Community Center Construction: Building Daybreak From the Ground Up
The Daybreak community center construction project stands as a powerful example of what community giveback looks like in Northwest Indiana. Local contractors, trade unions, businesses, and volunteers came together to donate labor, materials, funding, and time to ensure the Respite House and Resource Center became a reality for Valparaiso. Their combined support strengthened the project from the ground up and demonstrated how the construction community and local residents could join forces to create a lasting resource for individuals in need.
Purpose-Built Services for Our Community
The Daybreak Community Center was built as a two-story, 9,600 square foot halfway home and resource facility for individuals experiencing homelessness. The building included a full-service industrial kitchen with a walk-in cooler and freezer, onsite washers and dryers, and an in-floor heating system in the warming center for winter shelter.
The project moved forward through significant community support. Tonn and Blank helped raise $1.6 million dollars and contributed labor and materials directly. Many subcontractors and trade partners donated all or a large portion of their scope, including:
• Circle R Mechanical, Inc.
• H and T Electrical, LLC
• Sweney Electric Company, Inc.
• Arctic Engineering Co., LLC
• QXO (Beacon) Roofing Products
• Meyer Glass and Mirror Co., Inc.
• Delta III, Inc.
• Fort Wayne Reinforcing, Inc.
• Smith Ready Mix, Inc
• Operators Union Local 150
• Laborers Union Local 81
• Cement Masons Union Local 692
• Ironworkers Local 395
Additional donations strengthened the project. A $300,000 HVAC system, furnishings from Franciscan Health, commercial washers and dryers from Ladybug Cleaners, and kitchen supplies from Trailyard were all provided. The City of Valparaiso supported the effort with a five-year land lease.
Tonn and Blank supported the effort by self-performing critical scopes such as concrete, framing, ironwork, casework, and hardware and door installation. As construction progressed, foundation walls were completed, underground utilities were installed, and the slab on grade and in-floor heating system were prepared. The Daybreak shelter opened portions of the building for emergency overnight use while final inspections continued. The facility provided dormitory-style housing for up to 24 men, emergency shelter for men, women, and children, and space for meals and social services through partners such as Porter-Starke Services and HealthLinc.
