An intake center uses a process designed to help staff quickly identify, assess, and connect people to housing and support resources. The approach helps people access housing faster while providing them with correct information about the other types of support needed. 

People who are experiencing chronic homelessness and who are at least 18 years old.

A chronically homeless person has faced repeated instances of homelessness while often living with a disabling condition such as a substance use disorder, severe mental illness, and/or disability. These conditions typically prevent them from meeting the eligibility requirements at traditional shelters. 

If someone is seeking shelter for a minor, please visit Hope Ministries, Center for the Homeless, or Youth Service Bureau of St. Joseph County.

Anyone (18+) is welcome to sign up for New Day’s waitlist during intake hours at Our Lady of the Road, located at 744 S. Main Street in South Bend. Intake hours are from 8:00 am - 10:00 am, every Friday morning during breakfast service.

Guests are connected with an onsite psychiatrist who diagnoses and treats various mental health conditions, including substance use disorders. Our community mental health partner, Oaklawn, also provides onsite support by leading guests in conversations about addiction recovery and additional mental health assistance. New Day Intake Center staff also provides daily transportation to recovery clinics, so guests can access medication and other resources for recovery.

New Day Intake Center does not require guests to complete regular drug testing to access housing and wraparound support services. 

New Day Intake Center does not have a maximum length of stay policy.   

The New Day Intake Center Housing Team works with guests to secure housing vouchers, complete housing applications, and communicate with landlords. As guests transition to their new housing, they receive basic houseware items. Team members also offer ongoing rental, utilities, and pest-control assistance, along with helping manage relationships with property managers.

While some guests find employment during their time at New Day, the majority of those in our program rely on government assistance programs due to age or disabilities.

New Day Intake Center receives funding from the City of South Bend, state and federal grants, and private contributions.

New Day Intake Center launched an $18.8 million capital campaign in the fall of 2024, and broke ground in 2025. Fundraising continues during construction of the new facility, which is scheduled for completion in the Fall of 2027.