Lighthouse Mission expanding shelter beds

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December 29, 2017

Lighthouse Mission Ministries again expanding emergency overnight shelter

Dec. 28, 2017
Lighthouse Mission Ministries in Bellingham has launched two efforts to provide emergency overnight shelter for up to 70 more people who are homeless. 

Work has begun that will enable 30 more men to sleep in the Lighthouse Mission Ministries dining room, according to Hans Erchinger-Davis, executive director of Lighthouse Mission Ministries. The project, estimated to cost $10,000, should be completed in January after remodeling and the acquisition of specialized mats and storage lockers for linens.

“Lives are at stake during the cold snaps. Thirty additional beds will give people a fighting chance, where no one gets turned away due to capacity constraints,” Erchinger-Davis said. 
Lighthouse Mission Ministries is also partnering with Fountain Community Church, which opened a 40-bed Severe Weather Shelter on Dec. 1.

“The Severe Weather Shelter now is consistently open every night from Dec. 1 through the end of February, rather than on only the coldest nights of the season or when we were reaching capacity,” Erchinger-Davis said. “It is run by Fountain Community Church and their volunteers, offers housing for single women and has limited availability for women with children.”

Currently, approximately 230 men, women and children receive shelter and care from Lighthouse Mission Ministries each night and 350 meals are served daily.

The dining room beds and Severe Weather Shelter are the latest efforts by Lighthouse Mission Ministries to serve Whatcom County’s homeless population. Last year Lighthouse Mission Ministries converted its daytime Drop-In Center at 1013 W Holly St. to also serve as an overnight emergency shelter for up to 80 men. Guests at the emergency shelter, open 24 hours a day, are asked to follow some basic behavioral expectations and accommodations are made for people who have pets. As with most Mission programs, there are no religious requirements to receive services.

To make donations or learn more about Lighthouse Mission Ministries, call (360) 733-5120 or visit www.thelighthousemission.org
Contact:
Rachel Tinnel, Development Director
(360) 733-5120, x 104