Volunteer

Show up. Make a difference.

Volunteering at Lighthouse Mission is one of the most direct ways to impact homelessness in Bellingham. Whether you have one afternoon or one day a week, there is a role for you here.

Apply now

Apply now

Volunteer sign-in

Volunteer sign-in

Get help

360-733-5120

How to become a regular volunteer

Three steps to your first shift

Step 1

Create a profile

Tell us about yourself! Create a volunteer profile and let us know why you’d like to serve. It only takes a few minutes. Valid US ID* required. Food Handlers Cards** are required for all kitchen volunteers.

Step 2

Attend a volunteer interest meeting

Once you’ve created your profile, sign up for our next volunteer interest meeting! Learn about our ministry, our impact, exciting changes in our new building, and current available volunteer roles. Meetings are held twice a month.

Step 3

Complete a volunteer interview

One more step! During the volunteer interview you’ll meet with our Director of Community Engagement to decide what role will work best for you.

*By signing up to volunteer with Lighthouse Mission Ministries, you submit to a background check.

**If you do not have a valid Food Handlers Card or need to update yours, you can do so by clicking here. Please upload your Food Handlers Card to your volunteer profile.

Ready to get started?

Apply to volunteer

Create your volunteer profile and browse available opportunities. The whole process takes just a few minutes.

Apply to volunteer

Apply to volunteer

Already a volunteer?

Welcome back

Sing in to your Ministry Tracker account to view your schedule, sign up for shifts, and manage your volunteer profile.

Volunteer sign-in Portal

Volunteer sign-in Portal

Volunteer FAQs

Do I need prior experience?

No experience to sign up. Our staff will orient you before your first shift and support you throughout. Certain roles do require some experience and

How old do I need to be to volunteer?

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to serve independently. Youth groups and families are welcome with adult supervision. Contact Becca for details.

Can I bring a group?

Yes. We welcome groups from churches, schools, businesses, and community organizations. Contact our volunteer coordinator to arrange a group visit.

How often do I need to commit?

There is no minimum commitment. You can sign up for a single shift or volunteer on a recurring basis. Whatever works for your schedule.

What should I wear?

We encourage you to wear comfortable, casual clothing and closed-toe shoes. Sexually explicit clothing or clothing that promotes substances are not allowed. We support individuals across the life span, from children to 80+, and those walking through addiction. Please help us maintain a comfortable and appropriate environment for everyone.

Will I interact directly with residents?

In most volunteer roles, yes. We ask all volunteers to approach every interaction with respect, dignity, and kindness.

I’m a returning volunteer who has helped in the past at the old basecamp or the old building, but I haven’t volunteered in the new facility. Can I volunteer?

Returning volunteers are asked to attend our volunteer interest meeting/onboarding session. Since our transition to our new facility, a lot has changed, and we want to set you up for success in understanding the scope of our work and equip you with helpful tools and tips.

I have court ordered community service hours I need to complete. Does Lighthouse Mission allow me to receive service hours?

Those wishing to complete court order community service hours may do so by volunteering to help in our kitchen. Prospect volunteers must provide documentation during their volunteer interview.