ourselves every single day.
Closing a seasonal shelter does not mean ending our commitment to the individuals who trusted us with their safety and well-being this winter. Our team is actively collaborating with community partners to ensure that those using the shelter are connected to ongoing support and resources. This work is already in progress and will continue well beyond April 16th.
The path forward looks different for everyone. We are walking alongside the people we serve as they take their next steps, and we are leaning on the strength of this community’s network to ensure those steps lead to a safe place for our guests in La Porte.
Thank You, La Porte
To everyone who donated a coat, served a meal, stocked a supply shelf, wrote a check, or spread the word, thank you. You made this shelter more than a warm building. You made it a place where people felt seen.
We are proud of what this community accomplished together in this second season, and we carry that momentum forward as we continue our mission to serve those experiencing homelessness in our region.
