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La Porte council highlights rapid community response to temporary warming shelter; health and nonprofit funders donate
Summary
Council meeting featured reports on a temporary warming shelter hosted at the depot, where partners and donors described rapid intake, volunteer support and financial contributions from local funders.
La Porte officials and community partners described rapid set-up and early outcomes for a temporary warming shelter operating out of the depot, and local nonprofits and businesses announced donations and volunteer support.
At the meeting, Center Township Trustee Lisa Pierzakowski and a representative identified as Harry from the NEST Community Shelter described the shelter’s operations and early results. Pierzakowski said the shelter had helped people find housing and provided case management; the shelter’s representative said 18 guests had checked in during the first 13 days and that five had been housed so far. The transcript records 98 meals served and 99 bed nights in that period, and volunteers had logged hundreds of volunteer hours.
Why it matters: Council members and the mayor framed the effort as a community partnership that drew on city staff, nonprofits, businesses and individual volunteers to respond quickly during a cold spell. Several organizations pledged funds and in-kind support at the meeting, enabling immediate operations while longer-term arrangements are pursued.
Details and partners: Lisa Pierzakowski, Center Township Trustee, said the shelter had assisted guests with travel and housing placement and praised the “amazing” partner organizations. A NEST representative said the Michigan City–based organization has run shelter operations for more than two decades and reported its typical housing-placement success rates alongside the La Porte intake figures.
Officials and nonprofit leaders called out the Health Foundation of La Porte, United Way of La Porte County and local businesses for financial support. Chris Pate of United Way announced an additional $5,000 to the shelter. Mayor Tom Dermody introduced Eric DeWald, chief executive officer of the Health Foundation of La Porte, who announced a $20,000 grant to the La Porte NEST effort. The meeting also recorded a $2,000 donation from County Prosecutor Sean Fagan.
Businesses and volunteers supplied labor and materials at no cost, officials said. Dye Plumbing owners Rob Metz and Dan Combs described donating time and labor to repair plumbing at the depot, and other community partners including the La Porte County Family Resource Center — represented by Amanda Satterfield — assisted with case management and services. City staff and volunteers also collected 72 volunteer registration forms during the shelter’s first two weeks, the transcript shows.
Council comment and next steps: Mayor Dermody and council members praised the cross-sector effort and asked organizers to remain in communication with the city as the shelter continues through March. Organizers said they were continuing intake, placement, and volunteer recruitment.
Ending: Council members gathered with shelter volunteers and donors on the chamber floor to recognize the work; no formal council action was recorded on the shelter during the meeting.
