The Unity Foundation of La Porte County received a $3.6 million grant from the Lilly Endowment.
The grant is part of the Lilly Endowment’s statewide initiative GIFT VIII. The initiative aims to support community foundations working to strengthen quality of life for the people they serve.
The Unity Foundation will use the grant to support workforce and affordable housing developments. The funding will also help modernize government and remove barriers to housing development.
In 2020, the Vibrant Communities of La Porte County process identified housing as the top priority in La Porte County. Grant partners include the City of La Porte, Michigan City, La Porte County, Habitat for Humanity, Homeward Bound and the Health Foundation of La Porte.
“We are delighted to receive this great news from the Lilly Endowment,” said Maggi Spartz, Unity Foundation president, in a press release. “Our goal is to increase access to safe and affordable housing for people who live here. We are so grateful they share our vision.”
The grant will complement existing efforts to build workforce and affordable housing. Efforts include building on vacant lots, rehabilitating aging properties and adding units of housing to upper story buildings. The grant will also help municipalities modernize government through better software and technology.
Beginning in early 2025, the grant will support projects identified by the partners over the next three years. Projects include the Singing Sands development in Michigan City, Homeward Bound’s Karwick Village and La Porte County Habitat for Humanity’s Woodward Block.
“With these funds, we’re not just breaking ground on new construction—we’re breaking down barriers to affordable housing in La Porte County,” Sandi Keller, Homeward Bound president, said. “Today’s grant from the Unity Foundation means affordable homes at Karwick Village are tomorrow’s reality. It’s that simple and profound.”
