LP Braves the Elements in First Unhoused Encampment Outreach Event of the Year

Saturday, January 17th, 2026

This past Saturday morning, eight members of The Lumina Project outreach team ventured back into two familiar unhoused encampments right here in Bloomington-Normal. During snowfall and frigid temperatures, this outing signified the heart of our mission of meeting people where they are, not where it’s convenient. Winter does not pause for those living outdoors, and neither can the people committed to serving them.

With vehicles loaded down, we distributed basic necessities, including non-perishable food, water, hygiene products, warm clothing, hand warmers, pillows, blankets, and weatherproofing supplies. In total, our distribution included: 90 cans of assorted beans, green beans, corn, peas, peaches, cream of mushroom/chicken soup, beef with vegetable soup, and SpaghettiO's, 72 packets of ramen, 30 cans of chicken/tuna, 18 packages of assorted crackers, 8 cans of Spam, 6 cans of jellied cranberry sauce, 8 boxes of mac n cheese, 43 rolls of toilet paper, 4 jars of jelly, 16 jars of peanut butter, 7 packages of mashed potatoes, 26 assorted snack bags, 2 boxes of NutriGrain bars, 6 small bottled waters, 6 bags of gold fish, 5 packages of cheese crackers, 5 bags of frosted wheat cereal, 10 boxes of microwaveable pad thai, 6 bags of rice, 12 toothbrushes, 3 tubes of toothpaste, 4 sticks of deodorant, 3 bottles of body wash, 4 tubes of shampoo, 1 two-three person tent, 1 sleeping bag, 4 warm blankets, 2 ground tarps, 1 two-gallon water dispenser, 40 hand warmers, 5 assorted pillows, 10 one-gallon jugs of water, 3 can openers, 8 men's sweatshirts, 6 men's long sleeves, 3 men's t-shirts, 3 men's belts, and ~30 miscellaneous articles of men's clothing (mostly sweaters and button-up shirts).

Purchasing Supplies and Unloading

Our first stop was the Adelaide encampment, where we encountered far fewer inhabitants than usual. Many of the individuals we did find remained inside their tents for warmth and safety, limiting our ability to interact face-to-face and establish the familiarity that is essential to building trust. Still, we welcomed every voice we heard through layers of tarp and tent walls. We spoke with residents as best we could, asked what they needed, and left essential supplies within arm’s reach, because in moments like these, even a short conversation can make an impact.

Pictures taken at the Adelaide Unhoused Encampment

The challenges we encountered at Adelaide also emphasized a glaring reality: outreach during severe weather is often where many efforts stop. Some charitable organizations rely on fixed distribution points or surface-level drop-offs that unintentionally fail the very people they’re intended to help. We saw it again at the entrance, a table littered with canned goods and perishable items, blanketed in snow and battered by the elements, likely never to be received by those who need them most. This is where our niche advantage as a direct-outreach nonprofit becomes clear. When the weather turns hostile and the terrain becomes intimidating, these environments create a barrier for many, but direct outreach is precisely what allows LP to break through that barrier.

It was here that we were grateful to reunite with Amy, a woman we’ve met several times before. She and her fiancé were among the only familiar faces we encountered initially, though they remained inside their tent. Amy shared that she would be moving into the HSHM Tiny Homes after Monday, but unfortunately, her fiancé would have to remain at the camp, another reminder of how homelessness separates families and partnerships in ways many never have to imagine. She mentioned a few other familiar names still residing at the site, but the only one we encountered again was Chris. When Amy told us they had lost items due to theft, our abundance of men’s clothing became more than just a donation; it became immediate relief.

Majority of Clothing Donations given to Amy and fiancée at Adelaide

Our second stop was The Gravel Pits, where we were greeted by familiar faces, including Rex, Frenchie, and, later, Richard and his fiancée. We also met a new resident, Sandra, who spoke very little English and struggled to connect with others in the camp. Rex shared concerns about her lack of food, and supposedly, that she had resorted to eating out of garbage as a result. It was one of those moments that stops you in place, because it isn’t just a story, it’s a person standing in front of you. It was also a reminder of why direct outreach matters: someone like Sandra may never approach a distribution table, never enter a facility, and may never be reached unless people intentionally go to her.

LP Outreach Team at the Gravel Pits Encampment

Toward the back of the camp, where we’ve often encountered the largest and most tight-knit community, we were met instead with emptiness. We saw only a fraction of the people who once lived there. Most notably, Lawrence’s large tent structure had been reduced to nothing, an unsettling visual marker of how quickly survival can unravel outdoors.

Additional Pictures taken at Gravel Pits; Top left demonstrates the desolate landscape formerly littered with structures

Saturday wasn’t just a supply run; it was a snapshot of instability, movement, and loss in real time. Still, we remain committed. We will continue returning, continuing conversations, and delivering resources directly into these spaces, especially in the moments when others cannot, or will not, do the same.

LP Outreach Team: Quentin, Nick, Evan, Lucas, Parker, Cody, Martin (Left to Right)

How You Can Help

The Lumina Project relies on the support of generous volunteers, donors, and community partners to continue our work. If you’re interested in getting involved or know someone who is - whether by volunteering, donating, or spreading the word - please reach out to us. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most. Thank you for supporting The Lumina Project and helping us build a stronger, more compassionate community.