Tiny shelters hitting halfway point in construction process

ELKHART, Ind. -- Helping the homeless community, one structure at a time! Faith Mission of Michiana is now hitting the halfway point of their new project, tiny shelters. The nonprofit has been opening up their doors to the homeless community for over 60 years. They offer an overnight shelter, free walk-in meals, and life skill programs to all men, women and children.

Even so, Faith Mission wanted to reach more people. Now, the organization is offering a ‘low barrier option.’

For some in the homeless community, community shelters can be triggering or have certain restrictions making an individual unqualified for entry. These ‘low barrier entries’ ensure everyone has a safe space to find shelter.

The 12 by 16 foot tiny structures include a toilet, sink, bed and chair along with a showering facility and laundry offered on property as well. The houses are considered ‘short term’ and are designed for overnight or brief stays only.

“We realize some of the older models about how we handle homeless is not working,” says Mike Perez, Resource and Development Director of Faith Mission. “If you look out West, if you look anywhere in the country, there really is a booming homeless population, so all of us are examining how we do programming for homeless. Tiny shelters have stuck with individuals and how to get them off of the street.”

Faith mission can still use your help! You can donate your time and help in the construction process by simply showing up to their location off of La Salle Street on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If you would like to donate to the project, you can find further information here.