Shine A Light’s Historical Background and Development
Shine A Light’s origins trace back to a grassroots community project initiated by Beneath the Neon author, Matthew O’Brian. However, it is important to clearly distinguish between the Beneath the Neon project and the Shine A Light Foundation as they represent two separate but interconnected efforts.
Beneath the Neon Project (Founded by Matthew O’Brian)
- In 2009, Matthew O’Brian, a journalist and author of Beneath the Neon, began exploring the underground flood channels beneath Las Vegas, documenting the lives of individuals living in these hidden spaces.
- Moved by the conditions and stories of the people he encountered, Matthew launched a grassroots project called Shine A Light to provide direct outreach and support to this hidden population.
- His focus was on raising awareness, distributing essential supplies (such as bottled water, food, socks, and batteries), and creating a personal connection with those living underground.
- Matthew’s involvement in Shine A Light was primarily tied to his research and outreach efforts related to Beneath the Neon.
- Before relocating to San Salvador, Matthew connected with Paul Vautrinot, who was working in the social service field. Paul was briefed and introduced to the key locations and individuals within the underground community, passing on the mission to him.
Shine A Light Foundation (Founded by Paul Vautrinot and Jeff Iverson)
- By 2017, the Shine A Light Foundation was formally established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the leadership of Paul Vautrinot and Jeff Iverson.
- Unlike the original outreach-focused Beneath the Neon project, Shine A Light Foundation became a structured program with a mission to provide long-term recovery and housing solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders in Las Vegas.
- The Foundation operates the IPATH Program (Instant Placement with Access to Treatment and Housing), offering a two-year case management model that includes:
- Intensive, hands-on case management
- Transitional housing and independent living placements
- Job development and vocational training
- Vital document retrieval
- Mental health and substance use disorder treatment referrals
- Shine A Light Foundation also maintains the original spirit of outreach by continuing to distribute essential supplies to individuals in the tunnels, but with an expanded mission to guide clients through recovery and stable reintegration into the community.
- The Foundation works with over 50 community partners to create a continuum of care that helps clients achieve sustainable independence.
Principal Distinctions
| Aspect | Beneath the Neon Project (Matthew O’Brian) |
Shine A Light Foundation (Paul Vautrinot, Jeff Iverson) |
|---|---|---|
| Founder | Matthew O’Brian | Paul Vautrinot and Jeff Iverson |
| Founded | 2009 | 2017 |
| Focus | Outreach and raising awareness | Outreach, case management, recovery, and housing solutions |
| Approach | Direct outreach, essential supplies, personal connection | Structured program (IPATH), continuity case management, and recovery services |
| Mission | Humanize and support the tunnel community | Stabilize individuals and transition them to independence through long-term care |
While the Beneath the Neon project laid the foundation for outreach in the tunnels of Las Vegas, Shine A Light Foundation has evolved this mission into a comprehensive program of recovery and reintegration. The Foundation honors the original work of Matthew O’Brian but has expanded its scope to provide sustainable solutions for homelessness and substance abuse recovery.