In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, shares the importance of LUM serving the marginalized. Please take 59 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others. Read Wes's full message below.

The marginalized matter. The artwork in this letter portrays the arrival of the Messiah. From the hollow of the “stump of Jesse” (Isaiah 11:1), a life-giving Vine has taken root. The angels make the royal birth announcement not to the well-off, but to the cast-off – the shepherds. The artist, Bette Dickinson, explains, “He is born into the margins and announced to the marginalized.” God makes a statement: “a Savior has been born to you.” Implication: “the marginalized matter to Me.” 

For 50 years LUM has been compelled to care about people on the margins in Greater Lafayette. So far in 2022, LUM has uplifted 3,621 households through one or more of its 22 programs and events. That’s 12,324 bednights for people experiencing homeless, $156,783.32 to households in the midst of eviction or utility disconnection, 802 consultations and 288 clients receiving federally-approved legal immigration assistance, and so much more. 

LUM could not “tackle basic human needs and uplift human beings” without the support of people such as you. Thank you. Thank you for living out a Scripture that has echoed throughout this 50th year of LUM, “Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). 

P.S. Please donate online at LUMserve.org/donate, by mail or in person.

Below is a list of businesses, churches and foundations that made significant end of the year gifts to LUM.

A donation to LUM before the end of the year may entitle you to a charitable contribution deduction against your income tax. If you, your business or organization wishes to take advantage of this deduction, go to LUMserve.org/donate, email lum@LUMserve.org or call 765-423-2691.

In response to the forecasted winter storm with blizzard conditions and dangerously low temperatures, the LUM Winter Warming Station will open at 9 p.m., three hours early, this Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday (12/22-12/26). LUM will also provide bus transportation for shelter guests from the LTHC day shelter to both the LUM Emergency Shelter and the Winter Warming Station. If YOU wish to help, LUM is looking for volunteers to shovel out the buses on Thursday and Friday night. 

The LUM Emergency Shelter provides short-term, overnight shelter, meals, and showers in a safe and caring environment to individuals experiencing homelessness. The LUM  Emergency Shelter may accommodate up to 46 adults each night of the year, regardless of weather conditions. Hundreds of volunteers help manage the shelter and provide & serve meals. Individuals may need shelter for a variety of reasons, including inability to pay rent due to job loss or health problems. Also, newcomers to our community sometimes need temporary help while seeking jobs and housing. The LUM Emergency Shelter provides a vital service to the greater Lafayette community. For more information, please go to LUMserve.org/shelter.

The LUM Winter Warming Station complements the services of the LUM Emergency Shelter from November to April. Located in the LUM Office building (420 N 4th Street, Lafayette), it is open from midnight to 7 a.m. every night until April 15, 2023. Other contingency plans are in place during stormy weather or if temperatures get dangerously low. The LUM Winter Warming Station also gives individuals an opportunity to learn about other services offered by LUM and other local agencies for which they may be eligible. Individuals are encouraged to make a donation or provide bagged meals for the Winter Warming Station guests. For more information, please go to LUMserve.org/winter-warming-station/.

Volunteers are needed 365 evenings a year. LUM Homeless Services could not operate without the help of hundreds of volunteers. Some volunteers stay overnight, while others make a monetary donation, donate "needed items," or prepare and serve meals. Some groups pitch in during the monthly LUM Deep Cleaning Days. For more information, please go to LUMserve.org/shelter.

LUM After School Program is looking for bus drivers to transport students in LUM buses from their schools to the LUM Ray Ewry Center each school day.

For more details, click HERE. If interested—please apply by email.