NEW ULM — With volunteer help from Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and other community partners, new Gorilla Playset playground equipment was built behind NUMAS Haus Wednesday.

NUMAS Haus Executive Director Nicole Schmiesing said the shelter’s previous playground equipment was moved to a transitional unit.

“We were looking for playground equipment that some of the older children could use,” said Schmiesing.

“With help from Our Savior’s Mission Group, (NUMAS Haus) board members and community partners we got a $1,500 donation for the playset and did backyard work in preparation for it,” she added.

NUMAS Haus begin at in 2013 at a New Ulm Ministerial Association meeting where pastors realized there were no shelters for homeless women and children in the Brown County area.

At the time, there were more than 40 children in school districts without a permanent address.

In collaboration with several New Ulm churches, a home offered by First United Methodist Church and many community partners, NUMAS Haus was incorporated as a non-profit organization.

During their stay, residents participate in a 90-day program, connecting families to education, resources, employment, mental health services and housing.

Residents have curfews, chores, saving and employment requirements and other responsibilities while staying at NUMAS Haus.

After moving to their own housing, families may receive case management for up to two years to maintain long-term stability.

Additional support includes mental and physical health, life skills, safety, parenting, financial, conflict resolution, job search and employment skills. In addition, housing, food and clothing resources, personal responsibility and transportation are provided.

As of February 2024, NUMAS Haus has served 88 women and 92 children. Nearly 70% of residents complete the program and move into their own housing.

NUMAS Haus relies on donations and grants to provide support.

For more information, visit https://numashaus.org/