Local shelter outlines needs after serving about 130 people in 2025, asks council for $15,000

Graham, speaking on behalf of the Wayside shelter, told the North Vernon City Council the nonprofit provided shelter in 2025 to 75 men, 39 women and 14 children — roughly 130 people — with an average stay of about 19 days. He described the shelter as a warming center in winter and a cooling center in summer and outlined services including meals, showers, counseling referrals and brief shelter stays for people arriving during inclement weather.

Graham said the shelter requested $15,000 from the council, noting the council previously provided an extra $5,000 that paid for practical improvements such as remodeling an aging volunteer bathroom. "If you can come up with the 15,000, we'd appreciate it," he said, adding that the shelter actively seeks grants and corporate contributions from local and national donors.

Council members and attendees thanked the shelter for its work. One council member noted corporate contributions recorded as $1,200 and described that amount as low; Graham acknowledged the shortfall and described ongoing fundraising efforts. The presenter also said the shelter has a recently completed backup generator and is planning further building repairs and concrete work to improve a property the shelter owns.

The presentation concluded with an expression of the shelter's mission: to "help break that chain of homelessness" and to serve anyone in need in the area. The council did not take a vote on new funding during this meeting; no formal appropriation or action on the $15,000 request was recorded in the meeting minutes.