Whatcom County homeless services are working to keep the houseless population safe in the face of extremely low temperatures this Christmas weekend.
Hans Erchinger-Davis, President & CEO at the Lighthouse Mission, said he was thankful they haven’t had to turn anyone away yet – but even though they have added as much shelter space as possible, the arrival of extreme weather may bring them up to capacity.
“That’s when our street outreach efforts take on an extra importance,” Erchinger-Davis said. In this type of cold, when Base Camp fills up, keeping people warm becomes a matter of life and death.”
The Lighthouse Mission overflow shelter can host up to 40 people in addition to Base Camp’s 200 beds. Erchinger-Davis said he was glad that some additional services are being made available this winter.
Erchinger-Davis said that Lighthouse Mission’s Outreach Team will keep checking on people in encampments regularly and bringing them supplies like hand warmers, winter gear, hot coffee, and other crucial items.
“People on the streets are in danger of frostbite and hypothermia and so much more,” Erchinger-Davis said. “It’s crucial that our community continues to support this effort financially, volunteer at the Lighthouse Mission, and pray for these hurting people.”
Lighthouse Mission Ministries has been helping people who are homeless since 1923. It cares for as many as 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 thelighthousemission.org.
