After nine years of dedication, planning, and community support, the community gathered this past Saturday to witness history. Homeward Bound Villages broke ground at Karwick Village, marking a significant step forward for affordable housing in our area.
The morning was filled with anticipation as community members gathered at the site of the future Karwick Village. This wasn’t just another construction project starting but the culmination of nearly a decade of hard work and perseverance.
A Community Comes Together
What made the event truly special was the diverse group of supporters who showed up to support this historic moment in our community. Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch, Michigan City Councilperson Nancy Moldenhauer, and County Councilperson Randy Novak all participated and spoke during the event, as did several community stakeholders across industries and nonprofit sectors.
Local faith leaders blessed the site, adding a spiritual dimension to the proceedings. The ceremony reached its emotional peak when participants took turns with shovels, symbolically turning the earth three times to mark the beginning of construction.
Words from Our Leaders
Mayor Nelson Deuitch said, “We know that there is a need. We know that homelessness is an issue and a priority for all of us, and we have to figure out a way to get people into homes because no one should live in a place that’s less than. I think all people deserve a good, safe, clean space to live in, and that’s something that we have to continue to fight for. Because we know it’s going to get harder over the next several years. We see it from the national front; we see it from the state front. It’s going to become even harder for us to do it. So, it’s going to take community to do it. We can’t rely on outside forces and outside people. It’s going to take all of us right here locally to do it.”
County Councilperson Randy Novak said, “Kudos to the city’s administration and the dedication of this team to make this happen because we’re all just trying to make the county a little bit better. It will be fantastic; I appreciate everything that everybody’s done.”
Michigan City Councilperson Nancy Moldenhauer said, “We welcome Homeward Bound Villages for its innovative relationship-building community. With the commitment of our Michigan City Council and Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch’s contribution of $50,000 of the ARPA funds, also in partnership with La Porte County government, which contributed a hundred thousand dollars. I think it’s important to give those numbers because this is funding that directly is helping what’s happening today. We welcome Homeward Bound Villages for its affordable housing facet for residents.”
What Makes Karwick Village Special
What sets this development apart is its cooperative housing model – the first of its kind in LaPorte County. This approach provides affordable housing and focuses on building a supportive community among residents.
The first phase of construction will create six units designed for one—to two-person households, specifically addressing the needs of those experiencing housing insecurity. If all goes according to plan, residents will move in by late 2025.
A The President’s Perspective
Sandi Keller, Homeward Bound Villages President, said, “This was an incredibly special day to have our two founders here, Leigh Coburn and John Vander Wagen, both standing side by side with so many community stakeholders who are so deeply invested in the successful outcome of Karwick Village. There is something so moving about standing on the site with so many community members, faith leaders, and partners with one common goal: bringing affordable housing to La Porte County.”