HandUp was created to use technology and the power of human relationships to fight poverty and is now part of Lighthouse’s mission to build communities that end homelessness.
HandUp’s charitable giving platform provides nonprofits and donors in the community with a new, simple, and direct way to make an impact on poverty.
The HandUp platform is operated by Lighthouse, a Metro Detroit-based homeless services agency. Since 1984, Lighthouse has worked to end homelessness for individuals and families in crisis. Lighthouse implements housing first programming, works with a community of 70+ faith congregations to provide year-round emergency shelter, operates a variety of rental assistance programs with supportive services, and builds supportive and affordable housing. Lighthouse has successfully used the HandUp platform to empower those it serves in addressing financial barriers to housing and long-term stability, and now operates HandUp to enable agencies in Metro Detroit and beyond to do the same for their clients.
HandUp was originally founded in August 2013 in San Francisco by Rose Broome, Sammie Rayner, and Zac Witte. The idea started as a simple side project focused on doing something positive about visible street homelessness in SF. With the support and encouragement of Tumml, Project Homeless Connect, and so many others, this idea became a full-fledged organization attracting funding from some of Silicon Valley’s most experienced investors and foundations. After working in a close partnership with Lighthouse for three years, HandUp was acquired by Lighthouse on November 1st, 2017.
Tumml
Impact America Fund
500 Startups
1776
SVAngel
Urban.us
Jason Calacanis (LAUNCH Fund)
Boris Wertz (Version One Ventures)
Arjun Banker
Michael Birch
Ron Conway
Eric Ries
Alexis Ohanian
Ariel Poler
Karl Jacob
Kathy Salmanowitz
Marc Benioff
Scott Wainner
Cyan & Scott Banister
Thomas McInerney
Leah Pearlman
Brian Armstrong
Kimber Lockhart & Ben Trombley
Diane & Steve Ciesinski
Jessy & Robbie Schingler
Social Impact Capital
Precursor Ventures
Crowdfunder
Scott Cannon
