SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Michiana Five for the Homeless Inc., a charity supporting people experiencing homelessness in Michiana, announced Wednesday that it will stop operations on December 18.

The charity’s board of directors voted to dissolve Michiana Five for the Homeless because of several financial strains over the past few years, beginning with increased rent in 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic shortly after. The organization scaled back until it could no longer operate to its needed extent.

Right now, the organization is no longer accepting donations. Volunteers will distribute remaining donations to other agencies supporting the homeless population.

Michiana Five for the Homeless was founded in Chicago in 2014 by John Shafer and eventually brought to South Bend.