At Nest Community Shelter, the joy is palpable as we celebrate the triumph of our From Our Flock 2023 holiday giving campaign. The overwhelming support we received from our community, dedicated business partners, and compassionate individual donors has propelled us beyond our initial goal of $30,000, making this our most successful holiday fundraiser to date. The final total raised reached an incredible $31,000, exceeding our goal and is a testament to the generosity that resides within our community.
These funds are not just numbers on a balance sheet; they represent a lifeline for our organization and the invaluable services we provide to our guests and the larger community. The holiday fundraiser, which ran from mid-November through the first week of 2024, has opened doors to a brighter future for the gests of Nest and for the shelter itself, particularly in staffing. With these resources, Nest will be able to recruit and retain a talented assistant director to support the needs of the shelter, and current executive director Harrison Holtkamp. Right now, Holtkamp serves the shelter as the sole director. An assistant director will provide the guests with greater stability and continuity of care while providing more significant support to the organization’s programming. Under Holtkamp’s direction, Nest Community Shelter has expanded its services to meet the needs of the unhoused population of LaPorte County as the demand has grown within the community. Between 2022 and 2023, Nest served 36,698 meals to shelter guests.
Despite the growing need in the community for the services that Nest Community Shelter provides, funding additional staff has been a struggle for our shelter. We are funded through individual donations, corporate partnerships, community support, and grants. While these revenue streams support the shelter, grants, which bring in the most considerable amount of funds, cannot be used to fund staffing costs and are usually earmarked for a specific project and cannot be used elsewhere. The funds from the 2023 From Our Flock Holiday Campaign, which will be used for staffing the shelter, will allow for expanded programming and ensure the continuity of care for shelter guests.
With the generously donated funds, Nest envisions expanded programming through the coming year, that will not only cater to the growing needs of our community but also ensure the continuity of care for our shelter guests.
“The overwhelming response from our community has reaffirmed the belief that together, we can significantly impact the lives of our neighbors in need,” Nest Executive Director, Harrison Holtkamp shared.
“The overwhelming response from our community has reaffirmed the belief that together, we can significantly impact the lives of our neighbors in need,” Nest Executive Director, Harrison Holtkamp shared. The holiday season was witness to beautiful acts of generosity, from local businesses donating their time to gifts and food donations for our guests.
On behalf of Nest Community Shelter, Executive Director, Harrison Holtkamp extends his heartfelt thanks to every individual and business that contributed to the success of our holiday fundraiser. “Your unwavering support is a testament to the power of collective action and the spirit of giving that defines our community,” Harrison added.
“Your unwavering support is a testament to the power of collective action and the spirit of giving that defines our community,” Harrison added.
As we step into the new year, Nest Community Shelter is filled with optimism, knowing that in partnership with our community, we can continue to impact the lives of those we serve. The generosity of the past holiday season will create a ripple effect, touching the lives of our guests and resonating throughout the greater County community.
In the spirit of gratitude and excitement, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who played a role in making the From Our Flock holiday giving fundraiser a resounding success. Together, we are shaping a future filled with hope, compassion, and positive change.
