We hang the lights. Ventura lights the way.
Every December, our volunteers hang Christmas lights on homes across Ventura. Homeowners give what they can, and every dollar goes back into our city, starting with The City Center.
Hearts on fire to serve. Better together.
Before Be The Light was a thing, we were drawn together by hearts that were on fire to serve others. We didn’t know what or how we were going to do it, just that we’d start and keep going.
Jordan and Elliot organized a gutter-cleaning fundraiser for elderly neighbors. Nick put together a food drive with Food Share of Ventura County. Both made an impact, but we all felt the timeless truth that together we can go further than we ever could alone. The proof of concept was there. What was missing was a joint mission.
Together, a small spark became a light none of us could have carried alone. With the help of the amazing residents of Ventura, we went from hoping to support a local cause in a small way to sponsoring not one, but two rooms for a full year of residency at The City Center. Real people’s lives were changed, and we were blessed to be the bridge between neighbors in need and neighbors with hearts to give.
Now incorporated as Be The Light Ventura, we’ve never been more focused on our mission. We’re excited to see where these humble beginnings lead, and we hope you’ll join us.
70+ homes lit across Ventura in our first two seasons
$24K+ raised for charitable causes
2 rooms sponsored for a full year of residency at The City Center
$7.5K added by a local business partner in 2024
Small acts of service, real results.
What started as a handful of friends with ladders has turned into a neighborhood tradition. Here’s what Ventura has done with us so far.
Your lights. Our ladders. Ventura’s gain.
Homeowners sign up and we confirm an install window. Have your lights, extension cords and clips ready; we don’t do electrical work, just installation.
1. Request a date
A trained volunteer team shows up with ladders and hangs everything safely, so you don’t have to climb a thing.
2. We bring the crew
There’s no set price. Your donation funds residency at The City Center and local community projects through the Be The Light Community Fund.
3. Give what you can
Our mission: a cleaner, safer, more beautiful Ventura.
The City Center: a Ventura nonprofit helping people experiencing homelessness transition back into the community, off drugs and alcohol and toward independence. A large share of what we raise each season funds residency there.
The Be The Light Community Fund: the rest builds our own fund for local projects like neighborhood lighting and safety, park and public-space upgrades, and city beautification. This season’s goal: 100+ homes lit and $50,000 raised.
Grab a ladder. Light up a neighbor’s home.
This year we’re building volunteer crews so we can reach more homes than ever. No experience needed: we provide ladders, safety training and a team. Sports teams, service groups, coworkers and friends are all welcome. Shifts run late November through December. Volunteers must be 18 or older.
Help us light up more of Ventura.
Whether you’d like to make a gift, sponsor a season as a local business, or just hear how the money is used, leave your info and one of us will reach out personally. Be The Light Ventura is a California nonprofit corporation; our application for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status is pending with the IRS.