Angie Shirley - Realtor

09/03/2026

You do not need to be a realtor to apply.

08/29/2026

Calling all first time homebuyers and those looking to downsize. Renters...you should definitely pop in. FREE open house with a FREE $500 Lowe's drawing. THIS Sunday 11am-1pm. Buyers welcome. You do not need to bring an agent with you. Lender Tom Slick will be there to answer any loan questions.

08/25/2026

08/24/2026

08/22/2026

I’m seeing a lot of posts about people displaced with pets. 🐶 🐱 Here’s some information from ChatGPT that may be helpful. Also check with your homeowners insurance. There might be some help there.

Per ChatGPT

Closest/best options I found

* Suburban Studios Portage — 6101 Melton Rd. Pet-friendly, and designed more for extended stays. Current listings show roughly $65–$80/night before taxes/fees. Suburban Studios Portage⁠
* Econo Lodge Portage — 6101 Melton Rd. Allows pets, 2 pets per room, with a $25/pet/night fee according to the hotel’s current policy.
* Quality Inn & Suites Portage Central — 2300 Willowcreek Rd. Listed among the pet-friendly Portage hotels.
* Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Portage — 1630 Olmsted Dr. Listed as pet-friendly in the current Choice pet-hotel search.
* Comfort Inn & Suites Porter near Indiana Dunes — 1800 W US Hwy 20. Pet-friendly and a little farther west toward Porter/Chesterton.

Merrillville

There are a lot of pet-friendly choices in Merrillville.

* Tru by Hilton Merrillville — allows 2 dogs/cats up to 80 lbs, $75 for 1–4 nights or $125 for 5+ nights.
* Hampton Inn Merrillville — 2 pets of any size; $75 for 1–4 nights/$125 for longer stays.
* Red Roof Inn Merrillville — particularly interesting for displaced people because one pet up to 80 lbs has no additional pet fee. Two pets are $15/night.
* Motel 6 Merrillville — 2 pets of any size with no additional pet fee; dogs and cats allowed.
* Home2 Suites by Hilton Merrillville — 2 pets up to 50 lbs; $75 for 1–4 nights/$125 for longer stays.
* Staybridge Suites Merrillville — 2 pets up to 50 lbs; $75 for 1–6 nights/$150 for longer stays.
* Residence Inn Merrillville — 2 pets up to 100 lbs; $150 per stay.

Hilton currently lists 12 pet-friendly hotels in Merrillville, so there’s a pretty good pool of options there.

For someone displaced by the storms, I’d specifically say:

“My home is currently uninhabitable because of the flooding/storm damage. I need temporary lodging, and I have a pet that needs to stay with me. What emergency housing or hotel assistance is available?”

That’s an important distinction. Don’t just ask them for “a hotel.” Tell them they’re displaced because of the disaster and need temporary housing with their animal.

The number

Dial 211 from an Indiana phone.

Indiana also lists 866-211-9966 as the alternative number.

08/21/2026

We are celebrating our city's recovery this Saturday thanks to an amazing team of new and old friends who have come together to put on an amazing gathering in Founders Square with prayer, music, games, food, and opportunities to sign up as a volunteer for ongoing recovery efforts in our city. I'm honored to have been invited to participate in this team and excited to be there for the celebration. It's beautiful for us to all come together after a storm. "Bring a chair, bring a friend, bring a Neighbor."

08/21/2026

❤️ To our Portage neighbors...

If you or your family have been impacted by the recent storms and could use a hot meal, we'd like to help.

Saturday August 22 from 11am-Noon, we'll be giving away free pizza by the slice at our Portage location. Please limit to 1 big slice per person.

No purchase necessary, and no strings attached.

We'll serve until noon or until we've given away all we've prepared, whichever comes first. Then head on over to the Portage Strong event at Founder's Square if you can!

We know it's been a difficult week for many families. This is simply our way of helping where we can.

Take care of one another, and we'll see you soon.

❤️ The Gelsosomo's Family