In 2019, the Board and Staff of Faith Mission of Michiana decided to follow a national trend in homeless triage by providing Low Barrier Shelter which, by definition, is shelter based on the primary needs of an individual. Partnering with those in the Elkhart Homeless Coalition, we found that locally we have the same issues and needs of those nationally. Even though Faith Mission of Michiana houses over 700 homeless individuals a year, there is still a gap in the offerings for those in need of Emergency Shelter.

The Low Barrier Shelter program is designed for men and women who need emergency shelter but cannot function in a normal shelter environment due to addiction issues, mental health, veterans who are struggling to acclimate back into society.

In the population of homeless individuals who stay in the Mission’s Low Barrier shelter, there is still a need for emergency housing for individuals unable to live in a communal environment. Hence, the need for tiny shelters. A separate building will house showers and laundry for all tiny shelter residents.