(La Porte, IN) - The Center Township Trustee’s Office could move to a new location.  An existing building would serve as both the trustee’s office and facility for the homeless, said Lisa Pierzakowski, the Center Township Trustee.  Pierzakowski told the La Porte City Council last night she wants to purchase a building on Jefferson Avenue, just east of La Porte City Hall.  The building formerly housed "Celebrations To Go." 

Right now, Pierzakowski said her office is about a mile away and her proposed new location would be right where the need is greatest to better serve the homeless.  She said people can use the facility to get something to eat, wash their clothes and take a shower while receiving help in finding permanent housing and a job by her office instead of walking or driving to her current location on Lincolnway near J Street.  “It’s kind of a win, win for everybody,” she said.

Pierzakowski said the building is listed right now for $300,000.  She is seeking $200,000 each from the City of La Porte and La Porte County government to make the purchase.  The money would come from the over $30 million in federal COVID-19 relief dollars earmarked for both government agencies combined.

Originally, Pierzakowski said her office was supposed to receive $700,000 in federal relief money but the dollars wound up being included with the amounts each of those government agencies is receiving.