HandUp

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.

HandUp was originally founded in August 2013 in San Francisco by Rose Broome, Sammie Rayner, and Zac Witte. 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.