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.”

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.'”

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.

Ron Doerksen sat at a desk in the front office of the Lighthouse Mission Ministries (LMM) building on Dec. 23, awaiting the next guest to walk through the doors stationed below the large welcome sign parallel to Astor Street. He donned a long-sleeve shirt with the John 3:16 verse “Your Life Matters” printed on the front and “Born Once, Die Twice. Born Twice, Die Once” on the back. His gentle smile, wealth of knowledge about LMM and its services and Christ-centered approach to life makes him one of the shelter’s most valued volunteers.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are often a time for some reflection, family time and giving back. For individuals and families, especially those navigating retirement distributions, there are several tax-efficient strategies to maximize your impact and minimize your tax burden. Let’s explore how Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) can help you achieve your philanthropic goals, and how your generosity can make a real difference right here in Bellingham.

For the past 101+ years, the Lighthouse Mission has witnessed the struggles of homelessness. We observe the impact of deep trauma, the pain of addiction, the despair of job loss and the crushing weight of mental health challenges. But we also see resilience, the spark of hope and the transformative power of healing in Christ.

For over 100 years, Lighthouse Mission Ministries has celebrated Christmas with the cold, hungry and vulnerable in Bellingham. Each day, we strive to bring Jesus Christ as the beacon of light for those navigating homelessness. We provide warm meals, safe shelter and crucial resources like addiction recovery, budgeting, parenting and job training. We could not serve our community without the generosity of our amazing financial supporters.

Volunteering to help the homeless in Whatcom County, especially in Bellingham at the Lighthouse Mission Ministries, is an impactful way to give back to your community. This organization is dedicated to providing essential services and support to those in need, offering a range of volunteer opportunities that allow individuals to make a tangible difference. Whether it’s assisting with daily operations, providing meals, or offering companionship, volunteers play a crucial role in maintaining the compassionate and welcoming environment that the Lighthouse Mission Ministries strives to create. By dedicating your time and energy, you can help foster a sense of dignity and hope among the homeless population in Bellingham.

We interviewed one of our wonderful volunteers, Peggy. Her experience volunteering at Lighthouse Mission’s Base Camp is an insight into the kind hearts of people like Peggy.

Toxic charity vs. Smart charity. As believers in Christ, it is one of our God-given responsibilities to care for the poor. Over 2,000 verses in the Bible illustrate this. But, how do we effectively serve the poor? One way to ensure that you’re serving your homeless neighbors appropriately is by making sure to practice smart charity instead of toxic charity.

Does the Lighthouse Mission make a difference in the lives of individuals throughout the communities of Washington, and specifically Bellingham? Yes, it does… every single day. If you are interested in understanding the best ways to help Bellingham homeless, look no further than this outstanding anonymous story from one of the individuals we’ve had the pride to get the opportunity to support.

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…

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.