our mission & story

We are a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to serving our unsheltered neighbors in Louisville, KY. With a mission rooted in love and compassion, we provide food, supplies, and critical resource guidance to those experiencing homelessness. Every Sunday, with the support of our volunteers, donors, and partner agencies, we deliver over 600 sack lunches, hygiene kits, clothing, and other essentials. Our outreach goes beyond just providing material goods—we aim to build trust, offer advocacy, and support our neighbors with the dignity they deserve, always respecting their privacy.

L.O.U. also conducts special cold-weather services during dangerous temperature drops, when the risks for those on the streets are life-threatening. We load up vehicles with blankets, gloves, sternos, and hand warmers, distributing these life-saving supplies to those who can’t or won’t seek shelter indoors. At L.O.U., we believe real change happens when the entire community comes together, which is why we foster relationships with individuals, private groups, and corporations. We invite anyone with the desire to make a difference to join us in helping Louisville’s most vulnerable.

our board

  • David Smillie

    Executive Director

    “Compassion changes everything. Compassion heals. Compassion mends the broken and restores what has been lost. Compassion draws together those who have been estranged or never even dreamed they were connected. Compassion pulls us out of ourselves and into the heart of another, placing us on Holy ground where we instinctively take off our shoes and walk in reverence. Compassion springs out of vulnerability and triumphs in unity.”

    - J. Cannato

  • Lauren Stokes

    Director of Fundraising & Communications

    “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others. Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.”

    - Marcus Tullius Cicero

  • Al Kirby

    Treasurer

    “We can never know the ecstasy of true hope without attending to the tragic realities of the poor and forgotten”

    - Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II

  • Amy Nguyen

    Secretary

    “Fight for the things you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” 

    - Ruth Bader Ginsberg

  • Amie Michel

    Volunteer Coordinator

    “You will never look into the eyes of someone God does not love. Be kind.”

    - Johnny R. Powell

  • Tara Mattingly

    Board Member

    “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

    - Lao Tzu

  • Ginger Schultz

    Board Member

    “The rainbow is more beautiful than the pot at the end of it, because the rainbow is now. And the pot never turns out to be quite what I expected.”

    - Hugh Prather

  • Chris Hoerter

    Board Member

    “Perhaps all the dragons in our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us act, just once, with beauty and courage. Perhaps everything that frightens us is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love.”

    - Rainer Maria Rilke

FAQs

Have a question that isn’t answered here? Shoot us a message and we’ll be in touch soon!

  • If you know someone in need of assistance, you can contact here on our website through our contact page. We will assess the situation and provide whatever immediate help we can, whether it’s delivering supplies, connecting them to shelters, or offering transportation to a safe location.

    • Non-perishable food (canned goods, granola bars, etc.)

    • Bottled water

    • Hygiene products (soap, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine hygiene items)

    • Warm clothing (coats, gloves, hats, socks)

    • Sleeping bags and blankets

    • Tents and tarps

    • Backpacks or duffel bags

    • First aid supplies

  • While L.O.U. does not operate a physical shelter, we work closely with local shelters and housing organizations to help place individuals in temporary or permanent housing. Our team assists with finding available options and providing transportation when needed. Visit our resources page to learn more about nearby shelter options.

  • Yes, financial contributions are one of the most effective ways to support our work. You can donate securely through our donate page, and your funds will go toward essential services like food distribution, transportation, and housing assistance.

  • We welcome partnerships with local businesses and organizations! Whether it’s through corporate donations, sponsorships, or volunteer efforts, we work together with companies to support Louisville’s unsheltered community. Visit our contact page and submit a form or email social@lououtreach.org to discuss how your organization can get involved.

  • You can follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay informed about upcoming events, donation drives, and the impact we’re making in the community.

View fullsize Today, we want to take a moment to simply say THANK YOU to our incredible donors, supporters, and champions of change. ❤️ Your ongoing compassion and support are what fuel everything we do here at LOU. Because of you, we’re able to make a real
View fullsize For over 25 years, our dear friend has endured life on the streets. Despite facing unimaginable challenges, he has always been one of the kindest people we’ve had the honor of serving. Through all these years, he never asked for anything—
View fullsize Louisville is currently facing dangerously severe temperatures, putting our unsheltered neighbors at even greater risk. Shelter beds are full, and many are being turned away with nowhere to go. We must lead with compassion and empathy during these li
View fullsize Behind Every Sunday Serve, There’s a Week of Hard Work   At LOU, our mission goes beyond Sunday serves and cold meals. Every single day, our team is on the ground taking unsheltered neighbors to important appointments, coordinating medical
View fullsize Louisville, your compassion warms hearts—and saves lives. 💙❄️   The recent severe weather has been brutal for our unsheltered neighbors, but your incredible generosity has brought protection and warmth to those who need it most. Whether t
View fullsize Homeless encampment clearings in Louisville have increased significantly in the past two years, causing heartbreaking losses for our unsheltered neighbors. Essential belongings like ID cards, sentimental items, and survival gear are unjustly taken&md
View fullsize The severe storm in Louisville serves as a powerful reminder to cherish what we have and hold onto what truly matters. In times of adversity, it’s the support of those around us that makes all the difference. At LOU, we are profoundly grateful
View fullsize 🌟 Happy New Year, Louisville! 🌟 As temperatures drop, we need your help to support our unsheltered friends and keep them safe during the cold months ahead. Exposure to freezing conditions can lead to frostbite and other serious health risks, making
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View fullsize 🌟 Heartfelt Thanks to Our Amazing Supporters! 🌟 We are so grateful to Pioneer Direct Marketing for organizing an employee contest and collecting over 2,000 pairs of socks for LOU. Your generosity will bring comfort and warmth to so many in need. ❤
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get connected with us.

Stay in touch with L.O.U. on Instagram! We regularly share updates on the help we need, upcoming events, and ways you can get involved. By following us, you’ll be the first to know about donation drives, urgent needs, and our latest efforts to support our neighbors on the streets. Join our community and be part of the change!