Stories & News

Real people.
Supernatural change.

Every story here is proof that transformation is possible. Stay connected with the work happening in Bellingham.

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.

Hans Erchinger-Davis, CEO of the Lighthouse Mission, wanted to share a Christmas greeting this year. “This Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus. The king of glory who came to be born in a manger. Luke records in his gospel that one day a man met Jesus along the road and said, “I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.'”

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.

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.

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.

Two Celebrations of Life for Rev. Albert Archer will be held in Arizona and Washington state. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Feb. 8, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Valley Baptist Church (555 S. Mountain Road, Mesa, Ariz.) with Rev. Kevin Cowling officiating.

I was blind, but now I see – a story of how one Lighthouse Mission guest received both physical and spiritual sight because of your generous gifts. And if you haven’t given, Physical and spiritual sight for Theroux – Thanks to YOU! We love telling the stories of God’s generous interventions at the Mission each and every day.

I believe God brought me here. Lighthouse Mission regularly witnesses God working on the frontlines of our city as we watch Him move on the behalf of our most vulnerable. Sharing stories of God’s work is one of our favorite things to do here at the Mission – to tell of God’s good work and the people he has saved. Aleta is just a story of hope. Aleta grew up having a strong faith. But when a custody battle over her son didn’t go the way she had hoped and prayed, it shook her to the core.

“I had nowhere to go,” said Shari. “Everything was chaos.” That was March 2020, right when COVID began. Shari had been living with a family friend here in Bellingham when her friend passed away unexpectedly. With little to no time to find another place to live, Shari was facing homelessness.

Lighthouse Mission works to stay close to the needs of the community by supporting each and every person we meet on the streets of Bellingham. But it’s because of your support of our mission and our work that we are able to intervene on so many. Speaking of which – have you ever questioned your value? Your purpose?

For those experiencing homelessness, the emotional challenges can be as painful as the physical challenges of hunger and lack of shelter. Carmon, one of our guests in recovery, suffered from isolation and strained family relationships that led him into a spiral.

Mary, a Lighthouse Mission staff member, was heading home when she saw a visibly pregnant young woman sleeping on the ground, just outside our front door. “Hey, are you okay?” Mary asked, gently shaking the woman awake.

After a fishing season in Alaska was cut short due to record low numbers of fish, Tommy found himself in a tough spot… with no job and no place to live. He was desperate for temporary work to tide him over until the next fishing season. However, not many people were looking to hire an elderly man, struggling in the grips of addiction. That’s how Tommy first ended up at at our drop-in shelter, Base Camp.

It is the stories of renewal and restoration that excite us most to talk about. We are so glad to share the story of Libby and her desire to share her transformation with you all. God has intervened on Libby’s behalf and has brought about restoration. This story is an exciting new story of God’s love and peace in Libby’s life. And this amazing story of grace was made possible because you took the time to act, to donate, and to make a difference in the lives of those most overlooked in our society.

Mike Missick was a special guest at the Lighthouse Mission as he worked to break free of the cycle of homelessness. And we were blessed to have a front row seat to watch God intervene on behalf of Mike as He transformed his life to something entirely new.

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.

December 4, 2019

A Note From the Director

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

October 3, 2019

Front Lines, a poem

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.”

September 6, 2022

New Building Project

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.

August 16, 2022

Agape Home Conference

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.

July 25, 2021

What Motivates You?

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.