Unique Lighting & Home Decor, a women-owned lighting retailer based in Butte, Montana, closed out 2025 by donating over $7,500 in lighting fixtures, accessories, hardware, and bulbs to the National Affordable Housing Network (NAHN). This contribution, coordinated in December 2025, represents the largest in-kind nonprofit donation in the company's history.
The donation comes at a time when housing affordability remains a pressing issue across Montana. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 28.9% of Montana households spent 30% or more of their income on housing and utilities in 2024, meeting the federal definition of cost-burdened households. NAHN's mission focuses on expanding long-term affordable homeownership opportunities, strengthening community housing initiatives, and improving financial literacy for households facing these pressures.
Kellie Gribben, Owner and Founder of Unique Lighting & Home Decor, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership. "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 said. She added, "They're [NAHN] work ensures housing affordability isn't just about lowering upfront costs, it's about creating homes and communities that remain sustainable 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. This donation reinforces the role local businesses play in supporting nonprofits that advance affordable housing outcomes.
NAHN, founded in 1994 and based in Butte, Montana, is dedicated to advancing affordable, high-performance housing through subdivision development, historic building housing initiatives, and financial literacy programs. The organization also provides technical assistance and educational support to nonprofits and community housing partners nationwide.
Unique Lighting & Home Decor, headquartered in uptown Butte, specializes in lighting fixtures and customized lighting design through one-on-one consultations. The company has a long tradition of local community support. For more information, visit their website at https://buttelighting.com.
This contribution underscores the impact of local business involvement in addressing housing challenges, particularly as economic pressures continue to challenge households across the region.
