Vikki Luna, CEO and founder of Light House Recovery Program, speaks at a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday morning. Photo by Ben Hensley

The Light House Recovery Center broke ground Thursday on its new home nearly a year and a half after a fire claimed the original location on the corner of San Joaquin and L streets in Downtown Fresno.

The faith-based nonprofit helps women struggling with addiction, homelessness and other life crisis events by assisting in recovery, faith-building and employment opportunities.

In October 2021, a fire broke out near the roof of the historic building, sparked by construction equipment from a recent repair. The 12 residents living in the house at the time were immediately displaced, forcing the organization to relocate to a rental property where it remains today.

The organization was further burdened with the news that the insurance policy of the roofer would not cover liability. The Light House was forced to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars through fundraising and donations to supplement its own insurance policy in rebuilding the home.

“I had hope when the people started coming around and giving their areas of expertise and their financial support,” said Vikki Luna, CEO and founder of Light House Recovery Program. “I felt a sense of security and safety. This is really a community benefit organization.”

Luna hopes the new building will surpass the organization’s original home, providing seven bedrooms and space to house up to 27 women as well as a reception area, offices, work labs and a therapy room.

 

“The three words, bigger, better and stronger, to me, that also defines The Light House,” said County Supervisor Sal Quintero, referencing the slogan created by the Light House during fundraising efforts following the fire. “It changes lives one day at a time.”

Quintero donated $1,000 on the spot to the project at the end of his presentation.

The program, which boasts an 83% recovery rate, also operates the nearby Cornerstone Coffee Company, providing employment opportunities to residents at the shelter.

“As we watched the fire roar out of control I felt scared. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen to me,” said Elizabeth, a resident at The Light House who first saw the fire and dialed 911. “The Light House staff stayed with us at a local shelter for a few days before they surprised us with a beautiful temporary home.”

Luna hopes the organization’s new permanent home will be ready for occupants to move in by August.

She added that donations are still being accepted to fund the project, which is in phase two of three. Donations can be made by calling (559) 222-4824 or by visiting lighthousefresno.org.