The fundraiser was held at the New Ulm Event Center and was also live-streamed on Facebook for those unable to attend in person.

NUMAS Haus is an emergency shelter where homeless women and children may stay for up to 90 days. During their stay, NUMAS Haus families work with shelter staff to find long-term goals to find stable housing solutions. NUMAS has several programs that require funding. It costs approximately $3,500 per family per month to complete the NUMAS Haus program.

Since opening in August 2016, NUMAS Haus has helped 66 area families through their program. The demand for this emergency shelter is high. There is usually a waiting list for members.

In the last year, NUMAS also acquired a trailer to serve as transitional housing for families who completed the 90 day plan, with the first NUMAS family recently moving into the trailer.

Holly Jacobson gives a testimonial during the NUMAS Haus fundraiser, saying “I am proof it does more. It saved my life.”

Doege said the next goal for NUMAS is to acquire a second emergency shelter house. With a consistent waiting list, a second shelter home is needed for the New Ulm area. Doege said with another home, they can serve twice as many families.

This year’s fundraiser was special because it was a return to the in-person event. Last year, the NUMAS Haus fundraiser was held entirely online because of the pandemic. This year the event could be held

online component for those who were unable to attend in person. The evening program was live-streamed by Foresee Studios. The entire program is availin person, but NUMAS maintained an able for viewing on NUMAS Haus’ Facebook page. People watching online were able to text in donations.

“It is good to back in person,” NUMAS Board President Rev. Lisa Doege said. “We’re excited to have a full band and silent auction.”

The fundraiser included entertainment from Musician Andrea Lyn and a closing performance from Jason Gray and his band.

Doege said recently NUMAS Haus was able to expand its staff with Diehn becoming the first Executive Director. Hailey Hulke was brought on as a case manager.

During the program, Hulke spoke about the part goals of NUMAS Haus. The first part is to give families in need a place to stay for 90 days. The second step is providing families in the program with two years worth of case management. The third part is transitional housing.

Executive Director Karla Diehn said in assisting homeless families, giving shelter and financial assistance is the easy part. The challenge is helping families overcome the trauma of homelessness and helping them discover their self-worth.

“At NUMAS Haus we don’t judge,” Diehn said. Helping the homeless is only part of the mission. The other part is raising awareness and understanding of homelessness in the community. She said this is bigger in the community than many realized and there is more to homelessness than meets the eye.

The program included testimonials from people who graduated from the program. Graduate Julena Larson spoke on how the NUMAS program helped her to receive treatment, find housing and regain custody of her son.

Holly Jacobson said NUMAS Haus helped her remain sober for nearly four years and provided her with stability after years of being in and out of institutions. Jacobson said when she came to NUMAS Haus she was desperate and afraid of failing again but said it was hard to fail with so many supportive people.

Jacobson said donations to NUMAS Haus go to more than the roof and keep the power on, saying “I am proof it does more. It saved my life.”

At the start of the program it was announced, NUMAS received a matching donation. An anonymous donor pledged to match all donations received during the fundraiser up to $10,000.

NUMAS Haus is continuing to accept donations. Donations made be given online or mailed to PO BOX 291, New Ulm, MN 56073.