After 20 years of faithful service to Lighthouse Mission Ministries, Chief Executive Officer Hans Erchinger-Davis has announced that he will step down from his role, entering a season of transition marked by prayerful discernment and a belief in God’s continued provision.
Erchinger-Davis, 48, was raised in Bellingham, graduated from Western Washington University and completed seminary studies at Regent College in Vancouver, B.C. He joined the Lighthouse Mission staff in 2006, serving as chaplain, director of programs and associate executive director before replacing Ron Buchinski as executive director in 2016.
“Throughout his tenure, Hans has led the Lighthouse Mission with a deep commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the call to serve those experiencing homelessness,” said Sam Mullen, chair of the Lighthouse Mission’s Board of Trustees. “Under his leadership, the Mission has experienced profound growth in both reach and impact, most recently culminating in the completion of a new homeless services facility–clear evidence of God’s provision and the faithful generosity of His people.”
Erchinger-Davis led Lighthouse Mission during the Covid-19 pandemic, partnering with Bellingham and Whatcom County governments to manage a temporary Base Camp facility in Bellingham to serve homeless neighbors. A new $29 million, five-story Lighthouse Mission campus opened in 2025, serving homeless neighbors at 1312 F St. Donations have covered almost all of the construction costs, leaving Lighthouse Mission to raise another $1.6 million to cover remaining debt.
The Lighthouse Mission is Whatcom County’s only walk-in Emergency Overnight Shelter and includes several programs: Enhanced Shelter Dorms for men and women, a Seniors and Medical Respite program, Family Shelter and a forthcoming Behavioral Health program. Lighthouse Mission is currently staffed to accommodate 250 people with facilities that can eventually flex to 500 people. The Mission serves three meals daily and provide case managers and resource connections in a community-oriented atmosphere. Lighthouse Mission’s Liminal Coffee opened to the public Feb. 14 in the same building, offering vocational development for current and former Mission residents.
In recent months, Erchinger-Davis said he has engaged in a season of intentional prayer, counsel and evaluation as Lighthouse Mission transitions from a period of significant expansion into a season focused on strengthening internal culture, programs and ensuring long-term sustainability. His last day at Lighthouse Mission will be June 30.
“Serving Lighthouse Mission has been a profound calling,” Erchinger-Davis said. “For more than two decades, it has been my privilege to labor alongside an incredible team for the sake of the Gospel–that men and women and children would not only find food, shelter, and recovery from addiction, but ultimately find forgiveness and eternal life through Christ and Him crucified.”
The Board of Trustees expressed sincere gratitude for Hans Erchinger-Davis’s leadership and steadfast commitment. “We give thanks to God for Hans’ faithful service and the foundation that has been laid,” Mullen said.
“The Board has initiated a search process to find the right leader for this next season with a goal of naming a new CEO by June 15. The Lighthouse Mission remains unwavering in its call to “healing homelessness with Christ’s power and love,” Mullen said. All programs and services will continue uninterrupted during this transition, he added.
Lighthouse Mission Ministries has been helping people who are homeless since 1923. It cares for more than 250 people each day and provides a continuum of services aimed at ending homelessness through meals, enhanced shelters, addiction recovery, spiritual support, and aftercare. To make a donation or volunteer, call (360) 733-5120, or visit www.thelighthousemission.org.
