This month, we will examine ‘The Unlikely Unhoused,’ a series dedicated to revealing the faces of housing instability that often go unnoticed. This isn’t just about raising awareness; it’s about fundamentally changing how we understand who struggles to maintain stable housing and experience becoming unhoused in our community.

The Tip of the Iceberg: Beyond what is seen.

The path to becoming unhoused rarely follows the narrative we’ve been told. More often, it begins with circumstances beyond anyone’s control, a medical emergency, a rent increase that outpaces income, fleeing a dangerous situation, or simply the reality that a paycheck no longer covers basic needs in our community.

These are people who never imagined they’d be sleeping in their car, staying on a friend’s couch, or moving between motels. They’re working, they’re responsible, they’re doing everything “right” and yet they find themselves without a stable place to live.

Why This Topic Matters

Becoming unhoused doesn’t discriminate, and it’s rarely a result of personal failings.  More often than not, becoming unhoused is due to systems, circumstances, and the growing gap between what people earn and the cost of housing in our community. Through this series, we’ll explore five groups of individuals who are increasingly finding themselves unhoused, not because of choices they made, but because of situations they couldn’t control.

Coming this Month in the Series:

Older Adults: When Retirement Isn’t Secure as It Was Supposed to Be
Responsible older adults who have worked their entire lives, saved when they could, and planned for retirement are one of the largest and fastest-growing groups to experience housing insecurity and to become unhoused. For many, fixed incomes haven’t kept pace with rising housing costs, and suddenly, the home they could always afford is no longer within reach. We’ll explore how aging can leave even the most prepared people vulnerable to becoming unhoused through no fault of their own.

Mothers and Mothers-to-Be: The Impossible Balance
Pregnancy and motherhood bring joy, but also extraordinary expenses. When healthcare costs collide with childcare needs and rising rents, mothers face impossible choices. We’ll look at how women trying to provide for their children can find themselves without a safe place to raise them.

Fleeing to Nowhere: When Safety Comes at the Cost of Shelter
Leaving an abusive partner or a dangerous situation is an immense act of courage and survival. Fleeing often means leaving behind housing, income, and stability. We’ll examine how those who flee violence find themselves choosing between safety and shelter, and why that shouldn’t be a choice anyone has to make.

Working But Unhoused: When a Job Isn’t Enough
Full-time employment used to be the path to stability. Today, it’s increasingly common to work 40 hours a week, or more, and still be unable to afford rent in our community. We’ll meet the people who are doing everything society asks of them, yet still find themselves without a place to call home.

The ALICE Population: Earning Too Much to Qualify, Too Little to Survive
Through the United Way’s ALICE framework (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), we’ll explore households that earn above the poverty line but below what it actually costs to live here. These are our neighbors who work, pay taxes, and contribute to our community, but can’t afford housing on what they make.

A Growing Reality in Our Community

Neighbors become unhoused in our community every day. Not because they made bad decisions or didn’t try hard enough, but because the cost of housing has outpaced wages, because one emergency can erase a lifetime of savings, because leaving danger sometimes means leaving everything else behind.

This series will challenge what you think you know about who becomes unhoused and why. These stories reveal a truth: becoming unhoused can happen to anyone when circumstances align against them. It’s happening to people you know, even if you don’t realize it yet.

The post The Unlikely Unhoused: Housing Insecurity in La Porte County 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.

Held at the Orak Shrine in Michigan City, this year’s event honored these remarkable recipients with the Fred Weiss Award and Ed Merrion Award, respectively, recognizing their exceptional service to our shelter and the broader unhoused community.

A Heart That Serves: Deborah Langley’s Journey of Love

When Deborah Langley received this year’s Weiss Award, it was a recognition long overdue. Her story with Nest Community Shelter began from the very beginning. She was there when founders Nancy Bracken and Dorothy Miller first shared their vision with the board of First Presbyterian Church, where Deborah served as a board member.

