A group of Goshen nonprofits and Faith Mission in Elkhart have organized a plan to aid those who may need a shelter from freezing temperatures this winter.

Beginning in January, Goshen Interfaith Hospitality Network (GIHN) will open its location at 105 S. Third Street to all who may need a warm place to stay the night. The location will serve men and alike. The shelter will operate from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. every day on days when the temperature dips below 20 degrees according to the Weather Channel forecast for Goshen. It will be open at least through February, when the organizations will gather again and discuss whether the shelter will remain open in March.

Elkhart County Clubhouse, Oaklawn Psychiatric Center, Faith Mission of Elkhart, GIHN and The Window, Inc. will take turns in providing staff and volunteers to greet the homeless as they come in and look over the shelter.
Communication will be ongoing among all the organizations involved, as well as the City of Goshen, and information about the new shelter will be shared directly with known members of the homeless community. Signs will be posted in places frequented by the homeless as well.

“I was overwhelmed by the support and everyone’s work to make this a community effort,” GIHN executive director Mindy Morehead said. “The mayor has also been very involved in working with us so we can provide people with a warm place to sleep on the coldest nights.”

GIHN is accepting donations of pillows and blankets, which would be provided for those staying at the shelter overnight. To learn more and to make a donation, call GIHN at 534.2300.