HandUp

Mission:
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.

Overview

HandUp is a charitable giving platform that connects nonprofits and donors with individuals and families experiencing poverty. The platform provides innovative giving tools such as Member Profiles, Campaigns, and General Funds, allowing donors to make a direct impact on poverty. HandUp is operated by Lighthouse, a Metro Detroit-based homeless services agency with a longstanding commitment to ending homelessness for individuals and families in crisis.

Services and Programs

• Charitable Giving Platform: Enables nonprofits to raise funds for their clients through individual member profiles and organizational campaigns.
• Direct Support: Donations made through HandUp go directly to the needs of individuals or campaigns, covering essentials such as clothing, shelter, and medical care.
• Case Management: Partner organizations provide case management and assistance to help members redeem donations for specific needs and connect them to additional resources.
• Support for Nonprofits: Nonprofits can use HandUp’s tools to fundraise for their clients, with options for free member profiles and standard fundraising campaigns.

How It Works

• Partner organizations sign up members and help them access donations for basic needs.
• Donations are never given directly to individuals; instead, partner staff fulfill the needs by purchasing items or paying bills on behalf of the member.
• If a member becomes inactive, funds are redistributed to others in need through the organization’s general fund.

Service Area and Accessibility

• HandUp partners with social service organizations across the United States, making its platform accessible to nonprofits and individuals nationwide.
• While Lighthouse is based in Metro Detroit, the HandUp platform is available to agencies and donors in other regions, including those outside Michigan.

Eligibility

• Eligibility for direct assistance is determined by the partner nonprofit organizations that use the HandUp platform.
• Individuals experiencing poverty or homelessness are typically referred and supported by these partner agencies.

Additional Information

• 100% of donations made through HandUp go directly to the intended recipient’s needs, with operational costs covered by optional donor tips and fees on general campaigns.
• HandUp does not charge individuals for creating member profiles.
• All donations are tax-deductible.

Partner Organizations

• HandUp works with a network of respected homeless service organizations nationwide, who act as community partners to provide on-the-ground support and case management.