The non-profit organization runs a shelter for homeless women and children.

NUMAS (New Ulm Ministerial Association) began over a decade ago with the goal of tackling the growing problem of homelessness in the community. NUMAS currently operates a 90-day program, which connects families 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 has managed a 70% success rate, with most guests able to complete the program and live on their own.

In order to cover expenses for the next year, NUMAS needs roughly $140,000. NUMAS executive director Nichole Schmiesing said by the end of the night, $110,000 was raised.

Schmiesing said NUMAS Haus has seen big changes in the last year, the biggest is the acquisition of the former First United Methodist Church building. The home NUMAS currently uses as a shelter is located next door. This original home was also given to them by First United Methodist.

During the NUMAS Haus benefit, donors watched a video launching the Hope Grows campaign to fund renovations to the former First United Methodist Church building. NUMAS acquired the former building in January. The video screen shows an aerial view of the former church building. The goal is add additional housing to the building, including five bedrooms and two transitional apartments.

“We would not exist without the generosity of First United Methodist Church,” Schmiesing said. “For all the past and present members here tonight, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

The event featured a testimonial from a former NUMAS Haus guest. She came to NUMAS Haus in 2021 as a 28-year-old single mother, fresh out of active drug addiction and an abusive relationship she was stuck in for five years. She was able to complete the 90-day program and move into her own house. Following some family struggles, she briefly moved to Willmar and found herself in another bad relationship and an unplanned pregnancy. Knowing she would need resources, she was welcomed back to NUMAS Haus, which gave her extra support.

The former guest moved out in April, and the baby was adopted in July. She said NUMAS Haus was there for her through every step of the way.

“This place and the people who run it, are the loving non-toxic supportive family I never had,” she said. “Believe me when I say that the generosity and support of people like you is the reason people like me can be successful.”

She said thanks to NUMAS Haus support, she has been off felony probation for three years, recently started a new job she loves and is over four years clean and sober.

This was just one success story. Schmiesing said some of the best moments working at NUMAS come from the little things; a child showing their first library card; a mom learning she got the job or helping a family move into their new home.

“It is these little moments that you can’t quantify, you can’t put into a report, but these moments make everything worthwhile,” Schmiesing said “These moments you made possible as donors.”

NUMAS Haus volunteers used the fundraiser as a chance to announce the Hope Grows capital campaign to renovate the former First United Methodist Church.

The plan is to create five additional bedrooms and two transitional units in the building. This will increase the capacity of NUMAS Haus.

The first phase will cost roughly $1.1 million. The board estimates that the first phase of renovation is 50% funded thanks in part to combined $300,000 donations from the Ryberg and Mickelson families.

Rev. Jo Anne Taylor, the former pastor of First United Methodist Church and first president of the NUMAS Haus board, said that once the renovation is completed and NUMAS Haus has greater housing capacity, the need for annual donations will likely increase. The annual fundraiser will still be needed to support the ongoing costs of running the program.

Taylor said when NUMAS first began a decade ago, at a single school in New Ulm there were 16 homeless children attending class. Ten years later, the number of homeless kids in the school district has decreased, but Taylor said the need is still great.

“[NUMAS Haus] is more than just a place to sleep on a cold night,” Taylor said. “It is a place where families can get on their feet.”

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.

To kick off the Hope Grows campaign, NUMAS Haus is holding an open house event Wednesday, Oct. 9. The open house will run twice on Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.