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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.

Volunteer sign-in Portal

Volunteer sign-in Portal

Get help

360-733-5120

UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITies

Thanksgiving

Volunteer this Thanksgiving and help our residents experience a wonderful holiday.

Sign up for Thanksgiving

Sign up for Thanksgiving

Woman volunteer in orange apron carrying a tray in a community dining area with people eating nearby.

How to become a regular volunteer

Three steps to your first shift

Step 1

Apply to Volunteer

Tell us about yourself and why you’d like to serve with the mission. It only takes a few minutes. Applications will be reviewed by our Community Engagement team. Valid ID* required. Food Handlers Card** required for all kitchen volunteers.

Step 2

Attend a Volunteer Onboarding Session

The next step once an application has been accepted is attending one volunteer onboarding session. During these required meetings you’ll learn about our ministry, our impact, exciting updates, and available volunteer roles. Meetings are held twice a month at our main facility.***

Step 3

Ready, Set, Serve!

Once you’ve attended an onboarding session and have received your official volunteer badge you are ready to serve! Meal service is a great first step. Some volunteer positions, including front desk, require an interview with the Community Engagement team to ensure a good fit.

*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.

***Sessions are paused November and December due to the holidays.

Ready to get started?

Apply to volunteer

Click the link below to apply! Please note that all approved volunteers must complete volunteer onboarding* before signing up for their first shift.

Past or current volunteers transitioning from VolunteerHub must use this link to create/claim a new account with Bloomerang Volunteer.

Apply to volunteer

Apply to volunteer

Already a volunteer?

Welcome back

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

Volunteer sign-in Portal

Volunteer sign-in Portal

*Onboarding sessions are not held in November or December due to the holiday season.

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 require certain qualifications, training, and further staff screening.

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.