Lighthouse COVID-19 Update – 4/2/2020

As residents are being asked to “stay in place” and businesses are closing their doors, dedicated Oakland County nonprofits are rising up and working together to increase services to our neighbors in need throughout the COVID-19 crisis, but we need your help. Many of those served are among the most vulnerable, with pre-existing conditions that increase their risk of contracting and experiencing the more severe effects of COVID-19.

The Oakland County COVID-19 Emergency Food and Shelter Response Team includes Lighthouse, The Alliance for Housing, City of Pontiac, Gleaners, 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.

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. Over 3,000 individuals have already been served.

– Home delivery is being coordinated so that households, including seniors and those without transportation, can receive food and supplies while remaining at home.

-Gardner-White Furniture and Two Men and a Truck have donated their time and equipment to transport food boxes to three distribution sites including Lighthouse offices in Pontiac and Clarkston, as well as St. David’s Episcopal Church in Southfield.

-Increasing food donations through amazing donors, food drives, Meijer’s Simply Give program, and more.

Expanding Emergency Shelter

-Moving Lighthouse’s emergency shelter to our Pontiac location to ensure the safety of our clients, volunteers, and staff. We are eternally thankful for our congregational support during this temporary transition.

-Lighthouse and HOPE Adult Shelter working together to provide non-congregate shelter via hotel rooms for families, healthcare workers, and symptomatic individuals experiencing homelessness throughout Oakland County.

-Partnering with the County to ensure Lighthouse and HOPE Adult Shelter clients are provided three daily meals.

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Thank you to United Way for Southeastern Michigan for providing our first $50,000 match and contributing $300,000 to to support specific needs of the collaborative, and to McGregor Fund for their $50,000 challenge to help us serve those most in need.

To donate to our emergency fund, please click here.