From the early days of the PADS program to our current permanent home at the historic Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Deborah, or Deb as we know her, has been a constant presence at Nest. After retiring from her career teaching second-grade and early childhood education at Michigan City Area Schools, she could have chosen any number of ways to spend her time. Instead, she decided to serve our unhoused community, and all of Michigan City is better for it.

Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, you’ll find Deb in the kitchen, preparing meals with a beautifully simple philosophy: “food is love.” And anyone who has tasted her cooking can tell you that love is evident in every dish. Guests don’t just appreciate the nourishment; they can taste the care and compassion she pours into every meal.

What inspires us most is Deb’s motivation. When asked why she dedicates so much of her time to Nest, she speaks not of recognition or personal fulfillment, but of her desire to support the Nest staff and ease their burdens. It’s this selfless spirit that has made her such an invaluable part of our community for over two decades.

Two Decades of Unwavering Partnership

The First Presbyterian Church of Michigan City’s receipt of the Merrion Award tells a story of remarkable institutional commitment. This isn’t just about a church or faith community that occasionally volunteers; this is about a congregation that has woven service to the unhoused community into the very fabric of their mission.

The partnership began in 2001 when church members Nancy Miller and Dorothy Bracken witnessed the struggles of unhoused community members and brought this urgent need to their church board. The session (church board) didn’t just express sympathy; they took action, committing the church as a founding partner in what would become the Interfaith Community PADS program and Nest today.

What followed was a masterclass in sustained commitment. Through the traveling PADS days, the 2008 recession, and the 2020 pandemic, First Presbyterian never wavered. They’ve conducted monthly collection drives for essential items, provided yearly financial support, and maintained their volunteer presence throughout our evolution.

Laura Kittle, Clerk of Session, accepted the award on behalf of the congregation, a fitting representation of how this church approaches service: as a collective commitment rather than individual heroics.

The Ripple Effect of Compassion

“Deb and First Presbyterian Church embody the spirit of selfless service that is at the heart of our mission,”  Harrison Holtkamp, Executive Director of Nest Community Shelter said when comment on these acts of volunteerism. “Their dedication has not only impacted the lives of our guests but has also inspired our staff and volunteers.”

This inspiration is perhaps the most important aspect of recognition like this. When we celebrate individuals and organizations that demonstrate exceptional service, we’re not just acknowledging past contributions, we’re lighting a path for others to follow.

The Weiss Award and Merrion Award serve as more than just recognition; they’re a call to action. They remind us that sustainable change happens when people and organizations commit not just to moments of service, but to years and decades of showing up.

Looking Forward

As we celebrate these 2025 recipients, we’re reminded that the fight against homelessness is won through the accumulated impact of people like Deb Langley, who shows up three days a week with love in the form of home-cooked meals. It’s won through partnerships like the one with First Presbyterian Church, where an entire congregation has chosen to make caring for the unhoused a defining part of their identity. It is won through the room full of volunteers that joined us at this impactful event.

These awards don’t mark the end of their service, they mark a moment to pause and recognize the extraordinary impact of ordinary people choosing to serve extraordinarily. Here’s to many more years of their compassion in action, and to the inspiration they provide for all of us to follow in their footsteps.

The post Celebrating Champions of Compassion: Nest Community Shelter’s 2025 Award Recipients appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

An AED  is a portable electronic device that can help save someone’s life during a cardiac emergency. When an individual’s heart suddenly stops beating normally or goes into a dangerous irregular rhythm, the AED can deliver an electric shock to try to restore the heart’s normal rhythm.

Nest staff learns how to use the AED from the HFL.

The device is designed for use by the general public, not just medical professionals. It features voice prompts that guide you step-by-step, and it automatically analyzes the person’s heart rhythm to determine if a shock is necessary. You’ll find AEDs in many public places like schools, gyms, and office buildings across our community because they can mean the difference between life and death when someone has a sudden cardiac arrest.

