Fund Story

Founded in 2017 by co-founders Leigh Coburn and John Vander Wagen, who both worked closely with La Porte County’s unhoused population and knew an affordable housing solution was needed within the community. Both men set their goals on reducing housing insecurity and providing affordable housing for those with the lowest incomes within the community.

Homeward Bound Villages was founded to create permanently affordable, cooperative housing in La Porte County, Indiana. Our mission is to build thriving, sustainable communities where residents have a real stake in their futures — and their neighborhoods.

Our cooperative model is what sets us apart. In a cooperative, residents don’t just live in their homes — they help manage and care for them. This shared responsibility means lower costs and fewer barriers to housing stability. It also builds stronger community ties, boosts local leadership, and creates a sense of pride and belonging. By working together, residents save money, gain agency, and build a better future — not just for themselves, but for the whole community.

Homeward Bound Villages creates permanently affordable housing solutions by acting as a land trust. Residents and donors are assured their properties remain forever affordable and will never be subject to market forces.

Homeward Bound Villages is proud to partner with the Unity Foundation to ensure our mission can grow and endure for years to come.

We encourage you to visit our website and social media pages to learn more about our work and current projects. 

https://www.homewardboundvillages.org/

  • Your gift is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
  • You will receive a tax receipt electronically for your records once your donation is processed.
  • Gifts by credit card incur a processing fee for each transaction which will be deducted from your gift. The current fee is 3.5% per transaction. When donating online, we invite you to select the option to increase your gift to cover this fee so that your charitable intent can be fully realized.
  • If you would like to make a one-time or recurring payment from a bank account, please contact the Unity Office at (219) 879-0327 or unity@uflc.net.
  • If you prefer to donate by check, our mailing address is 422 Franklin St, Suite C, Michigan City, IN 46360. Please include the fund name(s) you wish to donate to in the memo line.