Unique Lighting & Home Decor, a women-owned lighting retailer based in Butte, Montana, concluded 2025 with a substantial community contribution, donating over $7,500 in lighting fixtures, accessories, hardware, and bulbs to the National Affordable Housing Network. This represents the largest in-kind nonprofit donation in the company's history and comes at a critical time for housing affordability in the state.
The importance of this donation lies in its direct response to Montana's escalating housing cost pressures. According to U.S. Census Bureau data from 2024, 28.9% of Montana households spent 30% or more of their income on housing and utilities, meeting the federal definition of cost-burdened households. This statistic highlights a growing affordability gap that affects nearly one-third of Montana families, making community-based solutions increasingly vital.
Kellie Gribben, Owner and Founder of Unique Lighting & Home Decor, emphasized the strategic alignment between her company's contribution and NAHN's mission. "After two decades of working with Affordable Housing, I am so excited to be able to provide this level of contribution to an organization that I wholeheartedly believe in," Gribben stated. She further explained that NAHN's work ensures housing affordability extends beyond lowering upfront costs to creating sustainable homes and communities for families over time.
The lighting materials will support NAHN-aligned housing initiatives across Southwest Montana in 2026, helping partner organizations maximize build budgets and reduce material cost barriers at a regional level. This practical support enables housing projects to allocate more resources toward construction labor, land acquisition, or additional amenities that enhance community livability.
For readers, this story matters because it demonstrates how local businesses can directly address systemic challenges affecting their communities. When households face housing cost burdens exceeding 30% of their income, they often sacrifice other essentials like healthcare, education, or savings. By supporting organizations like NAHN through their website at https://buttelighting.com, Unique Lighting & Home Decor contributes to breaking this cycle of financial strain.
The implications extend beyond immediate material support. This donation reinforces the role local businesses play in supporting nonprofits that advance affordable housing outcomes, creating a model for other companies to follow. As economic pressures continue to challenge households across Southwest Montana, such partnerships between businesses and housing organizations become increasingly important for community resilience.
NAHN's multifaceted approach includes subdivision development, historic building housing initiatives, and financial literacy programs that strengthen community housing stability. The organization also provides technical assistance and educational support to nonprofits and community housing partners throughout the United States. Unique Lighting & Home Decor's contribution directly supports these comprehensive efforts to create lasting affordable housing solutions.
This story highlights how targeted corporate philanthropy can amplify the impact of nonprofit organizations working on complex social issues. By donating specific materials needed for housing construction rather than just cash, Unique Lighting & Home Decor addresses a practical barrier in affordable housing development while demonstrating a commitment to sustainable community investment.
