For nearly two months, Lighthouse has been adapting to provide emergency shelter and food to our neighbors in need during a global pandemic. As Michigan’s “stay at home” order continues, dedicated Oakland County nonprofits are rising up and working together to increase services to those most in need.

We still need your help!

The Oakland County COVID-19 Emergency Food and Shelter Response Team includes: Lighthouse, The Alliance for Housing, City of Pontiac, HOPE Adult Shelter, Honor Community Health, Micha 6, Oakland County, Oakland Schools Homeless Student Services, Oakland University, Pontiac Community Foundation, and Pontiac Meals on Wheels.

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Creating program contingency plans and a coordinated COVID-19 response has been key in continuing to help those in need while limiting the risks of contracting and spreading the virus. Thanks to the support of hundreds of donors and numerous community partners, the following emergency plans have been put into place.

Expanding Emergency Food Distribution

• With Oakland University serving as the emergency food storage and packaging hub and Lighthouse purchasing much of the food at or below cost, the collaborative is able to serve more people with more food. Thousands of individuals are being served each week.
• Our new efforts include home delivery, so that households, including seniors and those without transportation, can receive food and supplies while remaining at home.
• Gardner-White Furniture, Two Men and a Truck, and Vision to Learn have donated their time and equipment to transport food boxes to three distribution sites including Lighthouse offices in Pontiac and Clarkston, and Lighthouse’s satellite pantry at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Southfield.

Expanding Emergency Shelter

• Lighthouse and HOPE Adult Shelter have been working together to provide emergency shelter to an increased number of clients at local motels to ensure the safety of clients and staff. We are currently providing safe shelter to over 100% more clients than normal.
• Lighthouse has partnered with the County to ensure Lighthouse and HOPE Adult Shelter clients are provided three daily meals.

To keep up with all Lighthouse updates surrounding COVID-19, please stay tuned to our website.

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Thank you to the following organizations for supporting our emergency efforts:

Bank of America, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Christ Church Cranbrook, Vera & Joseph Dresner Foundation, DTE Energy Foundation, Filmer Memorial Charitable Trust, Flagstar Bank, Emily and Henry Ford III, Genisys Credit Union, Here to Help, The Jewish Fund, The Jewish Fund Teen Board, June & Cecil McDole Charitable Fund, McGregor Fund, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, NeighborWorks America, Pontiac Rotary Club, Suburban Collection, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, and more.

Thank you to the hundreds of other organizations and individuals that have stepped in to assist us during this difficult time!

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*In the event that the funds raised aren’t spent down during this crisis, the balance will be used to assist the future needs of the most vulnerable in our community.