In this week’s edition of Wes’s Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM Executive Director, shares a success story from the LUM Emergency Shelter demonstrating how hospitality changes lives. He also invites you to the 40th Anniversary Celebration for LUM Homeless Services and encourages you to participate in the 40-for-40 Campaign. Please take just a couple of minutes to watch the video and SHARE it with others. For more information on the 40th Anniversary event and the 40-for-40 Campaign, see below.

Next week, LUM is commemorating National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month through various initiatives. The LUM has been a vital resource for those experiencing homelessness in Greater Lafayette for four decades. On November 20, the LUM will celebrate the 40th Anniversary of LUM Homeless Services. See below for details.

During Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, LUM will distribute free SOCKS & COATS to individuals in need. Socks and coats will be available at the LUM Office front desk and through various LUM programs.

To further support the Emergency Shelter and Winter Warming Station, LUM has launched the 40-for-40 Campaign to raise $40,000 in honor of 40 years of service. Donations can be made directly, and Klemme State Farm Insurance will match up to $3,000. The Run the Ball event will also feature friendly competition between Purdue and IU FIJI fraternities to raise funds for the LUM Emergency Shelter and Winter Warming Station.

LUM invites you to the 40th Anniversary of LUM Homeless Services. This special event marks four decades of dedication to providing shelter, support, and life-changing assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness in Greater Lafayette.

Here are the details:

• DATE/TIME – Wednesday, November 20, at 6:30 p.m.
• LOCATION – LUM Ray Ewry Center, 525 N 4th St., Lafayette, IN
• Refreshments from Lafayette Brewing Company
• Tours at 6 p.m.
• Program Information Below

The 40th Anniversary of LUM Homeless Services will feature four 5-minute keynotes and mission moments from three former shelter guests. See below.

The BEGINNING - Joe Micon will reflect on the emergency shelter's beginnings in 1984, recalling the early days when Executive Director Jud Dolphin proposed purchasing cots and placing them in the attic to shelter individuals experiencing homelessness.

The TRANSFORMATION - Mary Anderson will discuss the growth and impact of LUM facilities, particularly the positive transformation brought by the construction of a dedicated building for the unhoused.

The PRESENT - Wes Tillet will share insights into innovations such as overcoming the challenges of COVID-19 and pursuing grants to improve shelter safety and cleanliness, including the Healthy Shelter Initiative.

The FUTURE - Mason McConnell Curry will discuss LUM's role in the future and the future of homelessness, including trends from cities like Milwaukee that have successfully implemented proven approaches like Housing First and wrap-around services.

The 40th Anniversary of LUM Homeless Services will include "Mission Moments" featuring inspiring stories from individuals who successfully transitioned from homelessness to stable housing and employment.

PATRICK, a reformed addict, found sobriety and housing through LUM services, showing how dedication and resources can transform lives.

TIMOTHY, who moved from homelessness to employment and housing, credits the LUM staff and Match Program for helping him achieve independence.

KENNETH, who recently received a promotion and secured his own apartment, shares how support and encouragement from LUM helped him gain stability.

In celebration of our 40th Anniversary, LUM has launched the 40-for-40 Campaign with a goal of raising $40,000 — $1,000 for each year of service. Every dollar raised will directly support the Emergency Shelter and Winter Warming Station. So far, we’ve reached 47% of our goal, with $18,274 raised to date.

Ways to Contribute:

• Donate: Every dollar goes towards sustaining vital services for our unhoused neighbors. Give now.
• Klemme Match: Klemme State Farm Insurance will match donations to LUM Homeless Services up to $3,000, doubling your impact. Learn more.
• Run the Ball Event: Purdue FIJI fraternity will compete with the IU FIJI chapter to raise funds for LUM, adding fun rivalry to our efforts. Learn more.

Help us go the distance! Make a donation today and honor 40 years of service to the unhoused. Together, we can continue providing shelter, support, and hope.

Get ready for a Thanksgiving Feast like no other. LUM is serving up more than 800 meals at the 38th Annual LUM Community Thanksgiving Feast — featuring a whopping 75 turkeys, 112 pies, and all the classic fixings: yams, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, rolls, cranberry sauce, and plenty of gravy. It’s a delicious, heartwarming celebration open to everyone — no reservations needed.

Want to pitch in?

LUM is gratefully accepting cash & food donations. Here’s what’s needed:

• Ready-to-Serve Dinner Rolls
• Fully Prepared Stuffing/Dressing
• Fully Prepared Green Bean Casserole
• Canned Yams, Corn & Cranberry Sauce
• Pecan, Peach & Cherry Pies
• Unsweetened Tea
• Paper Towels, Dinner Plates & To-Go Containers
• All Purpose Cleaning Spray

For more details on how to donate, click the button below and help make this Thanksgiving Feast unforgettable!

THANKSGIVING Day, November 28 | Register Today!