Lighthouse Mission Ministries: What to know as Bellingham homeless shelter plans expansion
The Lighthouse Mission Ministries in Bellingham plans to replace its current homeless shelter with a new facility that can home 400 people and assist more in need.
The mission’s request for a new, five-story building was approved by Bellingham Hearing Examiner Sharon Rice on Wednesday, July 27, allowing the almost 100-year-old mission to expand its reach and ability to serve the Bellingham area.
“We look forward to being able to respond to the increased need in our community. The homelessness crisis has grown over the last several years and we want to continue to respond by caring for our vulnerable neighbors. In addition, we are excited to provide even more specialized care for populations such as families and people who are elderly or experiencing behavioral health needs, as the new building will include micro shelters especially designed for these guests,” Loran Zenonian, chief advancement officer at Lighthouse Mission Ministries wrote in an email.
Here’s what the Lighthouse Mission Ministries is, what it does, and what this new building will mean for its operation.
What is Lighthouse Mission Ministries?
Since 1923, Lighthouse Mission Ministries has provided shelter, meals and services to those seeking assistance in Whatcom County.
The Lighthouse Mission is the only overnight homeless service center north of Everett and “maintains its identity as a Christian organization with its mission of healing homelessness with Christ’s power and love,” according to the mission’s website.
The year-round, 24/7 walk-in shelter aims to assist the homeless or low-income people without discrimination, and serves approximately 400 people daily with up to 330 people staying each night between four facilities, Zenonian wrote in an email.
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In the past year the mission has provided shelter for 225 men, women, and children each night, over 650 meals each day and helped put over 150 people in stable housing, the mission reported.
In July alone, most nights the shelter almost reached its maximum capacity of 200 overnight guests, with the lowest night still housing 168 guests needing shelter.
The new Lighthouse Mission Ministries building
The new facility will replace the mission’s 24/7 base camp shelter downtown and will be built on the site of its 910 W. Holly St. facility.
The new building’s bigger size will allow the mission to provide service for more people looking for help and will include:
▪ 300 beds, including 200 low-barrier beds and 100 micro-shelter beds.
▪ Room for severe-weather overflow and emergency shelter needs.
▪ A larger medical clinic with three exam rooms.
▪ Meeting rooms.
▪ Expanded kitchen.
▪ Larger laundry facility.
▪ Day room spaces with an outdoor deck.
▪ A family micro-shelter for those with children.
▪ A chapel for voluntary worship services, pastoral counseling and Bible studies.
