Mission
Shine a Light is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to not only finding but also transforming the lives of homeless individuals in Clark County. Through the Las Vegas Safety Net, we offer an innovative continuity case management program, navigating individuals through existing resources to achieve long-term stability and housing. Our mission extends beyond immediate outreach—each pathway we create is a journey toward renewed dignity and sustainable living. Services
Shine a Light offers instant placement with access to treatment and housing to all clients that we come into contact with or that reach out for help. We have partnered with our local safety net providers to ensure that they are able to receive help the moment the ask for it. True to its roots, it also doles out much-needed supplies, including bottled water, food, socks, underwear, flashlights, headlamps and AA and AAA batteries. Donated items must be new or gently used.) Staff
Paul Vautrinot- The Executive Director for Shine a Light Paul Vautrinot was born and raised in Las Vegas. He attended Las Vegas Academy of the Arts and graduated in 2005. Paul has been a person in long term recovery since 2014 after having been addicted to He**in and Methamphetamines for nearly a decade. Paul is currently employed with Freedom House and Crossroads of Southern Nevada as the Program Director for both. Robert Banghart-Outreach Director for Shine a Light. Robert was born in Raised in New Jersey, and is a person in long term recovery since 2018. He once lived in the tunnels himself and now is our Outreach Director and Programs Manager for Crossroads of Southern Nevada. Jeffrey Iverson- Chief executive officer of Freedom House, which he founded in 2010. He completed drug court in ’07 and has remained sober since. A native Las Vegan, Jeff graduated from Las Vegas High in 1992 and is a devoted father to two young boys, Caden and Dylan. Dedicated to giving back to the community, he has served on various boards, including HOPE for Prisoners and HELP of Southern Nevada, and is general manager of Presidential Limousine. Matthew O’Brien- Author of the book Beneath the Neon: Life and Death in the Tunnels of Las Vegas. He founded Shine a Light in 2009 as a grassroots community project. A teacher, journalist and social worker, Matt splits his time between Las Vegas and San Salvador. Testimonials
“Shine a Light was a godsend. If not for them I really believe that I would not be alive today. They brought me back from a dark and traumatic time in my life, made me believe in myself again and gave me the courage to climb out of my own tunnel and be a productive member of society. They are truly a light shining down on others!”—Billy, in the drains from 2004-2016
“Sitting near the tunnels, looking for used cigarette butts, watching all the happy tourists. Making my way to the restroom at Caesars Palace, where my mother once worked as a cocktail waitress. Looking down at my dirty feet in flip-flops. Thank you, Shine a Light, for helping me get out of that situation and for saving my life! Today I am blessed with housing and my family is reunited. I thank God every day for the compassion shown by Shine a Light!”—Melinda, in the drains from 2009-2011
“I want to thank Shine a Light for being a helping hand in so many ways: batteries, underwear, flashlights, toiletries, blankets. But more than that, when my good friend Sharon drowned in a flood, they put me and her boyfriend up in a motel room and helped us recover. It was a noble thing to do. Shine a Light is as real as it gets!”—Kregg, currently in the drains
“I am forever grateful for Shine a Light. When we were down in the tunnels, they would bring us water and food. Brought Thanksgiving dinner to us, too. We were treated like ordinary people instead of subhumans. I will never forget the kindness shown by Shine a Light. Thank you so much!”—Cyndi, in the drains from 2010-2013
“Angels came to visit us in the tunnels, but I just didn’t get it for a few years. But Shine a Light kept coming down to the tunnels—to hear their voices and see their flashlights in the dark was a relief—and I finally did get it. When everyone else gave up on us, Shine a Light didn’t. They gave me hope, then I believed in myself and put in the work.”—Phil, in the drains from 2001-2010
For more info
For more information on Shine a Light, contact Paul Vautrinot at 702-863-4704
Robert Banghart 702-890-6431 or [email protected] [email protected]
