LP Board Members & Volunteers Conduct Second Unhoused Encampment Outreach Event

Friday, October 3rd, 2025

This past Friday, The Lumina Project successfully held its second direct distribution event, providing food, water, and basic necessities to a local unhoused encampment in Bloomington-Normal. Nearly a month after our first outreach, we were greeted by many of the same names and faces - people whose stories and strength continue to shape our mission. Our goal from the beginning has been to make this a routine initiative, not a one-time act of charity, but a sustained effort to serve those in need within our own community. Seeing our hard work and vision come to life reinforced our belief that consistent, compassionate outreach truly makes a difference.

The lessons and insights gathered during our first visit played a vital role in shaping this second effort. Through detailed notes and thoughtful reflection, we were able to tailor our approach to better address the community’s most immediate needs. This time, we distributed 15 gallons of water, 6 jars of grape jelly, 4 boxes of saltine crackers, 4 boxes of ramen noodles, 24 cans of chicken, 12 cans of baked beans, 5 boxes of mashed potatoes, 2 boxes of rolled gauze, 6 bottles of ibuprofen, 7 bottles of Tylenol, 4 jars of peanut butter, 2 rolls of clear tape, and 18 rolls of toilet paper. 

We were also thrilled to welcome three new volunteers—Cody, Mark, and Lucas—who joined our growing team. Their enthusiasm and compassion embody the future we envision for The Lumina Project: one where collective effort and diverse perspectives drive meaningful change. Expanding our involvement is essential not only to increase our reach but also to strengthen the bonds within our community through shared service and empathy.

As we arrived at the encampment, we were greeted with warmth and familiarity. Two men, James and “Red,” offered us their wagon to help transport supplies through the rugged dirt trails. James shared a deeply emotional story about his partner’s struggles with meth addiction and psychiatric illness, offering a raw glimpse into the daily realities of homelessness. He recounted moments of ridicule from nearby construction workers and even lighthearted stories about a mischievous raccoon - small, humanizing details that remind us of the full, complex lives behind every face we meet.

Photos Taken at the 'Gravel Pits' site off of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Bloomington

We also reunited with Sam and his partner Karen, whom we first met during our initial visit. Karen, who was pregnant at the time, reluctantly shared that she had suffered a miscarriage. Her story serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the real-world consequences of limited healthcare access, environmental stress, and the instability of life without housing. Through further conversation, we learned about her struggles with epilepsy and food allergies - details that will inform and refine our future outreach efforts.

LP Outreach Team: Quentin, Mark, Cody, Lucas, Parker & Evan (Left to Right)

Each encounter this time around only reiterated the idea that you don't have to look far to find people in need - often, they're right here in our own neighborhoods. Our second outreach effort marks another step toward building a long-term partnership with those we serve, rooted in empathy and reliability. The Lumina Project will continue to advocate for the vulnerable, listening to their stories, learning from their experiences, and responding with both compassion and action.