Tax season brings stress and financial strain for many families. That’s why Lighthouse partners with Accounting Aid Society to turn anxiety into relief for Oakland County residents. Together, they offer free, professional tax preparation services to low-income households every Saturday from January through April — helping families maximize refunds, claim critical credits, and stay financially stable. This is the innovative partnership’s 15th year.

Led by Lighthouse Economic Mobility Coach Courtland Sargent, the program helps households earning under $69,000 per year file accurately, access valuable credits, and keep more hard-earned money in their pockets. Last year alone, the program filed 300 returns, securing nearly $400,000 in refunds and saving participants an estimated $90,000 in preparation fees.

“I’ve had people tell me that they’re paying $300, $400 just to get their taxes prepared. Only to realize that they’re only getting about $600 back,” says Sargent. Here, they keep every dollar.

How to Participate
The service is held at Lighthouse’s Pontiac headquarters on Woodward Avenue and coordinated on-site by Pete Keating, who has been volunteering with the Accounting Aid Society for 22 years. Appointments can be made in advance through Lighthouse or the Accounting Aid Society by visiting Lighthousemi.org/Accounting. Keating explains that for many clients, returns are life-changing.

“Our program’s geared to mid-range income, most important individuals who may not file their tax returns because they only have social security,” he says. “They can get up to $1,900 of property tax credit back and a couple $100 home heating credit… it’s a valuable service.”

For Natalee H., the program provided stability during a difficult transition. After leaving a domestic violence situation and facing economic abuse, she could no longer afford an accountant.

“I started getting my taxes completed here in 2024,” she says. “It’s very helpful. Because I have a court hearing coming up… to modify my child support and I need this as proof.”

This program helps participants beyond the numbers, it also strengthens community ties. Many clients return year after year, and Sargent often connects them with additional Lighthouse resources— whether that’s food from the pantry, eviction prevention support, or enrollment in the Center for Working Families.

“We try to focus on each specific individual’s needs,” Sargent reflects. “Our goal is to prevent hunger, eviction, and even homelessness and help people achieve stability.”

Lighthouse’s free tax assistance runs through April 11 at Lighthouse headquarters: 46156 Woodward Avenue in Pontiac. To learn more or make an appointment, visit: Lighthousemi.org/Accounting.

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Check out our 2025 Fall Newsletter!

The post The Beacon: Fall Newsletter 2025 appeared first on Lighthouse.

As we close 2025, I want to thank you for your steadfast support of Lighthouse and its mission of building equitable communities that alleviate poverty.

Because of you, our donors, volunteers, government and private partners, and staff, Lighthouse continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people in our community experiencing poverty and in need of love and support. In 2025, families found stability, individuals gained a foothold, food was provided, and hope reached those who needed it most.

This impact is no accident. It’s the result of a community that acts collectively with purpose and compassion. In the face of uncertainty and a widening gap between the haves and have-nots in our community, the need for our collective action in 2026 will be more urgent than ever.

While the environment in 2026 will only become more challenging for those in need, I am reassured by our communal resolve and commitment to take action. Lighthouse’s strength and impact have always come from the community, through shared commitment, thoughtful leadership, and the knowledge that progress happens when people show up—consistently and together. In the coming year, let’s resolve to continue making a real and lasting impact on those in our community facing poverty and in need of our love and support.

The year ahead brings real promise. With our campus expansion and affordable housing developments underway, we are building not only programs, but the infrastructure that supports community and viable pathways to long-term stability and opportunity for our neighbors.

Thank you for trusting us, walking alongside us, and staying engaged in supporting our mission. Your continued commitment and support will help us shape a future, here in our community, grounded in dignity, humanity, and promise.

We move into 2026 with optimism, determination, and deep gratitude for everything you do to raise up Lighthouse and its mission. The future is being built now—and we are grateful for the opportunity to build it together.

The post Gratitude, Purpose and Resolve: A Message from the Lighthouse Board Chair appeared first on Lighthouse.

It’s been a big year for Lighthouse—one marked by major milestones, from breaking ground on Auburn Place and Beacon Place to add 94 units of high-quality affordable housing in Pontiac, to beginning the long-awaited rehabilitation of Detroit’s historic Lee Plaza for new senior housing. And in recent months, that progress has accelerated in truly transformative ways. In November, we broke ground on a once-in-a-generation Pontiac campus redevelopment project that will help alleviate poverty in our community, expand affordable housing, and deliver the resources families need to thrive. 

