NEW ULM – In 2013, several area pastors and religious leaders became aware of an alarming problem in the community: homelessness.

A meeting of the New Ulm Area Ministerial Association was held to discuss the issue. At that time it was determined over 40 children in the local school district who had no permanent address. In addition, Brown County had no shelter to offer support.

“To some people that was a real eye opener,” NUMAS Haus vice president Tim Knaak said. “People asked, was that really happening in New Ulm?”

For some, it is still difficult to accept, but for others the realization led to the creation of the New Ulm Ministerial Association (NUMAS), with the goal of creating a shelter and support service to homeless women and children in the Brown County area.

In collaboration with several New Ulm churches, a home on First United Methodist Church property was offered as shelter. Through the work of many community champions, NUMAS Haus was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit and opened its doors in 2016. The first family moved in within 48 hours.

Some people call NUMAS Haus a homeless shelter, but the board sees it as something else. NUMAS board member said John Gag said it would be inaccurate to call it a homeless shelter because it is more than that.

Gag said it does serve as a shelter, but the people staying here have to want to change their life. The volunteers and staff of NUMAS Haus help facilitate that change.

“A lot of these folks come from a place where they didn’t get certain life skills, whether it be balancing a checkbook, cooking meals, grocery shopping or how to keep a job,” Gag said. “All of those things we try to address.”

The goal is to make longterm changes to guests staying at NUMAS Haus.

“That’s what got me,” Gag said. “We’re not just giving money away. We’re effecting longterm change.”

During their stay at NUMAS Haus, residents participate in a 90-day program, which connects families to education, resources, employment, mental health services, and housing within the community.

After a 90-day stay, NUMAS Haus remains in contact with guests for two years to offer additional support if needed. After one year, around 70% of former NUMAS Haus guests are able to live on their own.

In the eight years since NUMAS Haus opened its doors, it has served 88 women and 92 children. However, the need is still there.

NUMAS Haus has room for three families at one time. It has been at full occupancy since the beginning.

NUMAS Haus board member John Gag said there is always a waiting list to get into the home. The problem with a waiting list is that when people call NUMAS Haus for help, they need it that day.

“If you don’t give them that help on that day, a large percent of them just disappear,” Gag said. The individual cannot wait and is forced to leave the community. Gag said often when contacting individuals on the waiting list about an opening, the number is disconnected or the person is gone.

“The goal with our capacity to hopefully have an open room,” Gag said.

However, with such a need for shelter, the only way to ensure there is enough rooms is to expand. Earlier this year, NUMAS did just that.

On Jan. 31, NUMAS Haus acquired the former First United Methodist building, located at the corner of Broadway and Center Street, next door to the current shelter. With the purchase of a former church, NUMAS will be able to expand its footprint and create additional housing for families in need.

The renovation the former church will be done in three phases with the goal of adding four to five extra rooms. The former sanctuary will be converted to an auditorium or gym space for activities. The idea is to have an area for families to play, but also bring in the community.

The basement level could be converted into studio apartments for paying tenets. It could also serve as transitional housing for NUMAS Haus residents who have already completed the 90-day program.

In order to complete the renovations, NUMAS has started a capital campaign to raise the necessary funds. The first phase will cost roughly $1.1 million. The board estimates that the first phase of renovation is 50% funded, but the board would like to secure all the necessary funds before starting the renovation process.

NUMAS Haus executive director Nicole Schmiesing said they are hoping to start with the installation of a new sprinkler system in Jan. 2025. It is possible phase one will be complete by the end of 2025. Phase two, the sanctuary renovation, could also be completed by the end of 2025. Some funding for this phase has been provided already.

Another benefit of creating a campus setting for NUMAS Haus will create additional efficiencies per family. Currently it costs $20,618 in operating costs per family at NUMAS Haus. Following the expansion the average operating cost will be $15,275 per family.

NUMAS Haus requires donations to continue running, but the nonprofit also needs volunteers. Schmiesing said the greatest need is volunteers to help with transportation. There are many people staying at NUMAS Haus who do not have reliable transportation. There is also need for mentors for tenants.

Schmiesing said with mentors, a lot of the work is having people in the community serve as a sounding board for the families at NUMAS Haus. Many of the families at NUMAS Haus need assurance they are doing the right thing.

“With NUMAS’ goal is to assit families while they’re here, but really connect them to community partners so they have longterm stability beyond this house,” Schmiesing said.

The NUMAS Haus website includes a list of other volunteer opportunities and contact information. Those looking to volunteer with NUMAS are encouraged to call 507-359-2202.

NUMAS Haus has an open house event planned for Wednesday, Oct. 9. The open house will run twice on Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.