Lighthouse Mission’s shower trailer outreach has started up again, this time in the Birchwood neighborhood. People who are homeless are welcome to stop by the Salvation Army’s Birchwood location (1515 Birchwood Ave., Bellingham) for a free, hot shower on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hygiene supplies and towels will be provided.
Lighthouse Mission is grateful for the partnership with Opportunity Council and the Salvation Army of Bellingham that is making this outreach possible. Lighthouse Mission is providing the Shower Connect trailer and providing supplies, Opportunity Council’s Whatcom Homeless Service Center (specifically, their Homeless Outreach Team) is running the trailer, and the Salvation Army is hosting at their location on Birchwood Avenue.
Shower Connect gives people on the streets access to an important need.
“A lot of community members who are homeless in Whatcom County haven’t been able to shower in weeks,” said Brittany Hargrove, Lighthouse Mission’s Chief Program Officer. “There’s enormous shame and embarrassment that come from a lack of access to these services, and it can even prevent people from being able to go to the doctor or apply for a job.”
Lighthouse Mission’s portable shower trailer has two separate units, each with a shower, toilet, and sink. Anyone interested in a shower will be asked to review the rules for safety, sign up and agree to sign a liability waiver.
Lighthouse Mission has brought the Shower Connect trailer to a variety of locations in Whatcom County over the past several years, depending on availability of host locations. After a time of decreased availability during the pandemic, Lighthouse Mission is looking forward to bringing back this important outreach more consistently.
“A shower represents so much more than hygiene—it represents dignity, comfort and confidence,” Hargrove said. “We love to see the joy in people who come out of the shower trailer with a huge smile on their face.”
If anyone needs ADA access for a shower, they are encouraged to contact members of the Opportunity Council’s Homeless Outreach Team at 360-312-3717, extension 1, to discuss accommodations.
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.
