What we do

our approach

  • Understanding

    We seek to understand with an awareness that our own individuals experiences color our vision in ways we don't always see. We trust the experiences of the communities we seek to serve.

  • Empowerment

    We seek to empower local initiatives and foster inclusive participation, building adaptive systems for the benefit of both communities and ecosystems.

  • Collaboration

    We leverage our networks to build partnerships with diverse experiences and expertise to co-create solutions that are both ambitious and practical.

  • Momentum

    We generate momentum by leveraging our networks, partnerships, and enthusiasm for climate solutions that foster more livable and thriving communities.

  • Education

    We provide education and empower other educators to teach about the causes and impacts of climate change, as well as topics such as governance, grant-seeking, and leadership.

  • Training

    We support and seek trainings for ourselves and our partners because we believe in the need to increase our skills and education to meet growing challenges.

programs

Lighthouse’s core strategies and approaches are built on the experiences and background of our staff, the voices of our partners and communities, and examples of equitable and successful climate resilience stories from across the country. As an anchor organization, we provide organizational and technical support through staff time, education and partnership development to communities seeking to enhance their community and climate resilience.

Community Resilience Program

North River/Laurel Road Community resilience Project

About this project

North River, Laurel Road and surrounding communities in Carteret County, North Carolina, are small, rural, unincorporated areas with a population of around 800 people. These majority-minority communities face heightened vulnerability to climate impacts and severe weather due to their location, historical underinvestment, economic challenges, insecure housing prone to high winds and flooding, and an aging population.

We are collaborating with community members and key partners to secure substantial funding for initiatives focused on climate resilience planning and leadership development, aimed at strengthening the long-term well-being of these communities.

Climate Risks

  • Failing septic systems as a result of rising water tables are already impacting the ability for residents to flush their toilets, and will lead to condemnation over time

  • Persistent flooding as a result of heavy rains and the area being so low-lying, resulting in damage and indoor air quality from mold

  • Severe weather and hurricanes have left physical and psychological significant damage in the past and a growing threat.

  • Financial risks as many homes are uninsured or underinsured

  • Housing security as many homes are manufactured homes, susceptible to damage from high winds and compounded by underinsurance

  • Evacuation of elderly and disabled as many residents are seniors and there is a lack of nearby, safe shelters

According to the National Weather Service, a Category 3 hurricane is predicted to bring 9 feet of storm surge. Source: National Weather Service/NOAA

Lighthouse’s role

As an anchor organization providing support to communities seeking to increase their climate resilience, Lighthouse brings a number of essential services for climate resilience planning:

  • Grant-Seeking Partnerships: We facilitate diverse partnerships that include both subject matter experts and community organizations that understand the reality of what is happening on the ground in order to apply for competitive funding opportunities that address community needs.

  • Community Organizing and Outreach: Our Community Resilience Organizer, originally from North River, does amazing work to strengthen organizing organizing efforts and create social cohesion.

  • Education and Training: Lighthouse facilitates workshops and educational sessions, bringing in subject matter experts to provide community members with knowledge on climate resilience planning, including the causes and impacts of climate change, as well as available funding opportunities to support local initiatives.

  • Community Connections: Lighthouse facilitates local communities to ongoing data collection and climate resilience efforts, such as the UNC DEEPP project and the Division of Coastal Management’s Resilient Coastal Communities Program Phase I vulnerability assessments, ensuring they are informed and engaged in parallel initiatives that support their climate adaptation goals.

We prioritize community voices in all our efforts, ensuring that our partner organizations are actively involved and represented in any activities we help facilitate.

Where we are and where we’re going

Unlike approaches that focus on smaller efforts across many communities, Lighthouse invests significant time and resources into a select few communities, building deep, lasting partnerships and ensuring meaningful, long-term impact.

We’re currently working closely with the North River/Laurel Road Ladies Outreach and the North Carolina Coastal Federation to co-create and implement climate resilience planning efforts in eastern Carteret County, including partnership facilitation, collaborative governance, grant-writing assistance, and climate resilience design.

We implement planning frameworks inspired by the following models:

consulting

At Lighthouse, we are dedicated to empowering nonprofits and institutions with the tools and expertise needed to enhance their community engagement and outreach efforts. Our comprehensive consulting services in workshop facilitation and community engagement are designed to increase your organization’s capacity and impact. Whether you need assistance with project management, developing effective outreach strategies, or designing and facilitating workshops, our experienced team is here to support your mission and help you reach your goals.

Workshop Facilitation

At Lighthouse, we specialize in providing workshop facilitation services for nonprofits and institutions. Our goal is to help you increase your capacity to effectively engage with your networks, communities, and constituencies. Our services include comprehensive project management, tailored workshop design, meticulous planning, professional facilitation, and thorough follow-up, ensuring that your workshops are impactful and productive. We also offer expert report writing to document and analyze the outcomes of your workshops.

our offerings

Lighthouse provides workshop facilitation services tailored for nonprofits and institutions. We collaborate with clients seeking to enhance their capacity to engage their networks, communities, or constituencies. Depending on your needs, we offer the following services:

  • Project management

  • Workshop design, planning, facilitation, and follow-up

  • Report writing

Community Engagement & Outreach

Lighthouse is committed to enhancing your organization’s community engagement, education, and outreach efforts. We offer strategic development of outreach plans, creation of engaging and educational materials, and hands-on engagement services such as door-to-door canvassing, flyer distribution, and event representation. Our aim is to help you build strong, lasting connections with your community, ensuring your message reaches and resonates with those you serve.

our offerings

Lighthouse enhances your organization’s community engagement, education, and outreach efforts. Our services include:

  • Outreach strategy development

  • Developing educational materials

  • Engagement services such as door-to-door canvassing, flyer distribution, and event representation

Contact US

Ready to elevate your community engagement and outreach efforts?

Contact us today to discuss how our services can support your organization’s and/or community’s mission and goals. Let’s work together to make a meaningful impact!