Each year, HFL provides grants for Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to organizations across La Porte County. Their ongoing support ensures that more individuals and organizations have access to these essential devices, while also promoting a structured and sustainable program for AED maintenance and training.

Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, with over 356,000 incidents occurring outside of hospitals each year. With this grant, Nest Community Shelter is better equipped to respond to such emergencies, offering our guests and staff a greater sense of security.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Health Foundation of La Porte for their continued commitment to community health and safety. Their support empowers organizations like ours to create safer spaces and potentially save lives when every second counts.

The post Nest Community Shelter Receives Life-Saving AEDs Thanks to Generous Grant from Health Foundation of La Porte appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

Today, we want to share more about this topic, and we can start by defining what the McKinney-Vento Act is:

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that provides educational rights and services to children and youth experiencing homelessness from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. President Reagan signed this law into effect in 1987, ensuring that housing instability wouldn’t become a barrier to education.

The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children as “individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.” This includes students who are:

• Sharing housing due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason
• Living in motels, hotels, camping grounds, or other temporary accommodations
• Living in emergency shelters, cars, parks, or abandoned buildings
• Unaccompanied youth who may have run away or been kicked out of their homes.

The law applies to children and youths aged 3-22.

Key Protections Provided by the Act:

• Immediate School Enrollment: Students can enroll without the typical proof of residency.
• School Choice: Children can remain in their school of origin for the duration of homelessness.
• Equal Access: Students receive the same educational programs and services as all other students, including special education, gifted programs, and tutoring.

The law requires local school districts to appoint Local Education Liaisons to assist families in navigating these rights and services. This morning, Joe Bunch, the McKinney-Vento educational liaison for Michigan City Schools, spoke about the McKinney-Vento Act in the Michigan City Area Schools.

Mr. Bunch shared some staggering statistics on-air this morning:

• Michigan City Area Schools currently has 155 students enrolled in this program, which translates to roughly six classrooms full of students.
• Over the past four years in his role, he has reached out to numerous partners to support local students experiencing homelessness.
• The goal of his role is to maintain educational stability for these youth.
• While 22 families have moved away that were part of the program, it was suggested that some don’t come forward out of fear of the stigma of experiencing homelessness.

The number of children within our community who are experiencing homelessness was a shocking number to some. Mr. Bunch highlighted the power of partnerships, noting that when school is not in session, partners provide support for food stability over weekends. He emphasized the importance of community partnerships to support these children and their families. Some of the partners mentioned in today’s discussion were:

• The Salvation Army of Michigan City
• Anthony Adams House
• Geminus
• The Township Trustees
• The Home Team- a collaborative group created by The Unity Foundation for support services for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Kristy Hahn of Family Advocates spoke about how the Casa program and the Slicer Champions Mentorship program also serve the community’s youth, whether they are experiencing homelessness, hidden homelessness, or other challenges. She went on to say that these programs provide stability for the children in need of these services and that Casa advocates work in the best interest of the child to support their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Executive director, Harrison Holtkamp, illustrated the growing need in our community by stating that between the years 2022 and 2023, there was a 60% rise in families experiencing homelessness and that homeless families are the largest demographic growing within the population experiencing homelessness across the country.

Mr. Bunch went on to say that over the four years he has served Michigan City Area Schools, the need for his program has increased by between 5% and 6% each year, and that staff believe this number may be higher, as not everyone experiencing homelessness has been identified due to the stigma associated with homelessness.

We would like to thank Mr. Joe Bunch and Kristy Hahn for sharing their work with our community and discussing the importance of the McKinney-Vento Act, the vital role of partnerships, and how, together as a community, we can provide stability for children experiencing homelessness.

