For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in… Matthew 25:35 (NIV)
If you feel for people who are experiencing homeless, but haven’t been sure how you can help, let these tips be a starting point!
1. Be Prepared
2. Acknowledge
3. Engage
4. Don’t give money
5. Offer an alternative
6. Encourage them to go to the Mission
Lighthouse Mission provides food, shelter, and other services to help with immediate needs and address underlying issues. Carry public transportation tokens – they can be purchased at the Bellingham Station. If you feel comfortable, enter into a conversation with the person who is panhandling. Keep some of our referral cards in your wallet or purse so you can easily direct someone to the Mission.
A couple things to keep in mind: There are no fees to stay overnight or have a meal at the Mission. We’re able to provide these services because of your generosity. Please contact us at (360) 671-1562 if you would like to pick up referral cards or you can print them at the link above!
7. Pray for them
8. Support Lighthouse Mission
Did you know that Lighthouse Mission Ministries has been a critical lifeline in Washington since 1923? That’s over 100 years of service to the Bellingham community as a respected 501c3 non-profit. We support well over 300 hundred beds every single day – and the need is only continuing to rise. Keep us ministering to the area of Whatcom county by creating a monthly online donation. Join us in this campaign against homelessness, and hopelessness today.