The proposed remodel of the Lighthouse Mission Ministries campus in Bellingham’s Old Town, including a new facility to replace the building at 910 W. Holly St., is entering the final stage of fundraising before starting construction.
“We’ve raised more than $13 million in cash and pledges through the generosity of major donors and organizations,” said Hans Erchinger-Davis, president and CEO of Lighthouse Mission Ministries. “But we still need more than $9 million to fund construction that will save and transform lives of many who currently are homeless in our community.
“As we prepare to undertake the largest project in Lighthouse Mission history, we are grateful for all who support us. We know that together, we can rise to the occasion, and be there during people’s darkest moments. Together we can fight for them, so they can have a flourishing life.”
The new facility, which will be on Lighthouse Mission-owned property on 910 W. Holly St., will replace the 24-hour Base Camp emergency shelter on 1530 Cornwall Ave. It will include micro-shelters for families, working guests, elderly guests, and guests requiring mental health care.
These micro-shelters will increase the Lighthouse Mission’s total overnight shelter capacity by 100 people. The number of total beds available overnight will go from 200 beds to 300 beds, with additional overflow capacity of 100 during severe weather.
In February, the Ascent Men’s Recovery Program successfully moved from the 910 W. Holly Street building into the newly remodeled New Life Center to make way for demolition of the existing building.
Demolition is slated to begin in January or February 2023, followed by construction starting in March or April. Completion of its construction is projected for early 2024, with a June move-in.
The new building will also feature increased laundry capacity, an expanded kitchen, entrepreneurial suites and both daytime and nighttime spaces for guests, plus a chapel in order to continue to provide voluntary pastoral counseling, Bible studies, and worship services for guests who would like to participate.
Three entrepreneurial suites located on the first floor will host three small businesses. The businesses will be open to the public and will create employment opportunities for graduates from Lighthouse Mission’s recovery programs.
To learn more about the Lighthouse Mission’s new building project, the community is encouraged to visit Lighthouse Builds.org.
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.