Watch our groundbreaking video or see coverage from WXYZ and Crain’s Detroit. 

Our new campus will be a one-stop-shop for local families in need. We’ll expand our family emergency shelter from 30 to 150 beds and surround people with dignity, stability, and hope in one convenient location. 

Designed as a community anchor, the campus will offer free food access, job training, economic support, and gathering spaces to ensure that when families walk through our doors they not only find help, but a clear path forward. 

This milestone and vision would not be possible without the extraordinary support and generosity of donors, partners, and community leaders who believe in a stronger, more equitable future for Oakland County and Southeast Michigan. 

Support for Lighting the Way is coming from every corner — private donors, public partners, regional leaders, and Lighthouse board and staff — a clear sign that this campaign resonates deeply and our greater community believes in what we’re building together. 

In recent months, Lighthouse has raised $3 million toward our $40 million Lighting the Way Campaign goal. This progress is a testament to the tremendous belief in our vision and the broad coalition driving it forward. 

In October, Lighthouse was awarded our first state appropriation of $1.5M thanks to bipartisan support from representatives Donni Steele (R-District 54) and Brenda Carter (D-District 53), and State Senator Jeremy Moss’ leadership. 

“This investment ensures more families in Pontiac and across Oakland County have access to the support and stability they deserve,” said Rep. Carter. “I’m proud to ensure we have safeguards in Michigan for people experiencing poverty.” 

Demonstrating the power of individual philanthropy, Emily and Henry Ford III, supporters of Lighthouse since 2019, made a significant pledge to the campaign. “What stood out to us was the care and thought behind this work. We’re grateful to support Lighthouse’s comprehensive approach to alleviating poverty,” said Henry Ford III.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBank Indianapolis) granted $1 million to Lighthouse’s campaign as part of its broader investment in affordable housing through the Affordable Housing Program (AHP). Collectively, these grants will support 43 housing development projects across the region—with Lighthouse’s project standing out as one of just 18 funded in Michigan and the only AHP-funded project in Oakland County. 

“At its core, this investment is about people,” said Jackie Buchanan, FHLBI Board Member and President & CEO, Genisys Credit Union. “By supporting this project, we’re investing in stability, dignity, and the future of Oakland County.” 

Looking Ahead to 2026

With significant work still ahead of us, Lighthouse is entering 2026 with energy, clarity, and unstoppable momentum. The progress made this year,  and especially this quarter, moves us significantly closer to completing the campus that will serve as a beacon of hope, stability, and opportunity for families today and for generations to come.

We look forward to welcoming you to future ribbon cuttings where you can see our progress in action.

We are grateful to everyone who is making this progress possible, and we look forward to continuing this vital work in 2026. From all of us at Lighthouse, we wish you a New Year filled with hope, health, and possibility.

Join us in Lighting the Way by giving today and becoming a beacon of hope for local families in need.

The post Lighthouse Celebrates Transformative 2025, Looks Ahead to 2026 appeared first on Lighthouse.

When Barbara Carter interviewed to be a social worker at Lighthouse Sanctuary, a shelter for homeless youth, the interviewer asked her one question that came as a surprise: “Can you cook?”

“Can I cook? Yes I can,” Carter told the interviewer.

The post At sanctuary for youths in Royal Oak, kids find Thanksgiving feast and sense of family appeared first on Lighthouse.

FOX 2 talks to Ryan Hertz, President & CEO of Lighthouse Michigan, about the Trump administration’s announcement that they will withhold SNAP benefits from Democrat-led states unless they provide detailed information on SNAP benefit recipients.

The post USDA threatens to pull benefits unless states share immigration status appeared first on Lighthouse.

The post A Look Inside Our Groundbreaking for Auburn Place and Beacon Place appeared first on Lighthouse.

Two new affordable housing complexes are being developed in Pontiac.

“These two transformative developments represent $44.6 million investment right here in Pontiac,” Mary Riegle, Chief Philanthropy Officer of Lighthouse, said on Wednesday morning.

The Pontiac-based nonprofit broke ground on the homes during a ceremony on Wednesday (July 23) morning.

“It’s about building, stability, dignity, and opportunity while creating a future where more families can have a place to call home,” Riegle said.

The post Lighthouse breaks ground on affordable housing project in Pontiac appeared first on Lighthouse.