A staff member of Lighthouse Mission Ministries’ shelter for women and children, Agape Home on Holly Street, tested positive for Coronavirus on Monday, August 31. This is the first known case in the organization. The virus was detected quickly and this person is now in quarantine.
Lighthouse Mission Ministries is following all recommended precautions to keep their guests and staff safe and healthy. They have worked closely with Community Paramedics and the Whatcom County Health Department to develop their Covid-19 protocols, which include: encouraging social distancing and mask wearing among guests and staff, daily symptom checks for all staff members, and a thorough daily cleaning regime.
Upon notification of the positive test, Lighthouse Mission Ministries implemented their standing Covid-19 response plan. Lighthouse Mission has been in frequent conversations with local authorities on best practices and guidelines. Everyone who has been in contact with the staff member has been contacted by the health department.
Hans Erchinger-Davis, Lighthouse Mission’s Executive Director said, “We take seriously that one of our staff members has contracted Covid-19 from a loved one. Our prayers are with them for a full recovery and we are taking all necessary steps to keep others healthy.”
In addition, Lighthouse Mission has been in communication with local health officials and has taken immediate action to minimize exposure to other staff and guests. Out of an abundance of caution, all guests and staff of Agape Home are being tested for Covid-19 and are quarantining. Safety of guests and staff is their highest priority, Erchinger-Davis said, and they will take every action needed to ensure ongoing safety.
Erchinger-Davis said, “I am very grateful for all in our community who have stepped up during this crisis and given financially to help folks who are homeless. The Mission must stay open and we wouldn’t be here without you. Thank you for keeping us on the front lines working for the safety and health of our friends and neighbors.”
Lighthouse Mission Ministries has been helping people who are homeless since 1923. It cares for up to 310 people each day and provides a continuum of services aimed at ending homelessness through street outreach, enhanced shelters, addiction recovery, Christian programs, and aftercare. If you’d like to help, you can make a donation here.
