Facing increased demand for overnight shelter, Lighthouse Mission Ministries is expanding the months a Bellingham overflow shelter will be available for men in cold-weather months with volunteer staffing from a local church.
The 1013 Building will accommodate up to 40 men at 1013 W. Holly St. During late October, November and March, it will be opened if Base Camp is at full capacity and/or if a surge in people seeking shelter is expected due to inclement weather or other factors. During the cold-weather months of December through February, the 1013 Building will be continually open nights.
“More people are coming in than normal for this time of year,” said Hans Erchinger-Davis, President and CEO of Lighthouse Mission Ministries. “Ever since the move to Base Camp, we’ve had more space for people to stay. But even with that extra space, we’re nearing capacity. That’s why the 1013 Building will be a much-needed additional resource.”
Lighthouse Mission Ministries will continue to operate its Base Camp for sheltering up to 200 people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic at 1530 Cornwall Ave. Christ the King Community Church (CTK) is partnering with Lighthouse Mission Ministries for a second year to operate the 1013 Building. Last year it was available from December through February.
Check-in will be at Base Camp. CTK will provide transportation to the 1013 Building, volunteer coordination and overnight staffing support. According to Wendy Powell, Community Outreach Pastor at CTK, community members can apply to volunteer at https://ctkserves.org/shelter.
“As our community wrestles with homelessness and the underlying factors that cause it, we at CTK want to be part of the solution,” Powell said. “We welcome people from other churches and the community at large who’d like to join our effort to create additional space this winter.”
Base Camp’s emergency services at the 24/7 low-barrier shelter include the following services: free breakfast, lunch, and dinner, restrooms, laundry, showers, resource referrals, case management, Wi-Fi, emotional and spiritual support from staff and volunteers, a café, optional prayer and Bible studies, and more.
Anyone who needs a meal or a safe place to stay is welcome at Base Camp, and services are offered free of discrimination. “Base Camp is a launching pad for people to start their journey toward life recovery,” Erchinger-Davis said.
There are no religious requirements for guests to receive any services offered at Base Camp or the 1013 Building. Lighthouse Mission Ministries maintains its identity as a Christian organization with its mission of healing homelessness with Christ’s power and love.
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, spiritual support, and aftercare. To make a donation or volunteer, call (360) 733-5120, or visit www.thelighthousemission.org.
