What is Home Team?
The LaPorte County HOME Team is currently responsible for promoting and enhancing better coordination of programs and services for low-income residents of Michigan City. Members of the LaPorte County Home team include homeless service providers, the Michigan City Housing Authority, health providers, the city, and funders. The HOME Team meetings focus on developing a holistic approach to addressing homelessness, transitional housing, supportive services, and permanent affordable housing needs in Michigan City, La Porte, and La Porte County. The group is also currently in the process of reaching out to mental health and disability services providers as well as for-profit housing developers.
One of the most specific steps the HOME Team took towards eliminating chronic homelessness was the creation of a 10 year Plan to End Homelessness in La Porte County. One of the highest priorities has been to establish permanent supportive housing in Michigan City. In preparation for this housing, Housing Opportunities attended the Corporation for Supportive Housing Institute. Specifically, the HOME Team is considering permanent options for housing homeless single men and women. There are no permanent shelters for men so they are currently housed by the local church community in a rotating location which is staffed by volunteers.