Lighthouse Mission Ministries is making a Bellingham winter shelter available again this year, with the help of volunteer staffing from Christ the King Community Church (CTK). Hans Erchinger-Davis, President and CEO of Lighthouse Mission Ministries, said this is the third year that CTK is partnering with Lighthouse Mission to operate the shelter.
The winter shelter, located in the Lighthouse Mission’s 1013 Building, will accommodate up to 40 men at 1013 W. Holly St. from December through February. Check-in will be at Base Camp, a year-round emergency shelter located at 1530 Cornwall Ave.
Base Camp has been at or near capacity for the last month, Erchinger-Davis said, but even if beds are all taken, people who are homelessness can visit Base Camp during the day.
“Everyone is welcome to come inside, get warm, find resources—even if the Mission is full,” he said. “We will be doing everything we can to keep our community members safe from the cold this winter.”
At Base Camp, services like laundry, showers, resource referrals, Wi-Fi and emotional and spiritual support are open to all. “Base Camp is our community’s safety net. It’s a launching pad for people to start their journey toward life recovery,” Erchinger-Davis said.
For the winter shelter, CTK will provide transportation to and from Base Camp, volunteer coordination and overnight staffing support. Community members can apply to volunteer at ctkserves.org/shelter. New volunteer orientations will be held on Nov. 16 (online) and Nov. 20 (in person).
“Winter is the hardest time for those on the streets,” Erchinger-Davis said. “With costs going up to meet the increased need, we appreciate all who volunteer and donate—you bring us to the frontlines of hope, help and healing for a desperate people.”
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.
