Tagged: Lafayette Urban Ministry

The Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette is awarding its latest round of grants. The $102,492.65 will help five organizations with larger projects.

The Furniture Bank is buying a truck thanks to donations from several groups, including the Foundation. The organization that helps those with a housing emergency received a $20,000 grant.

The bank is run by First United Methodist Church with several nonprofits and the City of Lafayette. Volunteer Jeanne Norberg says the box truck will pick-up furniture donations and can now deliver it to people getting back on their feet.

A fundraising event this weekend is moving to higher ground.

The Hunger Hike 5K has been moved to Munger Park in Lafayette due to flooding along the Wabash Heritage Trail.

The event benefits the Lafayette Urban Ministry, Food Finders Food Bank, and the St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry.

LUM executive director Joe Micon says for the past few years, the 5K was part of the annual Hunger Hike in September.

But he says it made more sense to develop it into a separate event.

The race begins at nine o’clock Saturday morning.

Since Lafayette Urban Ministry’s 2013 tax assistance program began January 22, it’s brought back $2.5 million to low income tax filers.

Executive Director Joe Micon says it’s an important resource for those who seek the help.

“With these refunds, individuals are able to pay back rents. They’re able to purchase clothing for their children. People have paid tuition at Ivy Tech with these refunds,” he says. “Even had an individual purchase a car so he could accept a job.”

A local non-profit will use a $14,457.26 donation from the Purdue crew team to help some of the area’s neediest families.

The money benefits the Lafayette Urban Ministry’s Good Samaritan program.

The financial assistance fund provides emergency help to pay for things such as utility bills, rent, and prescription medications.

LUM officials say no operating expenses are taken out, so 100% of the donations to the program go to a family in need.

The money was raised during the Crew team’s annual Row-A-Thon last month.

The success of a program that launched in 2011 is aiming for similar results this year.

Lafayette Urban Ministry’s Fifth Quarter initiative is intended to help low income students continue their education during the summer months.

LUM executive director Joe Micon says the goal is avoid any education drop off during that time.