Helping People to Help Themselves

In these very difficult times, our neighbors are facing daunting obstacles: the pandemic, unemployment, income instability, food scarcity, high healthcare and insurance costs, substandard housing and high energy costs. The HELP Initiative’s Lights-ON Delaware Strong program is helping to change this.

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LIGHTING THE WAY TO SAFER, HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES

Criminal activity rises when lights are low. So the HELP Initiative launched Lights-ON Delaware Strong, a door-to-door neighborhood LED lighting campaign for low-income communities. Through this intervention, we are improving street and residential illumination, while reducing household energy expenses by up to 30%. The simple act of installing and turning on energy-efficient lightbulbs has also driven down area crime by as much as 10%. Truly a win-win.

Our Programs

WE UNIFY DELAWARE AND CHANGE LIVES THROUGH ENERGY, JOBS AND HEALTH INITIATIVES

The goodwill built by Lights-ON Delaware Strong has opened doors to more community programs. From home energy counseling and checkups to heating and weatherization services to identifying housing-related health issues and preparing young adults for green-industry jobs. All with the goal of a more unified Delaware.

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Community Partners

Latest News & Updates

Restoring Central Dover Moves to Phase II of Lights-ON Dover Strong Campaign

Restoring Central Dover is a Comprehensive Neighborhood Revitalization Plan (PLAN) in motion that was adopted in 2014. The PLAN and its implementation is led by NCALL, which is an IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Dover that specializes in affordable housing development, education and lending. The PLAN represents our community’s vision for restoring the vitality […]

COVID-19 “Test-Trace-Treat” Message Helps Communities

The Lights-ON Delaware Strong campaign, a neighborhood public safety and energy efficiency lighting initiative managed by the HELP Initiative, and a valuable Energize Delaware program partner, is currently contacting over 2,600 previous Lights-ON clients in low-income communities to inform and educate them about the importance of getting tested for COVID-19 and providing information on health […]

Attorney General Report Maps Outcome of Lights-ON Milford Strong

The collaborative partnership between Attorney General Kathy Jennings, the Milford police department and Milford residents has improved city lighting while also significantly reducing crime. View the year-over-year outcomes map and crime-rate comparisons.

WBOC-TV 16, Delmarvas News Leader, FOX 21 –

Watch How Lights-ON Dover Strong Made the City Safer

Until now, darkness made Dover residents afraid to take an evening stroll, and it encouraged nuisance crimes. But thanks to the Lights-ON Dover Strong volunteer campaign, now many city streets, front porches and back doors are illuminated from dusk till dawn.