Lighthouse

05/30/2026

"There is no such thing as self-sufficiency. It's an illusion. We are all completely interdependently reliant on one another," said our CEO Ryan Hertz.

He took part in a 'Shared Purpose Over Silos' panel at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference to discuss why we must change the narrative around housing, human value, and community care. Co-panelists included: Sean de Four of MiSide, Aubrey Macfarlane of Volunteers of America Michigan, and moderator Margaret Trimer of Delta Dental.

📺 Watch the full panel discussion here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hceecBSCF7w

05/29/2026

The 10th Annual Rent Party was our most successful yet! 🎶 Thanks to generous donors and attendees, we raised over $315,000 to help families and individuals experiencing poverty find stable housing.

The evening brought together supporters from across the community at The Treasury in Pontiac. Hometown favorites Huel Perkins and Robin Schwartz hosted with warmth and energy, while Detroit jazz and blues legends Thornetta Davis and Nate Topo brought the spirit of the original 1920s Rent Parties to life.

Thank you to our sponsors, auction donors, guests, and the team at The Treasury. You made this milestone celebration unforgettable.

05/29/2026

Ryan Hertz is helping strengthen Michigan's social safety net for those who need it most. Our CEO joined a conversation at the Mackinac Policy Conference with leaders from Samaritas and MCHS Family of Services, moderated by Zoe Clark of Michigan Public.

The discussion tackled the growing challenges facing families and vulnerable communities across the state: housing insecurity, economic instability, mental health support, and the future of Michigan's social safety net. The message was clear: collaboration is the only way forward.

📺 Watch the full discussion 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfxO7XWgnPc

Michigan’s social service leaders discuss the growing challenges facing families and vulnerable communities across the state — and the collaborative solution...

05/27/2026

We are honored to be featured by AARP. 🧡

AARP Michigan recently shared how rental and ownership projects across Michigan are helping older adults age in place. We are proud that Lighthouse CEO Ryan Hertz shared how Lee Plaza in Detroit aims to provide high-quality affordable housing for adults ages 55+.

Affordable housing work is central to Lighthouse’s mission. From Beacon Place to Lee Plaza, we are committed to creating safe, stable, and affordable housing options for families, seniors, and individuals across the region.

Thank you to AARP for your advocacy and for including Lighthouse in this important conversation.

With rents and housing prices rising, AARP is working to push for affordable housing options for older Michiganders.

05/22/2026

What an exciting milestone!! Thank you WXYZ-TV Channel 7 for being there!

Lighthouse, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to affordable housing in Pontiac, celebrated the completion of 40 newly renovated apartments and townhomes.

05/22/2026

A huge thank you to the team from Old Navy for spending time in our pantry!

Volunteers packed boxes for our home distribution program and loaded up delivery drivers' cars, helping ensure our neighbors receive the food they need. This was Old Navy's first-time volunteering with us, and we are so grateful they chose Lighthouse. We hope to see them back soon!

Want to bring your team in? Volunteer shifts are open through the end of July. Sign up at lighthousemi.org/volunteer

05/21/2026

Big day at Beacon Place Apartments!! ✂️ At a time when affordable housing remains one of the most urgent needs across Michigan, Lighthouse held a ribbon cutting marking the completion of Beacon Place in Pontiac. This redevelopment project has transformed 40 apartments and townhomes into updated, modernized affordable housing for local residents.

The redevelopment at 101 Mechanic Street includes 28 apartments and 12 townhomes designed to expand access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. All units are income-based, with residents paying no more than one-third of their gross income toward rent. A portion of the units are also designated as supportive housing for individuals with disabilities.

This project represents the redevelopment of Lighthouse’s first multi-family affordable housing site, originally developed in 2008, and is part of a broader $150 million pipeline of affordable housing developments across Detroit and Pontiac. Thank you to our team, residents, partners, community leaders, and all who joined us to mark the occasion!!!

05/20/2026

Looking for meaningful work with a mission-driven team? We’re hiring for a variety of positions across our organization. Explore current openings on our website and find where your talents can make a difference. Apply today!

https://lighthousemi.org/careers/

05/18/2026

As we get closer to summer break, children will lose access to meal programs. Food and childcare costs spike just as utility bills increase during the hottest months of the year, and unstable and stressful home situations cause a summer surge of unhoused youth.

Hope shines brightest when neighbors are helping neighbors! Through July, your donation will go 2X as far to help families on the margins. Your summer gift DOUBLES thanks to a $25,000 matching gift made possible by our generous friends at Vibe Credit Union.

Make your gift online at https://lighthousemi.org/donate/

05/16/2026

Join us this week to celebrate the recently renovated Beacon Townhomes and Beacon Square Apartments:

📅 Thursday, May 21
⏰10 am - 12 pm | Ribbon Cutting Program at 10:30 am
📍101 Mechanic St, Pontiac, MI

We've updated and modernized 28 apartments at 101 Mechanic Street and 12 townhomes at a nearby site, adjacent to our newest development, Auburn Place. Beacon Place is a redevelopment of Lighthouse’s first multi-family affordable housing development project, Beacon Square & Townhomes, dating back to 2008!

We hope to see you there for this milestone moment!

05/15/2026

Lighthouse CEO Ryan Hertz is heading to the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference!

He'll be speaking on the panel "Shared Purpose Over Silos: Bold New Models Supporting People Where They Live, Learn, and Grow" on Thursday, May 28 at 8:45 AM in the Grand Pavilion. The session will explore how housing providers, schools, nonprofits, and public agencies can collaborate as one connected system to reduce duplication, improve access, and expand opportunity across Michigan.

Joining Ryan on the panel: Sean de Four (MiSide) and Aubrey Macfarlane (Volunteers of America Michigan), moderated by Margaret Trimer. Thank you to Delta Dental Plan of Michigan for sponsoring this important conversation!