You can watch the entire episode on WIMS’s Facebook page or by clicking the link here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16WG58fkEc/

The post The McKinney-Vento Act In Our Community: On Air with WIMS This Morning appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

Nest Community Shelter is excited to announce an opening for a Site Monitor position at our men’s floors in Michigan City and La Porte. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those experiencing homelessness in our community. We are looking for an individual with a big heart, compassion, and a caring attitude. 

About Nest Community Shelter

As La Porte County’s only emergency shelter welcoming men, women, and women with children, Nest Community Shelter operates year-round in Michigan City with an additional temporary emergency cold-weather shelter in La Porte. Our mission is to offer a safe and welcoming environment while reconnecting people to their community through emergency shelter services and strategic partnerships.

The Role: Site Monitor

The Site Monitor plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for our shelter guests and staff. This position is responsible for monitoring shelter activity, facilitating site guidelines, de-escalating conflicts when necessary, and ensuring facility security—all while upholding our core mission and values.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Monitor shelter entrances, common areas, and sleeping quarters to ensure safety
• Compassionately maintain shelter guidelines and behavioral expectations
• Conduct regular facility walk-throughs and hourly safety checks
• Assist with guest check-in/check-out processes and paperwork
• Maintain accurate documentation of incidents, shifts, and attendance
• Respond appropriately to emergency situations
• Communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and supervisors
• Assist with light cleaning, sanitizing, laundry, or meal service as needed
• Build positive rapport with guests while maintaining professional boundaries
• Promote dignity, respect, and inclusivity for all individuals

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and emotional intelligence
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• The capability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Commitment to confidentiality and professional ethics
• Basic computer and documentation skills
• Must pass a background check
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred (or willingness to obtain)
• Background in medicine, military service, or education encouraged but not required

Working Conditions:

• Indoor shelter environment
• May involve working overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays
• Possible exposure to individuals in crisis or under substance influence
• Physical activity, including standing for extended periods and occasional lifting

How to Apply

Interested candidates should:

1. View the full description here.
2. Click here to complete our short questionnaire 
3. Submit your resume to: Info@nestcommunityshelter.org

We review applications on a rolling basis and look forward to welcoming compassionate, dedicated individuals to our team.

For questions about this position or the application process, please contact us at: Info@nestcommunityshelter.org

Nest Community Shelter is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer.

The post Join Our Team: We Are Hiring for a Site Monitor at Nest Community Shelter appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

Since January, Nest La Porte has provided emergency overnight accommodations and hot meals to those in need. Working in cooperation with the Center Township Trustee, we’ve offered further support services and connections to much-needed resources for our guests throughout these challenging cold-weather months. The ongoing cold temperatures have created additional hardships for vulnerable community members, making this extension especially important.

In late March, Mayor Tom Dermody, Nest Executive Director Harrison Holtkamp, and Center Township Trustee Lisa Pierzakowski announced the decision to extend this vital program through April 25th on Facebook Live. This public announcement highlighted the collaborative nature of our work and our shared commitment to ensuring no one is left without shelter during these difficult conditions. The mayor’s office has been instrumental in facilitating this extension, demonstrating their dedication to addressing the needs of all community members.

The extended shelter program will continue to offer the same services that have been available since January – a warm, safe place to sleep, meals (dinner and breakfast), and access to critical support resources through our partners at the Center Township Trustee’s office. Our dedicated volunteers and staff remain committed to creating a welcoming environment for all who seek assistance. We could not have accomplished this effort without the generous support of the community and volunteers.

While we don’t know what next season will look like for this project, we are engaged in ongoing conversations with city officials about future possibilities. These discussions have been productive and reflect a shared understanding of the importance of the need for an emergency shelter. We remain committed to working alongside our partners to address the needs of vulnerable individuals in our communities, particularly during harsh weather conditions.

This extension demonstrates the power of community collaboration and the positive outcomes that can be achieved in La Porte when organizations and government entities work together toward a common goal. We are grateful for the continued support and trust placed in our organization to deliver these essential services.

