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History |
The Light House Mission was established in 1890 to serve the needs of transient and needy local people in the Wabash Valley, and has served in this capacity to this present time. In 1935, it was recognized as a not-for-profit organization by the state of Indiana. The Mission has expanded its range and geographic scope of services to include 19 counties in Western Indiana and Eastern Illinois. We have a working relationship with the law enforcement agencies, welfare departments, government agencies, state prison system, and many churches in these counties who refer people in need to us. As these counties form some of the poorest localities in Indiana, the Mission has seen a significant increase in the number of indigent and homeless in the last few years. The Mission accepts all who need assistance and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, ethnicity, or physical ability. The Light House Mission is governed by a board of directors, elected from community leaders. It is staffed by 17 employees (11 full time and 6 part time) and numerous community volunteers, who gave 8,328 hours of service last year. The Mission is funded primarily by donations, bequests, Thrift Store sales, and grants. In 1990, the Mission served just over 14,000 meals, and by 1997, over 60,000 meals were served. Last year, more than 164,000 meals were served to homeless and financially hurting people. This year that number will top 170,000, or over 465 meals a day. The combined shelter capacity of the men, women, and married couples’ housing is over 150 beds, providing approximately 43,000 night’s lodging to men, women and children each year. In addition to food and shelter, the Mission also provides clothing and disaster relief to the community at large. In 1998, The Conner’s Center was opened in
North Terre Haute as a shelter for single wome
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and women with children. The Center offers the same programs
for the women residents, as well as providing transportation for
appointments for the doctor, welfare office, etc. Soon they
will be starting a food program to provide meals for the
low-income families in the surrounding communities.
