Community summit tackles homelessness, food insecurity in northern Indiana

ROCHESTER, Ind. --  Local leaders, nonprofits, and residents gathered Thursday at the Fulton County Fairgrounds for a regional summit on two of the most pressing issues facing Northern Indiana: homelessness and food insecurity.

The Community Resource Summit, organized by the Northern Indiana Community Foundation, brought together representatives from multiple counties to share ideas, highlight available resources and build partnerships aimed at strengthening the social safety net.

“This is about connecting across county lines,” said a foundation spokesperson. “We know these challenges don’t stop at one community’s border, so neither should the solutions.”

Breakout sessions focused on strategies to support unhoused residents, expand food assistance programs, and better coordinate services across agencies. Attendees also had the chance to network and discuss new ways to collaborate.

Organizers said the summit was designed not only to spotlight urgent needs but also to celebrate the work already underway in Northern Indiana’s communities.

“We have organizations doing incredible things on the ground,” the spokesperson said. “By coming together, we can multiply that impact and better serve our neighbors in need.”

The Northern Indiana Community Foundation said it plans to continue convening regional gatherings to address persistent challenges and build stronger community networks.