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Board approves $20,000 CDBG reimbursement to The Nest shelter for winter operations
Summary
La Porte approved a $20,000 Community Development Block Grant reimbursement to The Nest Community Shelter to cover operating costs from January through April and to seed next season’s expenses.
The Board of Public Works voted to approve a $20,000 CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) reimbursement agreement with The Nest Community Shelter to assist with operating expenses for the shelter’s January-through-April season.
Mary Ann Richards presented the item to the board: “I have a grant agreement using CDBG funds for $20,000 to the Nest Community Shelter to assist with their expenses in operating the overnight shelter from the January through April.”
Harry, a representative from The Nest who spoke to the board, said the shelter initially budgeted $48,000 for 72 days of operation but stretched the operation to 97 days for the same funds. He reported the shelter’s costs through April were about $38,453 and that additional reconciliation for the extended period would bring the forecasted season cost to about $47,500. The shelter has received $30,000 so far and requested the $20,000 CDBG reimbursement to reconcile past costs and prepare for the next season.
Harry provided usage figures the board asked for: “We had almost 2,000 meals, almost 1,000 bed nights, 57 new guests coming through the doors, in those 97 days. We were able to help 13 people get into housing, and we have a fourteenth right now that is staying in Michigan City.”
Board members discussed the regional context and capacity constraints; speakers noted The Nest serves a broad region (Region 1) that extends from Gary to South Bend to Lafayette and that there are very few shelters outside Valparaiso that accept men. A board member praised the shelter’s work and emphasized La Porte’s role in providing local relief for people experiencing homelessness.
The board approved the CDBG reimbursement agreement by voice vote. Staff clarified that CDBG funds are reimbursement-based: The Nest must submit payment requests with supporting documentation; the city approves vouchers and then draws down CDBG dollars after the city processes the claim.
Board members said the city expects The Nest to be open again in the fall and discussed the shelter’s plans to operate seasonally (approximately Oct. 15–April 15) with 24/7 coverage on Sundays and holidays. The Nest indicated it is also exploring options for a permanent site in La Porte and for expanded mental-health-focused programming.
The motion to approve carried on a voice vote of the board.
