Real people.
Supernatural change.

Before Thomas came to the Lighthouse Mission, he nearly lost his life. After overdosing, he was found unresponsive in Puyallup and taken to the hospital in Auburn. Doctors discovered a severe staph infection in his spine. He spent two months in the hospital receiving IV treatment to fight the infection. It was a painful season, and when he was discharged, he came to Bellingham.

I spent almost 10 years in the Army after high school. When I got out, I went to college. After that, I spent about seven years working for the Boy Scouts of America as an executive, serving Grays Harbor and Pacific counties. Later, through family connections, I went to work for a pest control company. After doing that, I didn’t really have to work.

This addiction recovery story from Bellingham, Washington, shows how one woman overcame homelessness, addiction, and loss through the support of Lighthouse Mission Ministries. For individuals and families across Whatcom County, stories like Megan’s reveal what is possible when compassion meets opportunity.

As she told her story of chasing “that living water,” Wendy recounted, “My stepfather became the fatherly figure that I had. He was an alcoholic. So, always with the fear of how he was going to be feeling each day. Kind of like walking on eggshells. When I needed the love, the love was given to the bottle.

Torrance’s testimony starts in chaos, and homelessness, but leads to a life given to Christ. Here’s an intro to his story. Torrance sets the stage for his four-part journey from homelessness to hope.

On Friday, Jan. 31, the Lighthouse Mission held its weekly Chapel service where a staff member shared their experience finding God’s light to help them overcome addiction and homelessness. Case manager Heather Kirkey delivered her testimony, which can be read below.

I’m not alone, I see it every day. In July of 2021, PJ Smith walked through the doors of Base Camp. She was struggling with financial stress after a car accident that left her partner in the hospital for about a month and a half, and she needed a place to stay to help her get back on her feet.

Your Donations Provided a Safe haven in their Darkest Hour. Julia’s journey from Hawaii to Washington State was supposed to be a fresh start for her family. However, life had other plans for Julia as she encountered unexpected health problems. While her husband and daughter moved ahead to Bellingham, WA, she found herself confined to a hospital bed as she recovered.

Lexi grew up in foster care, bouncing from home to home. But once she turned 18, she was kicked out and became homeless. That’s when she hit rock bottom. “I started using [drugs] when I became homeless because I was just trying to survive, and that was the only way I knew,” she said. “Then I got pregnant,” she said. “And since I was still homeless, I lost [custody of] my child.”

David Bradley, one of our generous volunteers, serves the guests staying at Base Camp by making them coffee and chatting with them. “I just wanted to be of service and felt it was the right thing to do,” he said about his motivation for volunteering.

It is always wonderful to hear from our Executive Director as he shares with us the latest news regarding the impact and outreach of the mission as it impacts lives throughout the community. It’s refreshing to hear how the Christian community is coming together through gifts, and donations, for the single purpose of impacting lives for Christ. Let’s hear from Hans Erchinger-Davis

Curious about whether or not Lighthouse Mission helps those who are really in need throughout the community of Bellingham Washington? Look no further than this marvelously touching poem written by a former guest of Lighthouse Mission, and now an LMM staff member. Robert knows better than anyone just how far reaching the impact of your donations and care go – he has seen it from both sides of the ministry.

Lighthouse Mission Ministries is providing food and shelter in its new Bellingham facility for hundreds who are homeless during the current winter storm that brought snow and sub-freezing temperatures. The facility at 1312 F St. in Old Town opened in October and is near capacity now. It currently offers 234 beds under regular conditions, according to Hans Erchinger-Davis, president and CEO of Lighthouse Mission Ministries. It will reach the permitted total of 300 beds when they are able to staff the behavioral health dorms.

Earlier this year, Frank, a Base Camp guest, had a medical emergency where he lost consciousness. Staff responded immediately and performed CPR until medical professionals arrived. Tragically, Frank passed away. When the EMT staff asked for his emergency contacts, the reply that came was grim, “There are no emergency contacts.”

A new building that will more than replace Base Camp, as well as provide enhanced, specialized care to families, the elderly, and those who require medical or mental health support.

Agape Home hosted their first conference and rolled out the red carpet! Giving our guests the royal treatment, with delicious food, fellowship and encouragement. The theme was “Daughters of the King” and the ladies were blessed by multiple guest speakers who declared powerful testimonies, led interactive activities, and shared God’s heart.

It takes a special calling and a heart for people and Jesus to do this work! Supporting the Whatcom County and Bellingham area’s homeless, and continuing to bring the light and hope of Christ to those who are most in need is difficult work! But because of your partnership with our mission, and your regular recurring financial gifts, we are excited about continuing the work that God has called for us to do on your behalf.

Do you know what it takes to minister to hundreds and hundreds of the community’s most vulnerable people? It takes a constant commitment from donors who regularly make online recurring donations. Constant prayers and spiritual support. And also, volunteers. We are so thankful for all of you.

Winter is harsh for those who are homeless. The cold, the dirt, the loneliness – and the holidays, all lead towards a desperate need. The Lighthouse Mission, throughout the holiday season, sees stories like these time and time again and we need your support as we work to ensure the welfare of many who are in need during this Christmas and colder holiday times. Are you looking to partner with a trusted Christian philanthropic organization, we would covet your partnership with us.

Lighthouse Mission has supported those in need for over 100 years now. We have connected generous charitable donations towards the most vulnerable people in our community. Donate monthly to make a bed available. Give online in order to intercede for those that need to see Christ work in their lives.

Each year, Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is sponsored by the National Coalition for the Homeless to promote awareness, education, and action surrounding hunger and homelessness the week before Thanksgiving. To give you an idea of how many people experience hunger and homelessness, about 43.1 million Americans live below the poverty level, while 549,000 people are homeless on a typical night.

The full-length documentary of our Hope for Bellingham video series is out now. Check it out to gain insight into homelessness and get involved in the solutions. Are you curious how you can make a difference in your local community? This is the resource for you. Do you want your business to participate in the community and to make a difference fighting homelessness and helping individuals impacted? Then check out this video series.