Jonathan's Story from Shelter to Apartment |
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Wes's Weekly Wrap Up - LUM Shelter Is Essential |
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In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, shares that the LUM Emergency Shelter is NOW as essential as ever — and offers ways for YOU to help. Please take 57 seconds and watch this video and SHARE with others. Please see below for more details.
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The "Grit" of LUM Homeless Services |
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A Letter from Wes Tillett, LUM Executive Director |
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GRIT. It has become one of my favorite words in these pandemic years. Grit is all about resilience, perseverance, hanging in there come-what-may. Grit is essential for living life to the fullest.
GRIT also inspires others. It is a common theme in my wife’s favorite movies, the ones “based on the inspiring true story of a person who overcomes impossible odds.” Grit is a common theme in all of my favorite stories at LUM – the real-life stories of the people who are diligently pushing their lives in a positive direction, often by overcoming impossible odds.
It takes GRIT to live victoriously. And it takes grit to give generously. It’s a matter of seeing the need (“hear the word”), choosing to help meet that need (“retain it”), and taking action (“by persevering, produce a crop”).
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Mission Moment - Jonathan's Success Story |
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LUM Homeless Shelter Guest Gets Housed |
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Jonathan, a former LUM Emergency Shelter guest, epitomizes GRIT. His first overnight stay was back in 2019, and he's been in and out for the past three years. Jonathan is not immune to some of the many problems that plague our guests: addiction, mental illness, unwise choices, emotional and physical disabilities, difficult pasts, tumultuous family situations, and simply bad luck.
Recently Jonathan was able to secure long-term employment, which enabled him to utilize the LUM “Match Program.” As a part of this program, Jonathan paid $5 as “rent” each night he stayed at the shelter. When he was able to sign a lease for an apartment, LUM returned this "match" money plus matched it — dollar for dollar. He doubled his money to use toward his deposit and rent — and learned how to save and invest in his future. Jonathan is not alone. So far in 2022, 388 guests have utilized the LUM Emergency Shelter 7,387 times. In addition, 175 guests utilized the LUM Winter Warming Station 972 times (January-April).
Because of supporters such as YOU, LUM was able to provide Jonathan and hundreds of others with a safe, warm, supportive overnight place to stay at a critical point in their life. With the help of LUM and many others, Jonathan is rebuilding his life, day by day. Tiny step by tiny step. Despite setbacks and hurdles. With resolute determination. With GRIT. Jonathan possesses the grit needed to utilize the programs of LUM and obtain a brighter future.
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September is HUNGER Action Month |
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5 Ways to Help During Hunger Action Month
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HUNGER HIKE - Invite your family & friends to join you in the fight to end hunger by donating and raising funds for the Hunger Hike fundraising event. Make it a fun competition, form a team, and celebrate at the Kick-off Event (Sunday, September 18 | 1 p.m. | Riehle Plaza, Lafayette, IN). Learn more HERE & sign up!
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VOLUNTEER - Both of the LUM Food Pantries rely on volunteer support. Spending a few hours each month volunteering can make an enormous difference for LUM Food Pantries and the local families served. Pledge to volunteer, click HERE & sign up!
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GO ORANGE - Put on your finest orange shirt, pants or accessories for Hunger Action Month and share a photo of yourself on social media. Tell others about the fight to end hunger using the hashtags #HungerHike, #HungerActionMonth, and #EndHungerNow.
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HUNGER FACTS - Some people believe that hunger isn’t an issue in America. But that simply isn’t true. Every county in the United States struggles with food insecurity. According to Feeding America, 1 in 8 Hoosiers struggle with hunger. Among Hoosier children, the number is 1 in 6. Learn about hunger in our community, click HERE.
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THANKSGIVING - Although it's on Thanksgiving Day, the LUM Community Thanksgiving Feast (Thursday, November 24) is accepting donations and signing up volunteers NOW. Make a donation, sign up to donate needed items such as food items, paper products, pies, cleaning supplies, and or volunteer at the event. Help feed your neighbors, click HERE & sign up!
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Chauncey Fest Benefits LUM Food Pantry |
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North Chauncey Street Residents Support LUM |
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Recently the residents of North Chauncey Street (West Lafayette, IN) sponsored the third annual Chauncey Fest. This new special event included “porch concerts” featuring local live entertainers, specialty food items (homemade ice cream, pulled pork sliders, local beers and wine), a silent auction, and lots of activities for children, including rides on the Purdue Boilermaker Special.
The Chauncey Fest director, Michael Wilcox, and the event team also encouraged participants to bring donations for the LUM Westside Food Pantry, which is located in this historic neighborhood in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tippecanoe County (Meridian & Smiley Streets, West Lafayette, IN). In addition to food items (canned food, peanut butter and more), the donation included much needed items like toilet paper, feminine products and diapers. LUM is grateful for the support from Chauncey Fest and everyone involved in this wonderful event.
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Two MORE LUM Engagement Opportunities |
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