In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, offers updates on three programs: #1) Hunger Hike; #2) The Working Hungry Event; and #3) The LUM Good Samaritan Fund. Please take 58 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others. See below for more updates.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to homelessness. That holds true for Nadia and her two young children. She came to LUM seeking help to pay the security deposit for a new apartment. Nadia had recently left an abusive relationship and secured a full-time job, but she needed a financial boost to make that final step into renting an apartment of her own. Because of the generosity of donors like YOU, the LUM Good Samaritan Fund was able to provide the final $175 towards Nadia’s security deposit. She moved into her new residence, feeling relieved, grateful, and for the first time in many months, safe.

For Nadia and her children (and scores of other local households in financial crisis), the LUM Good Samaritan Fund has provided essential help, interrupting the downward spiral toward homelessness. 

Quite frankly, Nadia and others like her would not be thinking much about financial education and bank accounts if they were in the midst of homelessness. They would be in “survival mode.” Together we need to continue to prevent homelessness before it happens.

In 2022, the LUM Good Samaritan Fund disbursed $158,647 to resolve 2,084 financial emergencies. Being behind on rent was the most common reason clients came to LUM for financial assistance. This is not surprising considering that rental costs throughout Indiana have gone up at least 30% since 2019. In addition to rent, LUM assists with utilities and prescription medications.

The Good Samaritan Fund is offering an empowering hand of hope to our local neighbors who are experiencing an acute financial crisis. It is not creating dependence on this aid. One of the unique features of this fund is that not a single penny of what you give is spent on administrative overhead. In other words, everything you contribute goes directly to assist a local family in need.

Would you please contribute to the LUM Good Samaritan Fund so that together we can continue to offer this strong and reliable safety net to our neighbors?

My friend, please help us build a brighter horizon for Nadia, her children, and many others struggling to make ends meet in Greater Lafayette. Your kindness can have an immediate and generational impact.

Despite the rain, the Hunger Hike fundraiser carried on with spirited determination, and the results were nothing short of spectacular! The turnout was remarkable, demonstrating the incredible support from our community. It was heartwarming to see a range of participants, from Zumba enthusiasts to Purdue Pete, elected officials, religious leaders & groups, local businesses, school groups, and the Purdue Crew Team, all coming together for this important cause. The day was filled with joy, music, popsicles, a delightful hot dog picnic, clowns, face painting, princesses, and even soothing massages – a true celebration of unity and compassion.

Even more astonishing, the fundraiser didn't just meet its goal – it exceeded it! With a goal of $110,000 in mind, Hunger Hike is thrilled to announce that a total of $113,500 has been raised so far. This incredible generosity will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the fight against hunger. But the good news doesn't stop there – donations are still welcome! Every additional contribution will further strengthen our mission to combat hunger and support those in need in our community.

A heartfelt thank you to all who participated, donated, and made Hunger Hike a resounding success. Your kindness and dedication inspire us to continue this vital work, rain or shine. Together, we are making a positive difference in the lives of others and taking significant strides in ending hunger. To view more PHOTOS, click HERE.

The LUM Board of Directors is taking a determined stance against food insecurity. They are actively championing the reauthorization of the Farm Bill and appealing to U.S. Representative Jim Baird to increase support for families facing food insecurity.

Recognizing the Farm Bill's pivotal role in tackling this issue, LUM has been actively involved in initiatives such as co-sponsoring The Working Hungry event and Hunger Hike, in addition to collaborating with like-minded organizations. In a recent board meeting, members took time out to write postcards addressed to U.S. Representative Jim Baird, who plays a key role on the Agriculture Committee responsible for the Farm Bill. Their aim is to draw Representative Baird's attention by sharing personal stories of individuals affected by food insecurity, hoping to underscore LUM's longstanding dedication to this cause.

September is a crucial month in the fight against hunger, marked as Hunger Action Month, where we come together to acknowledge the harsh reality of food insecurity and, more importantly, take meaningful steps to combat it. The LUM Food Pantries in Downtown Lafayette and West Lafayette, IN, are in need of your support as we head into the fall and winter seasons.

Here are FIVE WAYS YOU can make a significant difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity while celebrating Hunger Action Month:

If you have any questions or need further information, please visit our website at LUMserve.org/food-pantry, call us at 765-423-2691, or reach out via email at foodpantry@lumserve.org. Your support and contributions during Hunger Action Month and beyond will help ensure that no one in our community goes to bed hungry. Join us in the fight against hunger, and let's make a meaningful difference together.