‘Thank you for continuing to show up’
NUMAS raises $95,425 through fundraiser
NUMAS Haus executive director Nichole Schmiesing thanks all the community supporters attending the annual NUMAS Haus fundraiser. Schmiesing said over the last decade, NUMAS has served 215 women and children and nearly 70% have completed the program and moved into longterm stable housing. “The truth is NUMAS could not function or run without that support,” she said
Andrea Lyn Singer/song writer Andrea Lyn performs an original song she wrote for NUMAS Haus clients titled “Never too lost to be found,” during Thursday’s fundraising efforts. Photo by Clay Schuldt
NUMAS HAUS board member Pastor Phil Schenck told the history of NUMAS Haus during Thursday’s fundraiser. The nonprofit began when a group of area pastors decided to take action after learning there were many children without permanent addresses in the New Ulm area. Photo by Clay Schuldt
NUMAS Haus executive director Nichole Schmiesing thanks all the community supporters attending the annual NUMAS Haus fundraiser. Schmiesing said over the last decade, NUMAS has served 215 women and children and nearly 70% have completed the program and moved into longterm stable housing. “The truth is NUMAS could not function or run without that support,” she said
Andrea Lyn Singer/song writer Andrea Lyn performs an original song she wrote for NUMAS Haus clients titled “Never too lost to be found,” during Thursday’s fundraising efforts. Photo by Clay Schuldt
NUMAS HAUS board member Pastor Phil Schenck told the history of NUMAS Haus during Thursday’s fundraiser. The nonprofit began when a group of area pastors decided to take action after learning there were many children without permanent addresses in the New Ulm area. Photo by Clay Schuldt
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NEW ULM - Over 300 people from the Brown County area attended the annual NUMAS Haus fundraiser at the Royal Oaks Event Center Thursday.
This year, NUMAS Haus celebrated 10 years in operation. NUMAS (New Ulm Ministerial Association) began through a collaboration of area pastors who wished to tackle the growing problem of homelessness in the community.
NUMAS HAUS board member Pastor Phil Schenck said the group of area pastors decided to take action after learning from school representatives that there were multiple children in area schools without addresses.
For 10 years, NUMAS has operated a 90-day shelter for women and children, which connects them 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.
NUMAS Haus executive director Nichole Schmiesing said over the last decade NUMAS has served 215 women and children and nearly 70% have completed the program and moved into longterm stable housing.
Schmiesing and the other board members emphasized that none of this would be possible without support from the community.
Schmiesing said when reviewing the list of 300 names attending the fundraiser, she realized, that she has called or could call 95% of those names and ask for help.
"And you would show up," Schmiesing said. "You volunteer, you make a phone call, you would donate, you would make a meal, you would find furniture, sponsor an event, or connect us with someone who could solve the problem."
Schmiesing said it was incredible to have this much support for their organization and she did not take that for granted.
In the last few years NUMAS Haus has been working on a capital campaign to expand the shelter into the former First United Methodist Church building.
When NUMAS Haus first began, it was in a house provided by First United Methodist Church. Two years ago, the church gave NUMAS it's main building.
NUMAS Haus board members Kristi Andersen Loose said with the new building, they are able to expand from a three bedroom shelter to an eight bedroom shelter.
Loose said two years ago during the fundraiser, NUMAS announced its capital campaign for the renovation. The goal was to raise $1 million. They were able to exceed that goal in the first year.
Loose said renovation work began in the second year and NUMAS is extremely close to completing the first phase, which includes of the main living space.
Loose said final challenge to opening the former church to clients is security and controlling access. Once the access points are finalized and furniture arrives, NUMAS will host open house events for the public.
With the expansion of NUMAS Haus comes increased operational costs.
Schmiesing said NUMAS' projected operating costs in 2027 are $240,000. Before the fundraiser, NUMAS had managed to raise $47,200 through sponsorships. During the fundraiser auction an additional $41,225 was raised with an estimated $7,000 from the silent auction. NUMAS raised $95,425 through the fundraiser.
"Thank you for continuing to show up," Schmiesing said to the donors who continue to support NUMAS Haus. "The truth is NUMAS could not function or run without that support. NUMAS Haus exists because this community has decided, over and over again, that women and children experiencing homelessness should not have to figure out what comes next alone."
Those who wish to donate to NUMAS Haus are encouraged to visit their website at https://numashaus.org/donate/. Checks can be mailed directly to NUMAS Haus at PO Box 291, New Ulm, MN 56073.