In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, gives examples of how you to may support Hunger Action Month, including attending The Working Hungry event tonight and participating in Hunger Hike (Sunday, September 17). Please take 59 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others. For more information, see articles below

Lafayette Urban Ministry has a longstanding Financial Assistance Program aimed at supporting low-income residents of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, who are within 185% of the poverty line. The program assesses client needs and provides payments to relevant third parties, such as rental agencies and utility companies, for legitimate needs. To enhance the program's effectiveness, LUM conducted a survey to gain insights into its clients and potential improvements. The most prevalent reason for seeking assistance was overdue rent payments. Other key findings are as follows:

In conclusion, the LUM Financial Assistance Program serves a vital role in assisting low-income residents facing economic challenges, especially related to housing costs and employment instability. The findings highlight the need for affordable housing solutions, potential efforts to promote banking access, and the potential value of financial education to support clients in building a more secure financial future.

This research was designed and analyzed by Dr. Cleve Shields, professor emeritus of Human Development & Family Science at Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN (pictured). To read more about this research project, click HERE.

During the recent heatwave, the LUM Cooling Station opened in the LUM Office as a haven for the unhoused. It not only offered relief from the sweltering sun but also extended a lifeline of compassion. The LUM Cooling Station was opened during office hours and from midnight to 7 a.m. The station's offerings went beyond cool air — clean water, a simple meal, hygiene supplies, new socks, bathrooms, and a sense of community. The LUM Cooling Station provided more than physical relief; it rekindled dignity and restored hope.

At the LUM Gala of Hope fundraising event in June benefitting the LUM Immigration Clinic, attendees were able to purchase "out of this world" experiences. Recently two of these experiences happened — the Pontoon Excursion (pictured) and Tour of the Tippecanoe County Courthouse. LUM is grateful for the individuals who donated these unique experiences as well as the individuals who purchased them. If you missed the LUM Gala of Hope event and wish to invest in the LUM Immigration Clinic, please consider making a donation or volunteering.

The LUM Immigration Clinic stands as a guiding light for immigrants in the Greater Lafayette area, expertly leading them through the intricate maze of the US immigration system. With unwavering commitment, the clinic extends a helping hand, providing certified legal aid valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. This crucial support is a beacon of hope for those whose financial limitations would otherwise bar them from such assistance. Remarkably, the Immigration Clinic stands alone, unrivaled in its purpose, as the sole program of its kind spanning across Tippecanoe County and the encompassing eight-county region.

The LUM Food Pantries welcome donations from “Giving Gardeners” who have “grown a row” for LUM or simply wish to donate from their garden. They also accept a variety of food, hygiene, and paper items as well. Did you know that a few of the most needed items are diapers, toilet paper, dish detergent, and peanut butter? To view the complete wish list of needed items, click HERE. Donation Drop Off information is as follows:

Your donated items will be more quickly distributed if you bring them directly to one of the food pantries listed above, but donations are also accepted at the LUM Office (420 N 4th Street, Lafayette, IN), Monday-Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.