Nonprofits Battle Storm Damages in Northwest Indiana

Recent summer storms in Northwest Indiana have disrupted the operations of several nonprofits, including the Humane Indiana Wildlife and Haven House. These organizations are facing challenges such as power outages, trees falling, and damage to their facilities.

Impact on Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

The Humane Indiana Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center, located in Valparaiso, experienced significant damage from the latest wave of storms. According to Nicole Harmon, the senior director of the center, the property suffered the loss of approximately 18 trees and damage to two enclosure spaces. The center spans 28 acres, with four acres dedicated to enclosures and office areas.

Staff actively monitored both outdoor and indoor animals during the storms, ensuring their safety. They reported no injuries to the animals, but noted damage to two enclosures that had recently housed foxes and raccoons. Power was lost on Monday afternoon and was not restored until early Wednesday, affecting water access due to the center’s location in an unincorporated area.

To continue care, some staff took animals in incubators to their homes, and a community member’s donation of a generator kept essential equipment running. Despite these challenges, Harmon praised the staff’s resilience.

Recovery continues with phone and internet services still down as of Thursday morning. Updates and notices are shared with the public using social media, with the center remaining open for animal intake. Harmon highlighted the urgency in aiding animals affected by the storms.

Issues at Haven House

Haven House, a domestic violence shelter, faces problems from previous storm damage compounded by new weather events. A tree had previously fallen, damaging the building’s structure. Board President Jennifer Winker stated they are waiting for a contractor to assess the building’s viability, given its age and additional damage from ongoing rains. Insurance originally covered only roof repairs, which may not address further structural issues.

The shelter continues to offer services, accommodating families in temporary setups. Despite the confusion, operations persist, backed by community donations. Winker remains optimistic about future plans despite potential setbacks.

The shelter encourages people to visit their social media platforms for information and updates on their services.

Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune and can be contacted at [email protected].