Greater Lafayette Family Shelter

The Greater Lafayette Family Shelter (formerly Family Promise)  ministry at St. Tom’s was formed in 2009.  The ministry serves the Greater Lafayette Family Shelter at 2010 Elmwood Ave., Lafayette, IN.  (next to the Northend Community Center) and its mission to end homelessness in the Greater Lafayette community.

Many opportunities await those who wish to volunteer for GL Family Shelter.*  Each semester, St. Tom’s serves the families residing at the Shelter for two designated weeks. Hosting includes meal preparation and evening company on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

For 2024, our volunteer weeks are:

• March 18 to 22
• May 13 to 17
• October 14 to 18
• December 2 to 6

We use Sign Up Genius for volunteer weeks.

December 2 to 6

Note: The evening volunteers must be willing to engage with the families. During the week, a GL Family Shelter staff member will be present to answer phones or “walk-up” inquiries and manage the after-hour duties.  Masks are optional, but please bring one if the families request that volunteers wear a mask.
 

Training:

Those who wish to serve with GL Family Shelter must complete two separate training requirements:

1. Safe Environment Training is offered through the Diocese of Lafayette, IN.
2. Greater Lafayette Family ShelterTraining, which is offered through our local affiliate

Note: Volunteers must create a username and password to access the training.  Training is tracked, and internal tests must be completed and passed before being officially trained. 

Volunteers:

Once trained, the volunteer opportunities are:

• Meal Preparers: Can either prepare and cook a homemade meal or purchase an evening meal from a local restaurant.  Either option must be delivered to the Shelter no later than 4:45 pm.  Currently, we are asked to cover Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of our volunteer week.    
•  Evening/Weekend Company: Consists of being present for the families at the Shelter.  However, we are not babysitters, and parents must be nearby to supervise their children.  Volunteers can bring their own games or other activities that might interest the families.  It is an opportunity to provide fellowship and a “listening ear” when needed.

St. Tom’s Greater Lafayette Family Shelter Steering Committee:

• David Allen
• Chuck Anderson 
• Lucia Anderson
• Sharon Graves (Coordinator)
• Don Porter
• Duane Sellers
• Jane Sellers

A personal story:  

During one of our recent volunteer weeks, I met a young lady from one of the families.  She was four years old and a pleasure to interact with.  When I told her I was leaving, she had her father dig into his pocket for a shiny penny.  She placed it in my hand and said thank you.   I said no, please keep it, but she insisted!  My heart melted at the thought that she wanted to share what little they had with me.  However, God has a way to keep me humble and my ego in place.  Later, I found out that she gives shiny pennies to others on a regular basis, so I am not that special!  However, I definitely feel very blessed to have met her and experienced her generosity to those around her.  I will always remember this little 4-year-old.  I encourage you to take a chance and volunteer a couple of hours of your time to maybe experience moments like this. 
God Bless,
Sharon Graves