Residents in need will soon have access to an emergency warming shelter right here in La Porte, according to Mayor Tom Dermody.
Joining forces with Center Township Trustee Lisa Pierzakowski, the City has today announced a partnership with Nest Community Shelter to bring a temporary emergency shelter – dubbed Nest La Porte – to the former train depot on Washington Street. Set to open this Sunday, Jan. 19, the shelter will be open nightly from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. through March 31. Dermody said this project provides a critical resource to those in need this winter.
“From the very beginning, the focus of our administration has been to improve the lives of all who live here,” Dermody said. “This partnership most certainly aids us in that effort while addressing a need in our community this winter. We are thrilled to be working with Lisa as well as Harry and his team on such an important project and know that those in need throughout La Porte are in the best of hands during these harsh winter months.”
Nest Executive Director Harrison Holtkamp said collaborations like this one assist Nest in their mission to make a difference.
“We are honored to be invited to partner with The City of La Porte, The Center Township Trustee, and committed community members to support the running of a temporary emergency cold weather shelter in the City of La Porte,” Holtkamp said. “This partnership reflects the dedication of our community to save lives in our unhoused community. This temporary emergency shelter allows our overnight guests to rest safely so that they may rebuild their lives with dignity as they reconnect with their community with trust, compassion, and respect.”
In addition to providing a meal and a safe place to sleep, Pierzakowski said Nest La Porte will offer connections to resources that will help individuals get the support they need.
"As the Center Township Trustee, my office can attest to the urgent need for this facility in our community,” Pierzakowski said. “This partnership between my office, the Mayor's office, and Nest Community Shelter will provide life-saving shelter to La Porte residents during the overnight hours. This shelter can be the difference between life and death on the coldest nights of the season. My office will be providing hot showers, washer and dryer facilities, and, most importantly, case management services. We are committed to getting our community members and fellow neighbors back on their feet."
Dermody said this project will be driven by volunteers and donations. Those interested in getting involved or supporting this project financially can learn more nestcommunityshelter.org/.