Lighthouse is pleased to announce we have moved our emergency food warehouse to a 22,000-square-foot facility in Pontiac, a more efficient and cost-effective location to better serve the community. The building, located at 120 E. Columbia Avenue, is a former Gleaners Community Food Bank warehouse. In a three-year, renewable agreement, Gleaners is providing Lighthouse a no-cost lease of the facility, while Lighthouse assumes operating costs and maintenance.

“Over the past two years, Lighthouse has become Gleaners’ largest distribution partner in Oakland County. They are vital to the region,” said Gerry Brisson, president and CEO, Gleaners. “Partnerships are incredibly important to Gleaners. When Lighthouse expressed the need for a more stable, affordable facility to centralize their operations, we agreed Gleaners’ Pontiac facility presents a positive arrangement for both of our organizations to have greater community impact and expanded reach.”

Lighthouse will utilize the building as its new food distribution center, supporting home delivery services, largely for seniors and individuals with transportation challenges, as well as agency pickups. The site will also host Lighthouse volunteer groups for food packing.

“This partnership with Gleaners mutually strengthens our ability to serve vulnerable populations through programming and meet people where they are,” said Ryan Hertz, MSW, president and CEO, Lighthouse. “This move will afford us the space we need for refrigeration and storage, as well as food distribution capabilities from one strategically located hub, that will enhance our support to the community while reducing costs and overall logistics challenges.”

Since the start of COVID-19, Lighthouse has dramatically expanded its emergency food program to meet the increased needs in our community, In the last year alone, we distributed 2 million pounds of food, served 27,314 individuals across Oakland County and our volunteer drivers completed nearly 40,000 home deliveries.

The new warehouse features a loading dock with space for two semi-trucks, a large freezer and refrigerated area, and spaces for storing, sorting and packing food.

“Having our warehouse allows us to do food distribution in bulk in larger quantities,” said Lighthouse Food Programs Manager, Angela Gill. “Being centrally located, we’re able to serve more people in a shorter amount of time.”

Learn more about our emergency food program and support our efforts at lighthousemi.org.