Local Agencies Host National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day
On Friday, December 20, 2024, Lafayette Urban Ministry, LTHC Homeless Services and the Salvation Army of Lafayette hosted a powerful observance of National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day.

LUM extends heartfelt thanks to all agency partners, community members, and guests who attended. This meaningful event honored those in our community who experienced homelessness and lost their lives, while raising awareness about homelessness and its impact.
Jennifer Layton, president/CEO of LTHC Homeless Services, served as emcee, guiding us through the ceremony with compassion and grace. The event included a meaningful program featuring an opening prayer and poignant remarks from Wes Tillett, executive director of LUM, as well as the reading of names in remembrance and heartfelt reflections shared by attendees. Hot chocolate, provided by the Salvation Army of Lafayette, warmed participants on this solemn day.
Thank you for standing with us in remembrance and solidarity as we work toward a future of hope and stability for all.
Support Lafayette Urban Ministry in Commemorating National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day
As we reflect on the impact of homelessness and honor those we have lost, you can join Lafayette Urban Ministry in making a difference:
- 🧤 Donate Needed Items: Provide essential winter gear like hats, gloves, and scarves.
- 🍴 Volunteer or Prepare a Meal: Help serve those in need through your time and effort.
- 💙 Make a Financial Contribution: Support LUM’s mission to assist individuals and families in our community.
Your generosity ensures we can continue offering vital services to those experiencing homelessness. Together, we can build a future of hope and stability for all.
Learn more and get involved at LUMserve.org/homeless-services/. Thank you for your support.
Join us in observing National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, preceding the weekend with the longest night of the year. This vigil is a time for us to gather as a community to honor and remember those in our community who have experienced homelessness and lost their lives. It is a part of a national day of remembrance to raise awareness about homelessness and its impact while honoring those we have lost.
Details:
- When: Friday, December 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM
- Where: N 12th St, Lafayette, IN (between Salem and Union Streets)
- Alternate Locations:
- Adjacent LTHC Homeless Services parking lot (if additional space is required)
- LTHC Homeless Services Day Room (in case of inclement weather)
- Alternate Locations:
Event Program:
- Emcee: Jennifer Layton, president/CEO, LTHC Homeless Services
- Prayer: Delivered by LUM Chaplains & Wes Tillett, executive director, Lafayette Urban Ministry
- In Memoriam: Reading of names in remembrance
- Open Comments: Opportunity for attendees to share reflections
- Refreshments: Hot chocolate provided by the Salvation Army of Lafayette
Additional Details:
- Community Collection Drive: Donations of new hats, gloves, and other winter essentials will be accepted during the event.
- This event is open to the public
- Attendees will include:
- Guests of Lafayette Urban Ministry (LUM) & LTHC Homeless Services
- Members of the Homeless Prevention and Intervention Network (HPIN)
- Local elected officials and community leaders
- Event Sponsors:
- LTHC Homeless Services
- Lafayette Urban Ministry
- Salvation Army of Lafayette
For more information, please email or call Pablo Malavenda (pmalavenda@lumserve.org | 765-423-2691).
Contacts:
Jennifer Layton
President/CEO
LTHC Homeless Services
765-423-4880
jlayton@lthc.net
Wes Tillett
Executive Director
Lafayette Urban Ministry
765-423-2691
wtillett@lumserve.org
About the Sponsors
LTHC Homeless Services: LTHC Homeless Services aims to end homelessness in Greater Lafayette by providing tailored support and housing solutions. Their mission centers on a “Housing First” model, connecting individuals and families experiencing homelessness with sustainable housing and essential resources. Services include the Day Resource Center, which offers basic necessities, and programs like Rapid Re-Housing and Permanent Supportive Housing to assist guests in achieving stability. LTHC also operates programs specifically for veterans and provides comprehensive case management to address diverse needs
Lafayette Urban Ministry: Lafayette Urban Ministry is an organization of more than 52 churches that serves as a social safety net for individuals, children and families in Tippecanoe County. For more than 50 years, LUM has worked to give back the hope, the future, and the self-respect to our neighbors in need. LUM takes an active role in trying to change social injustices and improve the quality of life for the individuals, children and families in our community. LUM is committed to loving neighbors, seeking justice, empowering the least among us, and renewing the social ministry through its food programs, financial assistance, youth programs, immigration services, and homeless services.
Lafayette Salvation Army: Lafayette Salvation Army seeks to empower and support individuals and families by addressing immediate needs like food security and providing spiritual guidance, while also fostering long-term improvements in their lives. Its programs include a food pantry, spiritual ministries, and various social service initiatives to uplift the community. They are dedicated to providing support and resources to those experiencing hardship.