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 nonprofit focusing on homelessness, housing, and food insecurity. Lighthouse is a catalyst for equity, dedicated to building a future where poverty no longer limits potential. Emerging from a powerful legacy of service, Lighthouse partners with our community to dismantle the root causes of economic hardship and create sustainable, thriving neighborhoods for all. Lighthouse offers emergency and supportive housing services for runaway youth, pregnant teens, and families, and develops affordable housing in Oakland County and Detroit.
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
