In this week’s edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap-Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, unveils the LUM Impact Report 2024,, expressing his heartfelt gratitude for your support in meeting the community’s growing needs over the past year. Take just 59 seconds to watch the video, and don’t forget to SHARE it with your friends. See below for more details.

Lafayette Urban Ministry is excited to share the LUM Impact Report 2024, highlighting a year of service, community impact, and transformative change. This report reflects the collective efforts of our dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and passionate staff—demonstrating how, together, we are strengthening and uplifting our community.

Key Highlights from 2024:

• 48,594 occurrences of client engagement—a 23% increase from 2023
• 4,326 families served | 2,214 children served
• 30,598 meals & food aid provided
• 18,879 bed nights at the LUM Emergency Shelter & Winter Warming Station
• $115,301 in financial assistance through the LUM Good Samaritan Fund

This year’s report celebrates the resilience of those LUM serves and the generosity of those who make our work possible. As LUM continues through 2025, we are committed to stepping up and continuing our mission better than ever—serving with compassion, innovation, and dedication. Read the full LUM Impact Report 2024 and join us in shaping a brighter future for Greater Lafayette.

I love a good investment—some have flourished, others have failed. But the best investment I’ve made recently is in Lafayette Urban Ministry. Helping a family avoid homelessness is a truly priceless return.

In 2024, LUM made a significant impact, addressing homelessness, hunger, and at-risk youth—issues close to God’s heart. I’m grateful to be part of this mission and for your support in these accomplishments.

Join us in 2025 as we continue building on our success and exploring new opportunities. If you have ideas or questions, feel free to reach out at (517) 712-1324 or president@LUMserve.org.

Welcome to the 2024 LUM Impact Report!

In 2024, we were challenged to step up—and we did. LUM served the community 48,594 times, a 23% increase from 2023, thanks to the dedicated staff, volunteers, and donors.

LUM is better than ever—thriving financially, expanding services, and strengthening partnerships. This report celebrates the dignity-giving, compassionate work of the past year.

As needs grow, we must continue stepping up. Thank you for your prayers, time, finances, and support in uplifting our neighbors. Join us in making 2025 even better!

Bob Shockey

LUM Board of Directors president

Wes Tillett

LUM executive director

During this current Arctic blast with dangerously cold temperatures, Lafayette Urban Ministry, the City of Lafayette, LTHC Homeless Services, and local agencies have swiftly coordinated to ensure no one is left without shelter this week and for the rest of the winter.

During the last extreme cold spell, the LUM Emergency Shelter and Winter Warming Station exceeded capacity (92), providing refuge for more than 100 individuals each night, a sharp increase from previous winters. In response, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, worked with local leaders to develop an emergency overflow plan.

Thanks to community collaboration, LTHC Homeless Services expanded its Day Room to provide additional shelter for 20 individuals, with LUM shuttle buses helping transport those in need. This community-wide effort ensures all unhoused individuals have a safe place to sleep. “This is something few cities can achieve—ensuring no one is left out in the cold,” said Tillett. “Our community prioritizes collaboration, making it possible to respond in times of crisis.” To read more, click HERE.

How You Can Help:

Donate, volunteer, or provide meals and supplies like warm clothing and hygiene items to support these lifesaving efforts. For more information or to contribute, visit the LUM website, LTHC website, and the City's website.

LUM is dedicated to advocating for policies that support families, promote economic stability, and address homelessness with compassion. LUM supports legislation that strengthens Hoosier families and opposes measures that marginalize vulnerable populations.

LUM Supports:

• Senate Bill 497 – Tax Credit for Newborn Children: Provides a refundable $500 tax credit per newborn, easing financial burdens for families. 
• Senate Bill 115 – Paid Family and Medical Leave: Ensures workers can care for family without financial hardship. 
• Senate Bill 122 – Non-Profit Loan Centers for State Employees: Helps state employees avoid predatory loans by offering fair, nonprofit loan options. 

LUM Opposes:

• House Bill 1174 – Charges for Supervised Loans: Adds excessive fees to small loans, trapping low-income Hoosiers in debt. Take Quick Action Here to stop it!
• SUCCESSFULLY Defeated - House Bill 1662 – Criminalization of Homelessness: Makes “street camping” a misdemeanor and restricts funds for permanent housing. Take Quick Action Here to stop it!

Take Action: Contact your legislators at iga.in.gov. Learn more: click HERE.

Financial Assistance Program

Food Pantries & Rescue

Homeless Services

Youth Programs

Tax Assistance Program