40th Anniversary of LUM Homeless Services
LUM Celebrates 40 Years of Transformative Service
During National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week, Lafayette Urban Ministry commemorated four decades of dedicated service to the community through its homeless services. The 40th Anniversary Celebration, held at the Ray Ewry Center, brought together a diverse group of supporters, including donors, volunteers, staff, local officials, and community partners, for a memorable evening of reflection and recognition.
The LUM Ray Ewry Center, which serves as an afterschool care facility by day and an Emergency Shelter and Winter Warming Station by night, has provided approximately 289,000 nights of shelter over its 40-year history. Despite its 48-bed capacity and dedicated staff, demand for services continues to grow. This year alone, the shelter operated at full capacity during the summer and is preparing for a record-breaking winter.
A Night of Reflection and Recognition
The event opened with tours of the shelter, followed by a formal program filled with poignant reflections on the LUM journey. Keynotes from past and current leaders—Joe Micon, Mary Anderson, Wes Tillett, and Mason McConnell Curry—offered a narrative of growth of LUM from its early days of funding temporary hotel stays to becoming a vital community resource providing comprehensive services to those in need.
Mayor Tony Roswarski and State Representative Sheila Klinker delivered heartfelt remarks honoring the legacy of LUM. Mayor Roswarski presented a plaque celebrating LUM’s four decades of service, highlighting its role as a cornerstone of the community’s efforts to address homelessness. Representative Klinker awarded a proclamation from the state, emphasizing the organization’s profound impact on Indiana and its residents. Their recognition underscored the vital partnership between LUM and local leaders in addressing critical social challenges.
Celebrating Milestones
The program also celebrated the contributions of key LUM supporters, including staff, board members, and community partners, whose dedication has made the LUM mission possible. The night’s fundraising efforts culminated in an impressive achievement, with nearly $60,000 raised this quarter to support LUM Homeless Services, a testament to the strength and generosity of the community.
Looking to the Future
The evening closed with a toast to the accomplishments of LUM and a reaffirmation of its mission. While celebrating its legacy, the LUM leadership emphasized the need to push forward toward long-term solutions, envisioning a future where stable housing replaces emergency shelters.
The 40th Anniversary Celebration was more than just a milestone; it was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through collective effort and shared purpose. As LUM continues to inspire hope and resilience, it stands as a stronghold of compassion and progress, committed to serving those in need for decades to come.
MILESTONES – LUM Homeless Services – 1984-2024
Major milestones include the launch of case management in 2006, the creation of the New Opportunity Fund in 2010, and the establishment of the Winter Warming Station in 2015, ensuring a safe, warm place for anyone needing shelter during the coldest months. In 2021, LUM introduced the Healthy Shelter Initiative, improving health, cleanliness, and safety for guests. LUM expanded capacity to 48 guests, adding new outdoor lockers and upgraded the security system, bunk beds and bedding, floors, and office space.
Why Your Support Matters:
The LUM Emergency Shelter provides essential services 365 nights a year, offering guests a warm bed, meals, and connections to vital resources. Last year, LUM helped more than 818 unhoused individuals. As operational costs rise, LUM needs continued support to meet the growing need.
Your generosity has been instrumental in helping LUM reach this milestone, and LUM would be honored to have you at this celebration. LUM looks forward to celebrating with you!
Stay tuned for inspiring stories and exciting plans leading up to the anniversary celebration. Each newsletter will bring you closer to the heart of our mission and the impact we’ve made together. Thank you for your ongoing support. Let’s make the 40th anniversary celebration a memorable one!