Thank you to everyone who has supported our collaborative efforts to provide this essential service during these extended winter months. Your generosity and compassion make our work possible.

The post Nest La Porte Emergency Cold Weather Shelter Partnership Extended Through April 25th appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

Enhance Your Brand’s Reputation and Visibility

When you sponsor the Nest Emerald Gala, your brand becomes associated with community care and social responsibility. In a recent report by the Annenberg School of Communications at the University of Southern California, it states that consumers are increasingly making purchasing decisions based on a company’s values and community involvement. Sponsoring our Emerald Gala is a great way to embrace this important way to reach current and new customers. In exchange for your sponsorship, this is how we will demonstrate your generosity at the Emerald Gala:

• Your logo and name will be prominently featured in all gala materials, including programs and signage. The way we showcase your generosity depends on the sponsorship level purchased.
• Recognition on our website and social media platforms before, during, and after the event
• Acknowledgment in press releases and media coverage (dependent on sponsorship level).
• Opportunity for brand activation and display during the event
• Exposure to 300+ influential guests from across La Porte County and beyond, including business leaders, philanthropists, and community figures

Expand Your Network and Business Opportunities in La Porte County

Our gala will bring together influential community members, business leaders, and your potential customers in a relaxed, celebratory environment. With an expected attendance of over 300 guests, this event represents one of La Porte County’s premier networking opportunities of the year:

• Connect with other local businesses and community leaders at the gala.
• Meet potential clients and partners in a positive, non-sales environment.
• Build relationships with like-minded organizations that serve our community.
• Establish or strengthen your company’s profile as a key player in La Porte County.
• Opportunities for meaningful conversations that might not happen in typical business settings.

Tax Benefits and Financial Advantages

Your sponsorship isn’t just a marketing expense—it’s a charitable contribution with tax advantages:

• Sponsorship contributions are generally tax-deductible as charitable donations.
• Receive documentation for your tax records.
• Potential write-offs for marketing and advertising expenses.
• Demonstrate fiscal responsibility while supporting a worthy cause.

Employee Engagement and Morale

Involving your company in community causes has been shown to boost employee satisfaction and retention. Sponsoring the Emerald Gala is also a great way to attract quality talent as we know that a company’s practice of corporate social responsibility, or community involvement, is becoming increasingly important to attract and retain talent.

• Complimentary tickets for your team to attend a meaningful and enjoyable event (dependent upon sponsorship level purchased).
• Opportunity for team-building and shared purpose.
• Demonstrate your company’s values to your employees.
• Boost morale by showing commitment to causes your employees care about.

Stand Out From Competitors

Doing good brings good to your business, and community involvement helps differentiate your brand:

• Show that your business is invested in local issues.
• Demonstrate leadership in corporate social responsibility.
• Create positive associations with your brand.
• Generate goodwill that translates to customer loyalty.

Tailored Sponsorship Packages

We understand that different businesses have different needs and resources. Our sponsorship packages are designed to provide value at various investment levels. To learn more about sponsorship levels and benefits of each sponsorship tier, please reach out to us directly or our community member gala chairperson.

Join our list of growing sponsors today:

• NIPSCO
• The Mayor’s Office of Michigan City
• Sullair
• Phenomenal Photo Booth
• South Shore Public Relations
• Duneland Landscape

Be Part of History: Our First-Ever Gala

This isn’t just another charity event—it’s our shelter’s first gala celebration in its history. By becoming an inaugural sponsor, your business will be forever associated with the foundation of what we plan to make an annual tradition in our community. Early supporters hold a special place in our organization’s story and will be recognized for years to come as the visionary partners who helped launch this important fundraising tradition.

Ready to Make a Difference While Growing Your Business?

Contact us today to discuss the package that best fits your company’s goals and values. Together, we can create a historic first event highlighting your commitment to the community while advancing your business objectives.

