PROG 2024: LAMP continues to shine as a beacon of the community

Published 4:05 pm Monday, March 18, 2024

Over the years, the Lowndes Associated Ministries to People (LAMP) homeless shelter has undergone significant transformations. Initially established by a coalition of churches with a community assistance mission, LAMP aimed to consolidate financial aid primarily towards utilities.

Since its inception, LAMP has broadened its scope to better address the community’s evolving needs. While no longer directly covering utility costs, the organization now focuses on aiding homeless individuals transitioning into new homes through its Rapid Re-Housing program, offering assistance with rent and utility deposits.

LAMP operates a day center for unsheltered individuals and provides essential amenities such as laundry facilities, computer access, food, and bathing facilities. Additionally, shelter residents receive comprehensive support, including assistance with government aid applications, job searches, transportation, interview preparation, and securing permanent housing.

The shelter can accommodate up to 65 individuals and accommodates single men, single women, and families from nine counties in the region, including Berrien, Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Echols, Lanier, Thomas, Tift, and Lowndes.

Since last year, LAMP has received the Chamber of Commerce’s Non-profit of the Year award. On June 29, LAMP plans to maintain momentum by hosting its popular dodgeball tournament at Valdosta State’s Recreation Center. The event will be bigger and more exciting than ever, and proceeds will allow LAMP to continue its great work in the community.

LAMP representatives are focused on providing basic needs and support for the community’s hurting people. They hope the fundraiser will be “a fun way to raise money for a great cause” while covering the costs of needed services.

LAMP also plans to bring back its “Homeless 4 A Night” fundraiser. Homeless For A Night is a poverty simulation program that shows the reality of many unfortunate people. It has not happened since the Covid-19 shutdowns. Participants would simulate homelessness in a controlled environment, and fees and donations from the event would go to combating local homelessness.

As a local soup kitchen has closed, LAMP has opened its facility’s dining room to feed up to 245 people daily from Monday to Friday between 11:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Non-LAMP organizations are happy to have the help.

Last fall, LAMP had another successful Feed the City event where they gave out 1,200 meals to those in need on the day before Thanksgiving. Volunteer efforts are crucial to LAMP’s operations, encompassing maintenance, cooking, Bible studies, budgeting, sewing, life skills classes, resume assistance, and more. Donations of toiletries, cleaning supplies, household goods, and food are welcomed and can be made through the organization’s website or by mail.