Experiencing homelessness is rarely the result of a single event. For most individuals, it is the culmination of many challenges, including job loss, rising housing costs, family conflict, illness, disability, mental health struggles, substance use disorders, domestic violence, or other traumatic life experiences. Every person’s story is unique, and every individual deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.
Living without stable housing presents challenges that many of us never have to consider. Finding a safe place to sleep, staying warm during the winter, accessing clean water, taking a shower, washing clothes, preparing meals, storing personal belongings, keeping important documents safe, attending medical appointments, and finding reliable transportation can become daily obstacles.
Many individuals also have faithful pets that provide companionship, emotional support, and protection. Caring for those animals while trying to access services or employment adds another layer of difficulty.
Despite these challenges, many people experiencing homelessness want to improve their circumstances. They are seeking stable housing, employment, medical care, recovery services, or simply someone willing to listen and help them take the next step. At Montrose Lighthouse, we believe that hope begins with meeting basic needs while building trusting relationships that encourage long-term stability.
How You Can Help
You can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
- Support organizations that provide meals, shelter, clothing, case management, and other essential services.
- Volunteer your time to serve meals, assist with special projects, or share your skills.
- Donate food, hygiene items, clothing, blankets, or financial gifts that help sustain our programs.
- Treat every person with kindness and respect, recognizing the inherent dignity of every individual.
- Learn more about homelessness and help reduce the stigma that often prevents people from seeking assistance.
- Pray for those experiencing homelessness, for those who serve them, and for our community as we work together to find lasting solutions.
Looking Ahead
The need for emergency shelter and supportive services continues to grow. Montrose Lighthouse is committed to working alongside local churches, nonprofits, businesses, government agencies, volunteers, and community members to provide safe shelter, compassionate care, and opportunities for individuals to move toward greater stability and independence.
While we cannot solve every challenge alone, together we can make a lasting difference—one person, one family, and one act of compassion at a time.
How we operate
MLI has, until very recently, been an all-volunteer organization with no salaried employees. However, a per diem stipend is paid to three volunteers who supervise the dorm operations during the 14 hour night, period, drive the van for dorm transportation and assist with food operations per night. They are not, necessarily, the same people each night. Some are Vets.
In early 2025, the board felt it necessary to hire a facilities manager to handle a growing set of other complex issues. This position, (although still fulfilling the original duties), was formally elevated in April 2025 to that of executive director, with more responsibilities and financial authorizations.
Also, in 2025, it became necessary to provide workman’s compensation for those involved with the overnight stays and also, because of safety reasons, maintain shifts of two people instead of one. Board liability insurance also became a necessity.
See “services” to view what is offered.