Lighthouse Mission Ministries (LMM) aims to be a consistent friend to people in homelessness. Through support from people like you, LMM comes alongside friends and neighbors to offer hope, give dignity, serve, and support them as they undertake the difficult work of leaving homelessness.
Our guests come from all walks of life yet share a common need for help. Lighthouse Mission Ministries delivers services through Community Outreach, the Drop-In Center, the Ascent Program, and the Agape Home. Whether at street level or through drop-in or residential services, the Mission is there to help and this community makes that possible.
Guests of LMM are diverse, mobile, and independent, and it is our privilege to serve them. Mission staff are committed and our programs are effective.
In cooperation with the Whatcom County Health Department, LMM is well prepared for health emergencies, such as COVID-19 (Coronavirus). We are regularly monitoring COVID-19 in our city and state through the federal Centers for Disease Control, state, and local healthcare sources. Like others in the area, we will work to reduce transmission, maintain ministry operations, and minimize any adverse effects of the virus.
We Serve and Value Our Guests
Our guests need shelter, food, friendship, and care and we are committed to providing all emergency services, focusing on food, shelter, and healthcare.
Because of the recommendations of the CDC, the Whatcom County Health Department, and the State of Washington, the entirety of the Drop-In Center moved to Bellingham High School. The extra space provided accommodates the 150-200 people served in that program, supports the six-foot distancing mandate, offers showers. Visit here for FAQs about the relocation. The City of Bellingham also some information here. Watch this video for an inside look at the new location. If you have questions or concerns about this, contact Jessica Hess at: contact@thelighthousemission.org or 360-733-5120 ext. 103.
Due to quarantine and social distancing measures, Street Connect and Shower Connect have been suspended.
We Are Committed to Health and Safety for All
We are committed to the safety and health of all our guests, program residents, employees, volunteers, and partners. In all cases, our plans call for an abundance of caution and care.
LMM maintains a daily protocol to identify and manage infectious diseases with each guest. Community partners that operate out of Lighthouse Mission provide health screening and referrals to further medical services. We maintain a regular discipline of communication with health care providers to prevent any outbreak of communicable illnesses among staff, volunteers, and guests.
We have treatment and quarantine plans in place for both our residential programs (Agape Home and the Ascent Program). These facilities for men, women, and families are structured to allow for self-isolation or quarantine as needed. We plan on minimizing exposure for all residents while providing compassionate and comprehensive treatment of individual guests who become symptomatic.
All staff who are able to or have compromised immune systems have been asked to work remotely.
We Value Our Volunteers
For both their sake as well as for the sake of our guests, we have requested most volunteers remain at home until further notice. They will be greatly missed!
We Appreciate Your Help
We encourage any member of the community to contact Lighthouse Mission Ministries if you have questions or concerns, or if you want to help in some way as we shepherd the Mission community through the challenge of the coronavirus. Contact Lighthouse Mission Ministries: 360-733-5120, contact@thelighthousemission.org, or go to contact us.
We are seeking monetary donations to purchase hand sanitizer, masks, and disinfectant. Your help is welcome: https://www.thelighthousemission.org/donate/
We are grateful for your support, especially as we care for our friends and neighbors in this time of need. We covet your prayers and in turn are praying for our community as we experience this crisis together. We trust the Lord and acknowledge that we are not alone in this; together we are healing homelessness with Christ’s power and love.
Keep In the Know: Newest Videos
Drop-In Center Visit with Bellingham High School’s Principal
Story of the Amazing Drop-In Center Move
We Encourage Protective Practices for All
In all cases and at all facilities, we continue to educate staff, guests, and volunteers on Center for Disease Control (CDC) best practices and we encourage you to do the same:
- Proper hand washing – Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. As an alternative, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects (doorknobs, railings, counters, work stations).
- Practice respiratory etiquette: Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow or sleeve; avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Practice social distancing (maintain at least 6 feet between you and other people)
- Stay home if you are sick or if you are coming down with flu-like symptoms.
We will continue to update this post as further information becomes available.
Did you know that Lighthouse Mission Ministries has been a critical lifeline in Washington since 1923? We support well over 300 hundred beds every single day – and the need is only continuing to rise. That’s over 100 years of service to the Bellingham community as an active 501c3 non-profit. And we aren’t going anywhere, as long as we continue to get partners like you who are willing to support our ministry and mission. Shawn is living a better life because of donors who have gone before you. Join us in this campaign against homelessness, and hopelessness today.
