Funds Will Support a Local Cooperative Community Consultant to Guide the Karwick Village Cooperative Community Through 2028
MICHIGAN CITY, IN – September 10, 2026 – Karwick Village, built in Michigan City, Indiana, is La Porte County’s first cooperative community. Built on the founding principles that residents should have a governing stake in their community, Karwick Village is honored to receive a two-year grant from Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) and the NiSource Charitable Foundation to guide the inaugural years of the cooperative program. Grant funding will support the hiring of a cooperative consultant who will teach Homeward Bound Villages the process of establishing future cooperatives.
“As an organization, we have been intentional about Karwick Village; from the plot of land chosen where the community sits, the design of the homes, to the residents now living there. We want this community to be a success, which means seeking subject-matter experts when and where we can. This grant allows us to ensure that the cooperative community aspect of Karwick Village gets off to the strongest start possible. We are so grateful to partner with NIPSCO and the NiSource Charitable Foundation and humbled by this multi-year gift,” Sandi Keller, President of Homeward Bound Villages, said.
Karwick Village was built in 2025 at 316 S. Karwick Road in Michigan City. The cooperative model gives residents who rent their units decision-making authority, as if they were homeowners in the community. Homeward Bound Villages retains ownership of the land and buildings at Karwick Village to ensure that rent remains affordable forever in this community. Cooperative residents will meet regularly to make decisions about how to operate their community.
Currently, the initial Karwick Village Cooperative board is comprised of three members of the broader community. Once the residents learn the cooperative system of governance, they will transition this board into a fully resident-led board. Through this two-year process, our co-operative consultant will guide the Karwick Village Cooperative through the early hurdles that cooperatives often face, while establishing a standard operating procedure that can be duplicated as Homeward Bound Villages grows. These vital funds will also help pay for Homeward Bound staffing to gain the skills needed to launch new cooperatives in the future.
“Stable housing is foundational to strong families, thriving communities, and long-term economic opportunity. NIPSCO and the NiSource Charitable Foundation are proud to support Homeward Bound Villages in expanding access to the resources and staffing needed to help individuals and families find a pathway to stability. Investments like this reflect our commitment to partnering with local organizations that are addressing critical community needs and creating lasting impact across the communities we serve,” stated Katie Eaton, Public Affairs Manager with NIPSCO.
Homeward Bound Village’s mission is to create community through affordable housing. Their first community at Karwick Village does just that, through the founding of the Co-op at Karwick Village. Karwick Village is currently working on Phase 2 of Karwick Village as they prepare for the Community Center, where the Co-op members will meet regularly.
