The ability to make a donation and the willingness to get involved with affordable housing in our community are not mutually exclusive. If you can’t afford to make a financial contribution, or want to do more beyond donating, we are sharing 5 ways to support affordable housing without donating funds. Across La Porte County, neighbors are shaping the future of housing with their time, their voices, and their willingness to welcome one another.
Here are five ways to show up for housing in our community, starting today.
1. Show Up at a Public Meeting
Many of the most important housing decisions, like zoning changes, new developments, and local housing plans, are made in public meetings. Being present in those rooms and speaking up for affordable housing shows decision-makers that residents care. Here are a few places to make your support of affordable housing known in our community:
- Michigan City Common Council: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 6:30 PM, City Hall Council Chambers, 100 E. Michigan Blvd.
- La Porte Common Council: 1st and 3rd Mondays at 6 PM, City Hall Council Chambers, 801 Michigan Ave.
- La Porte County Commissioners: 1st Wednesday at 10 AM and 3rd Wednesday at 6 PM, County Complex, Room 3, La Porte
Check the agenda a few days ahead to see what is on it, confirm the date, and keep in mind that holidays can shift the schedule. If there is talk of new construction or zoning issues, we encourage you to attend and speak up in support of affordable housing.
2. Use Your Voice
Public comment is your chance to speak directly to local leaders, usually for two to three minutes. You don’t need to be an expert. A short, personal message is often the most memorable. There is power in numbers, and sometimes change starts with a few dedicated individuals who stand up in support of positive change. If you are unsure of what to say, here are a few short pointers:
- Share who you are and where you live
- Explain why affordable housing matters to you, your family, or your neighbors.
- Make one clear ask, such as supporting a project or a plan
Can’t make an important meeting? An email or phone call to your council member or commissioner counts, too. It’s about making your voice heard in support of affordable housing.
3. Volunteer Your Time and Talents
Housing organizations run on people power. Whether you can swing a hammer, plan an event, or offer professional skills, you have a place.
- Come volunteer at Karwick Village; you can sign up here.
- Offer your skills in trades, design, legal, or finance, with a board seat to serve an affordable housing nonprofit. Interested in serving on the Homeward Bound Village’s board- click here to email us.
- Reach out to local affordable housing nonprofits and ask what they need and how you can support them.
4. Start the Conversation
Misunderstandings about affordable housing are common, and they often shape how a community responds to new projects. Talking openly with friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors helps replace assumptions with facts. The Homeward Bound Village blog is full of facts supporting more affordable housing.
- Share posts from local housing organizations on social media
- Bring the topic up at your place of worship, book club, or civic group
- Learn about local efforts happening at the city and county level. Being informed is one of the best ways to support affordable housing and keep the conversation moving forward.
5. Say Yes and Be a Good Neighbor
Affordable housing succeeds when communities welcome it. When a housing project is proposed near you, keep an open mind, ask questions, and consider speaking in support.
- Support affordable housing zoning reform.
- Say “yes” to housing wherever and whenever you can
- Be a great neighbor to new affordable housing communities.
Every Neighbor Has a Role
You don’t need deep pockets to make an impact. Showing up and speaking up make a massive difference. When La Porte County residents lend their time and voices, we build a community where everyone has a place to call home.
How will you show up to support affordable housing in La Porte County?
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