Emergency Shelter Resources
- Where can I access this resource
- Who Is Eligible
- When is emergency shelter in affect
- How Can I Access to Emergency Shelter
When someone calls asking about where they can stay that night, they have no safe, stable place of shelter. Those seeking overnight shelter (8 p.m. to 8 a.m.) from November 1 – April 30th can go to the Center for the Homeless (through the weather amnesty program).
Where can I access this resource
The address for women and children is 813 S. Michigan St. Men enter on the west side of the building, in the alley to the north of Sample St. There are 74 bunk beds for men and 21 bunk beds for women as well as 2 large family rooms.
No drugs, paraphernalia, alcohol, food or weapons can come in with you, and staff will use a wand metal detector. A breathalyzer will be used to determine if you need to sleep on a mat on the floor or need medical attention.
Showers and laundry are provided, when operational. Drawers to store a small number of items during the day are also available.
You can inquire about availability of long-term residential beds for men, women or female headed households at the Center for the Homeless by calling 574-282-8700 or visit 813 S. Michigan St. during regular business hours. Get on their waitlist if no shelter is available.
There is residential shelter for men, women and families at Hope Ministries 432 S. Lafayette (corner of Monroe and Lafayette) or 574-235-4150. Get on their waitlist if no shelter is available.
Men can check in for availability at 1 p.m. Monday-Thursday.
Women need to sign up for a monthly tour and application process.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, regardless of your gender, emergency housing is available at the YWCA at 1102 S. Fellows St by calling 1-866-YES-YWCA 1-866-937-9922.
If you are a youth between the ages of 12-17 and need emergency shelter, Youth Service Bureau at 1330 Lincolnway East is available by calling 574-235-9396 or youth can text “SAFE” and their current location to 4HELP (44357) to find the nearest Safe Place site and phone number for the local youth agency.
Veteran shelter is provided by Miller’s Vets at the Center for the Homeless. If vets present after business the CFH will accommodate vets year-round in the main building until the next business day. It is ideal if vets present with their DD214 or other proof of veteran status, but it’s not prohibitive if they don’t currently have it. Any identified veteran can connect with the Homeless Team via the walk-in clinic at the JWC (Jackie Walorski VA Clinic). They can either present in person at 1540 Trinity Place, Mishawaka, 46545 or call 1-800-360-8387 ext. 49211.
How Can I Access to Emergency Shelter
There is a wait list of about 10-12 months for Motels 4 Now. People can sign up at Our Lady of the Road located at 744 S. Main St. on Friday mornings between 8-10 a.m. Check in weekly to see if there are openings for those who have been waiting the longest.
Contact the Portage Township Trustee if you need help with rent or utilities. 340 Columbia Street (574) 233-2126 info@portagetownship71.in.gov
Contact Oaklawn, for mental health services. Phones answered 24/7 at (574) 533-1234 x1. The Mobile Crisis Team available to come to you 8 a.m.-8 p.m. seven days a week. The Crisis Center is open at 420 N. Niles Ave., Suite 100 8 a.m.-8 p.m. seven days a week.
There are also safe options for sleeping in your car. If you have a driver’s license and proof of registration, you can park at the Police Station at 701 W. Sample St or at Walmart, 700 W. Ireland Rd. Please let the management know you are in their lot and confirm permission.