Contact Nest directly at: info@nestcommunityshelter.org

Contact Our Volunteer Gala Community Member Chair: Jackie Thomas at Jackie@southshorepr.com

Join us in making our inaugural gala a success that benefits everyone involved—especially those we serve. You can learn more about the Emerald Gala here.

The post The Win-Win of Gala Sponsorship: How Supporting The Nest Emerald Gala Will Benefit Your Business appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

Throughout 2024, we experienced the highest service demand in our organization’s history. Month after month, we saw more individuals and families seeking shelter, meals, and support than ever before. This surge in need wasn’t just a seasonal spike – it represented a consistent trend that challenged our resources and reinforced the critical importance of our mission. Year after year, the need in our community grows, and we strive to meet the challenges that funding our mission can create. This is why we emphasize the importance of our holiday giving; grants can only take us so far and often have stipulations on how they may be used. For example, most grants will not allow you to pay for staff; this comes directly from donations. Our staff provides trained care and support for those in need. 

While we did not meet our funding goal, we do believe we hit the goal of bringing our community together in support of our mission and building awareness of experiencing homelessness. The campaign’s Candlelight Gathering stands out as a powerful moment of community connection. Thanks to JOYRide’s contribution of hot cocoa and coffee, attendees came together to raise awareness about homelessness during the holiday season. We also had members of our faith community, Pastors Roscoe Hoffman and Bill Fine, join us, share some words of faith, and lead us in a carol of Silent Night. These moments of solidarity strengthen our shared commitment to addressing homelessness in our community.

Donations continue to provide:

• Safe shelter for men, women, and women with children seeking stability
• Nutritious meals served with dignity
• Connection to support services 
• Staff and facility maintenance to keep our doors open
• Volunteer training course to ensure our team is educated on best practices for caring for our guests. 

Despite falling short of our holiday fundraising goal, we’ve taken bold steps to meet our community’s growing needs. In early 2025, we opened a new shelter in La Porte, expanding our capacity to serve those seeking warmth and safety. This decision wasn’t easy, especially considering our funding challenges, but we firmly believe that no one should face the deadly threat of freezing temperatures without access to shelter.

The reality is stark: without shelter, people die. This truth drives our commitment to expand services even when resources are stretched thin. Our new La Porte facility, opened in partnership with the Mayor of La Porte’s Office and the Center Township Trustee’s Office represents our dedication to meeting critical needs wherever they arise in our community. While we may not have hit our fundraising target, we refuse to let that limit our response to the growing crisis of homelessness in our county.

As we move forward in 2025, early indicators suggest that the high demand for our services isn’t slowing down. If anything, we’re seeing even more people reaching out for help. This reinforces what we already know – our community needs these services now more than ever. Every contribution, no matter the size, creates a real impact for someone seeking shelter, support, and a fresh start.

The increased demand we’ve seen throughout 2024 and into early 2025 makes your support more crucial than ever. While we didn’t meet our holiday campaign goal, every dollar donated helps us maintain and expand our vital services when the need arises. We’re committed to finding creative solutions and stretching every resource to ensure we can continue meeting the growing needs of our community.

To everyone who donated, shared our posts, attended our vigil, or supported us in any way during our holiday campaign – thank you! Your kindness illuminates paths forward for our neighbors in need. As one candle lights another, so does your generosity spread on in the lives of our guests. The challenges we face are significant, but together, we’re making a real difference in the lives of those seeking shelter and support.

Together, we truly do shine light and give brite. As we continue adapting to meet increasing needs, your ongoing support becomes more vital than ever. For those wishing to support our efforts to provide shelter and services to our community members in need, donations are always welcome. Click here to donate. 

The need is clear, and our resolve is unwavering. With your continued support, we’ll keep working to ensure that everyone in our community has access to safe, warm shelter – because every life matters, and no one should have to face the streets alone.

The post Shining Light, Giving Bright: An Update on Our 2024 Holiday Fundraiser appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.