LUM Winter Warming Station Persisted
A Ministry of Compassion & Adaptability
No one in our community should have to spend the night outdoors in the harsh weather of the winter months — especially during a global pandemic. Since November 15, LUM Winter Warming Station was open from midnight to 7 a.m. and allowed individuals to be in a safe indoor warm space. Each guest was also provided with coffee, water, and a bagged meal to take with them in the morning. This winter, the Winter Warming Station persisted and served more than 226 individuals for 1,390 bed-nights, and 78 guests were new to LUM.
Serving individuals experiencing homelessness during COVID-19 took detailed planning and additional staffing. This winter was colder than usual with 24 days of dangerously cold temperatures. On these nights, LUM provided buses from the local day shelter to the LUM Emergency Shelter and Winter Warming Station and opened three hours early (at 9 p.m.).
Now that the spring season has arrived the LUM Winter Warming Station is closed until it is needed again in mid-November. LUM persisted and prevailed despite all of the many challenges presented by the harsh weather and the COVID-19 resurgence. Thanks to each overnight shelter volunteer as well as the families, groups, individuals, businesses, and churches who provided meals for the Emergency Shelter and the Winter Warming Station.
