COVID-19 Updates – Impact on LUM – 3/24/2020
LUM is Open for Business – Safety & Compliance
Although the LUM Office is closed for in-person visits, the LUM office phones are staffed during regular business hours, and staff members are answering emails as promptly as possible. All business meetings have been canceled or moved online, and most LUM staff members are currently working from home.
For more than two weeks, the leadership at LUM has been continually monitoring the recommendations from the CDC, the county health department, local and state officials and other agencies. LUM is open for business, but “how” LUM serves the families in our community has been modified to keep everyone as safe as possible. Below is a summary of how LUM programs are continuing to serve the families in our community today. {Please note: LUM program information is accurate now, but changes are expected.}
LUM STILL Needs Your Support
During times like these it is important to give wisely. LUM is a great investment in your local community. A collaboration of 47 local churches, LUM serves as a social safety net for children and families who are experiencing difficult times. Last year, Lafayette Urban Ministry served more than 3,792 families through one or another of our 22 programs.
Cash donations are preferred because they allow LUM to purchase what is needed, when it’s needed. Donations of “needed items” are also welcome and appreciated. Here is a list of “COVID-19 Supplies” that are urgently needed:
- Disinfectant (for surfaces) – bleach, wipes, spray (Lysol), cleaner (Fantasik, 409, Clorox)
- Hand Cleaning – antibacterial wipes (Lysol, Clorox), gloves (nitrile disposable), hand sanitizer, liquid hand soap
- Paper Products – paper towels, facial tissues, toilet paper
Please either ship or drop off items to the LUM Office (420 N 4th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901).
LUM Emergency Shelter – Open Nightly
The LUM Emergency Shelter is open with a strict protocol for intake, check in, dinner services and sleeping arrangements.
- Intake: each weekday afternoon, signing up for returning guests is being done outside and quickly; new guests are being signed up by staff practicing social distancing
- Check in (outside): guests line up using six foot markers for social distancing; staff take each guest’s temperature, and monitor hand cleaning. EMTs and heath department will be called if guests check in with severe symptoms; guests with mild symptoms will be separated and must wear mask for duration for stay.
- Cleaning & food services: disinfecting surfaces frequently; training, postings & handouts on coughing/sneezing & hand washing protocols; staff are wearing gloves; meal is served to guests; seating arranged for social distancing
- Sleeping arrangements: beds are arranged for social distancing and “head to foot” sleeping
Meals are needed every evening. Please consider preparing a meal for our shelter guests. To learn more and sign up online, please click HERE.
LUM Protein Food Pantry – Open Weekly
The LUM Protein Food Pantry is open each Thursday morning with to-go, curbside service. Food items are packed up and available for quick check in and distribution outside of the LUM Ray Ewry Center (525 N 4th Street, Lafayette). Clients are lined up using six foot markers for social distancing.
Donations of protein food items, paper products, infant supplies & feminine hygiene products are needed and welcome. To learn more and see our list of needed items, click HERE.
LUM Tax Assistance & After School Programs – Closed
For now, the LUM Tax Assistance Program is currently not seeing clients in person and no new clients will be served. Everyone is being encouraged to use “free online tax preparation software” available to everyone with a simple return. In just six weeks, LUM served 270 clients with total Federal refunds of $357,280 and total State refunds of $29,450.
LUM Youth Program updates are as follows:
- LUM After School Program – closed, until school reopen
- LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program (May 26 – August 3) – applications for summer childcare are being accepted
- LUM Camp (July 28 – 31) – planning is moving forward, with cautious optimism
LUM Financial & Immigration Assistance – Modified
The LUM Good Samaritan Program is taking requests for emergency financial assistance by phone and email, each weekday morning starting at 8:15 a.m.
The LUM Immigration Clinic is working with clients by phone, video conferencing & email — and new clients should email immigration@lumserve.org.
Spanish Conversation Tables and Citizenship Classes have been canceled until further notice.
Final Thoughts & Information
Information in this eNewsletter is accurate, but changes are expected. For the most up-to-date information about LUM programs & services, please go to the LUM website – lumserve.org.
Please know that the LUM Board of Directors and staff are keeping those affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) in our thoughts and prayers while closely watching the evolving situation.