Homeless advocacy group raises more than $600 at Sunday benefit concert

MISHAWAKA, Ind. --- Michiana Five for the Homeless collected more than $600 at a benefit concert hosted in Mishawaka on Sunday.

John Shafer, creator of Michiana Five, said most of the money and blankets donated at the Phoenix Bar and Grill will be used to buy supplies for next winter. He said in 2019 he’d like to see the group expand their services past St. Joseph and Elkhart counties.

“It’s a big job and we’re always looking for people to help us volunteer in any way so we can continue to fill that need,” Shafer said.

The bar on Lincoln Way is usually closed on Sundays, but Shafer said it opened its doors for the group on January 6. Several area bands also played during the benefit concert, including Jason Cottingham’s ‘Little Jackie Paper.’

“Anytime you can help somebody out its always a good thing,” Cottingham said. “Everybody I’ve talked to here today was more than happy to come in and donate money and blankets.”

South Bend leaders and care providers have said the plan for next winter is to have an intake or gateway center running and additional scattered permanent housing units.