New Elkhart shelter to support families in transition
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An Elkhart-based not-for-profit has opened a new family shelter that aims to help families transition into more permanent housing. Our partners at Fox Michiana report Faith Mission of Michiana cut the ribbon last week on the Graber House with plans to welcome its first families next month.
The new shelter features seven, two-bedroom units and four, three-bedroom units, as well as community space and on-site laundry, among other amenities.
Ross Swihart, executive director of Faith Mission of Michiana, said the families at the shelter will receive different types of programming to help them get back on their feet, including financial training.
“You don’t want individuals, especially families to be in any type of institution housing any longer than they have to be that you want them in their own space and then they can function like family,” said Swihart told Fox Michiana.
Resource and Development Director Mike Perez said having fully furnished apartments will help families focus on their future.
“By the time you get into this program you’re actually moving forward with yourself and you’ve already started some of the building blocks you’re not starting all the way at the bottom, you may be a little bit further ahead,” said Perez.
The first families will move into the Graber House on Jan. 1.