Anyone paying attention to the news is aware that homelessness is on the rise. According to the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, as of January 2023, nearly 4400 Hoosiers experienced homelessness—an increase of about 16% over 2022. While many think homelessness is strictly a big city issue, it affects our region.
Friends of Beverly Shores (FOBS), a volunteer-run 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, recently partnered with Citizens Concerned for the Homeless (cch-mc.org) in Michigan City to get their furniture program up and running again. CCH runs four entities that provide services for people experiencing homelessness: Sand Castle Shelter, Grace Learning Center, the Food Rescue Initiative, and Keys to Hope Community Resource Center. Tammy Rosebaum, CCH Operations Director, said, “CCH is in the midst of a capital campaign to raise funds for the renovation of SCS (which is already underway) and other long-term projects. We moved families to temporary housing and had to empty the shelter to make way for the renovation. We needed a place to store furniture, office equipment, and other materials and were very grateful when FOBS offered to help us.”
Dunes Vintage Resale Shop
FOBS regularly holds ‘pop-up’ sales of donated goods at its Dunes Vintage Resale Shop (2856 West Dunes Hwy. Michigan City) and uses the proceeds to benefit people in need in Beverly Shores and neighboring communities. Linda Wagner, founder of FOBS, graciously offered the use of a warehouse that FOBS rents in Michigan City. According to Linda, “Clients of CCH’s Sand Castle Shelter who are transitioning to their own homes can make an appointment to visit the warehouse and select items—completely free of charge—to set up their new households. Clients from Stepping Stone Shelter and Nest Shelter are also able to set up appointments with CCH to do the same. Through the generosity of donors, we can offer them furniture, lamps, bedding, dishes, cookware, small appliances, personal hygiene products, diapers, paper goods, clothing, and more. I am grateful to our many volunteers and wish to acknowledge the Michigan City TCC Verizon employees for their many volunteer hours.”
Tammy Rosebaum added, “As part of a three-year plan, we hope to construct a facility to house our Food Rescue Initiative program and provide storage for donated furniture. In the meantime, FOBS is letting us use the facility at 228 E. 2nd St. in Michigan City rent-free. Please call the shelter to donate furniture and household goods, and I encourage anyone wishing to learn more about our programs or donate to our capital campaign to visit www.cch-mc.org.”
NOTE: This Article was originally written by Barbara Eastman for the Home – Association of Beverly Shores Residents (absr.org) Sandtracks.