Singer Ashley Forrest, Speaker Mike Busch, and Alderwoman Classy Hoyle served soup and chili at the seventh annual Heritage Baptist Church SOUPer Bowl lunch for The Light House Homeless Prevention Support Center. (Photo by Joshua McKerrow, The Capital Gazette)

The Light House mourns the loss of Speaker Mike Busch, who was a tireless advocate for our neighbors struggling with homelessness. We are profoundly saddened by his passing and deeply grateful for his decades of support and commitment to serving all of his constituents—including those who are too often overlooked. Speaker Busch’s lasting impact on our organization runs deep. We are humbled by the countless times he provided guidance and support for our programs, whether small or large. He was instrumental in helping us expand our services throughout the years, including the construction of our new facility at 10 Hudson Street in 2010 and the development of our Light House Bistro social enterprise in 2017.

We are honored and grateful for all he has given in service to our community, our state, and our most vulnerable neighbors. He will be greatly missed. Our entire Light House community holds the friends, family, and loved ones of Speaker Busch in our hearts.

With deepest gratitude,

Jo Ann Mattson,
Executive Director, The Light House