Meet our Fall 2021 Gift of Light Grantees

We are thrilled to announce our Fall Gift of Light Grantees. We chose these organizations to partner with Unite to Light and receive free Luke Lights and Chandler Chargers to help light the world. Each organization shares an overlapping goal with Unite to Light as they enhance education, improve global health, help in times of disaster and serve people experiencing homelessness. Below is additional information on each organization that was selected in our Fall grant cycle, including their mission and how they will be using Luke Lights or Chandler Chargers in their communities. ​

Harm Reduction Therapy Center (HRTC) was established to bring therapeutic services to the San Francisco homeless population. HRTC’s mobile therapy program connects mobile therapists with people who need help but don’t fit into traditional substance use treatment programs and mental health clinics. HRTC’s therapists are able to work with clients to address issues, establish goals, and create a realistic plan to achieve those goals. With the help of the Chandler Chargers, HRTC is able to support clients’ basic needs, leading to longer-term therapeutic relationships. They are committed to meeting each person where they are, practice radical acceptance, and empower people beyond recovery. Chandler Chargers offer a piece of stability to those struggling with uncomfortable unknowns everyday.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many support services have gone remote in their service delivery (such as primary care or psychiatry services conducted via telemedicine). Unite to Light partnered with HRTC during COVID to support HTRC and we are excited to continue this relationship. Therapist Nancy Mullin confirmed, “Thank you SO much! It’s a total engagement tool.” Chandler Chargers give people security with the ability to reach out to mobile therapists when needed.  ​

Mt. Graham Safe House provides compassionate, caring, and confidential assistance to victims of domestic or sexual violence in south eastern Arizona. Many of these survivors are experiencing homelessness. Luke Lights and Chandler Chargers will improve communication for people accessing Mt. Graham’s  services. The Safe House program provides crisis intervention, assessment, advocacy and referrals as needed, conducted in a safe, secure and confidential environment. Mt. Graham also provides tents, sleeping bags, coats and more to the unhoused people in their community. Chandler Chargers will ensure Mt. Graham’s clients have power for their phone batteries and can seek emergency assistance when needed and provide peace of mind.

Parent Support Network/Hope Recovery Center  provides direct recovery and harm reduction support to at-risk individuals in Rhode Island. This includes referrals to inpatient treatment, medication assisted treatment, recovery housing, self-help-based support, Peer Recovery Support, HIV/HCV testing, and basic needs assistance. They will give Chandler Chargers to their unhoused clients for easier access to power for their phones. The goals are to make it easier to keep in touch with the Recovery Center and other support services, as well as family and peers. Having a charged phone is also important during  emergency situations where a client needs to contact the Center’s helpline or 911.  

St Vincent De Paul North Idaho's (SVDP) mission is to provide direction and services to individuals and families in north Idaho needing assistance to enrich, fortify and rebuild their lives with dignity. SVDP works with the homeless community in the Coeur d'Alene area. Many members live on the streets or in their vehicles and depend on SVDP’s HELP Center in emergencies and for basic services like the community kitchen, and shower and laundry facilities. The HELP Center also offers case management, referrals, and assessment services. SVDP has noticed that COVID-19 has continued to impact their clients as many previously accessible places will not allow people to charge their phones. SVDP will distribute Chandler Chargers so that their clients can stay connected to the services offered at the HELP Center..

Hope Rescue Mission provides a safe, healthy, secure, resource and service-rich environment that prioritizes people experiencing homelessness. It is a safe shelter for occupants while they pursue stable, secure housing. They provide tents, cots, sleeping bags, restrooms, hand washing stations, transportation to shower facilities and food pantry access.  Programs available onsite for the residents include case management, peer support navigation, recovery meetings, therapeutic gardening programs, financial literacy classes, tenant educational programs, resume workshops, connection to vocational rehabilitation and job search assistance.  

Chandler Chargers will be made available for residents to check in and out as they use these services. The goal is to improve communication between the  clients and the support centers, and medical services as needed. ​

Yason Foundation-Family Farm School has a mission to create sustainable communities through holistic education in the Philippines. They train teachers to be competent, and aspire to equip the school in order to deliver quality progressive education to students of low income families. Its overall goal is to stimulate and promote rural development with particular considerations for addressing the needs of the local community, where many families are living in poverty. The donation of Luke Lights will support learning after dark so that students can  study with clean energy. The Luke Lights will also provide light so  the families can complete chores or social activities at night. The money saved from not having to purchase kerosene can be used for other basic needs like food, clothes, books and school materials. This donation was completed in partnership with the Philippines Solar Village Project and Carpinteria Morning Rotary Club.