For individuals experiencing homelessness, finding stable housing is often the first and most critical step toward rebuilding a life. In Reno County, the LightHouse Program led by Interfaith Housing & Community Services is helping make that step possible by offering safe housing alongside the support and resources individuals need to achieve long-term independence. The program provides eight individuals with safe, stable housing while surrounding them with services designed to help them regain independence. Participants are referred through local service agencies after experiencing homelessness, ensuring the program reaches individuals who can benefit most from structured support.

With support from United Way of Reno County, Interfaith is helping residents move from crisis to stability while developing the skills needed for financial security. Currently, all eight housing units are occupied, and ten individuals have successfully transitioned out of the program into independent living. Even as participants move forward, the program continues to serve new residents—demonstrating the lasting impact of combining housing with supportive services.

A Supportive Model for Long-Term Stability

The LightHouse Program recognizes that housing alone is not enough to break the cycle of homelessness. Participants receive a combination of practical resources, mentorship, and education designed to help them rebuild their lives and achieve financial stability.

Residents receive support through:

• Safe and stable housing that provides a secure foundation for rebuilding their lives

• Job skills training that helps participants prepare for and secure employment

• Life skills development focused on daily responsibilities and independent living

• Financial literacy education that teaches budgeting, saving, and responsible money management

• Access to mental health and medical services that support overall wellness

• Mentorship and connections to community resources that guide participants toward independence

By combining these services, the program helps participants develop both the skills and confidence needed to move forward.

Removing Barriers to Financial Stability

Individuals who have experienced homelessness often face multiple barriers that make it difficult to achieve financial security. Limited access to education, employment opportunities, healthcare, and financial services can prevent people from gaining long-term stability.

The LightHouse Program works to remove these barriers by connecting participants to essential community resources and providing ongoing support.

Participants receive assistance with:

• Accessing job training and employment opportunities

• Connecting with educational programs and career development resources

• Learning financial management skills such as budgeting and saving

• Opening bank accounts and building credit through partnerships with local financial institutions

• Accessing mental health and medical services to support personal well-being

This wraparound approach ensures that participants are supported in every area of life that contributes to long-term stability.

Measuring Success Through Real-Life Outcomes

The LightHouse Program measures success by the progress participants make during and after their time in the program. The goal is not only to provide temporary support but to help individuals build a stable future.

Key indicators of success include:

• Participants maintain independent housing after leaving the program

• Securing stable employment and a consistent income

• Developing strong financial management skills

• Continuing to utilize community resources and support systems

• Increased confidence and personal stability

Ten individuals have already successfully transitioned into independent living, while eight participants currently live in the program’s housing units as they work toward their own goals.

United Way at Work

Programs like the LightHouse Program are made possible through strong community partnerships. Support from United Way of Reno County helps ensure that individuals facing homelessness have access to services that address both immediate needs and long-term stability. By investing in programs that provide housing, financial education, and life skills development, United Way and its partners are helping create pathways toward independence for individuals and families in the community.

For those participating in the LightHouse Program, the journey forward begins with a safe place to live—and a network of support committed to helping them succeed.