Unique Lighting & Home Decor, a women-owned lighting retailer based in Butte, Montana, concluded 2025 with a substantial community contribution, providing over $7,500 in lighting fixtures, accessories, hardware, and bulbs to the National Affordable Housing Network. This donation represents the largest in-kind nonprofit contribution in the company's history and directly addresses pressing housing affordability challenges in the region.
The timing of this contribution is particularly significant given current housing market conditions. 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 the growing pressure on families across the state as housing affordability continues to tighten.
Kellie Gribben, Owner and Founder of Unique Lighting & Home Decor, expressed strong support for 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 emphasized that NAHN's work extends beyond lowering upfront costs to creating sustainable homes and communities that support families over time, impacting entire neighborhoods across Southwest Montana.
The donated lighting materials will support NAHN-aligned housing initiatives throughout Southwest Montana in 2026, helping partner organizations maximize build budgets and reduce material cost barriers at a regional level. This strategic donation reinforces how local businesses can play crucial roles in supporting nonprofits that advance affordable housing outcomes, particularly as economic pressures continue to challenge households in the area.
The National Affordable Housing Network, founded in 1994 and based in Butte, Montana, is dedicated to advancing affordable, high-performance housing through various programs. The organization supports long-term homeownership through subdivision development, historic building housing initiatives, and financial literacy programs that strengthen community housing stability. NAHN also provides technical assistance and educational support to nonprofits and community housing partners throughout the United States, including Southwest Montana.
Unique Lighting & Home Decor, which serves communities across Southwest Montana, specializes in lighting fixtures and customized lighting design through one-on-one consultations. The company maintains a long tradition of local community support, with this recent donation representing a significant escalation of their philanthropic efforts. More information about the retailer is available at https://buttelighting.com.
This contribution demonstrates how targeted corporate philanthropy can address specific community needs while supporting broader social initiatives. By providing essential building materials rather than cash, Unique Lighting & Home Decor ensures that their donation has immediate, tangible impact on housing projects throughout the region. The donation also highlights the interconnected nature of local business success and community wellbeing, particularly in regions facing economic challenges.
As housing affordability remains a critical issue nationwide, partnerships between local businesses and housing organizations like NAHN offer practical solutions that benefit both immediate construction needs and long-term community stability. The coordination of this donation in December 2025 positions NAHN to begin 2026 with enhanced resources for their housing initiatives, potentially accelerating affordable housing development in Southwest Montana during a period of significant need.
