The next step in caring for neighbors who are homeless…
A new building that will more than replace Lighthouse Mission’s Base Camp, as well as provide enhanced, specialized care to families, the elderly, and those who require medical or mental health support.
The Project
At Lighthouse Mission, we know you want to do more to ease the rising homelessness crisis and transform lives in Whatcom county.
Your heart aches as you see neighbors living on the streets without basic provisions and resources.
The problem could get worse as Base Camp—the only crisis shelter in the region—is set to close July 2024, putting 200 people back to living on the streets.
Our Neighbors
THE NEED:
Rising costs, lack of mental health care, and limited affordable housing have left many people without options.
Beyond physical needs, people need support, connection, and a place to belong.
Lighthouse Mission believes that people shouldn’t be alone. Reaching out with Jesus’ love, the Mission comes alongside people to help them heal and transform their lives.
The lease is running out on our Base Camp shelter, which is a temporary solution for the pandemic.
If no permanent building is constructed, half the daily homeless population will be without a caring community that breaks through the isolation of homelessness and offers life-changing services.
But it doesn’t have to be that way—you can take the next step in caring for your neighbors.
How this project will meet the need
We have an urgent opportunity for you to do more to ease the crisis. You can make a two-fold difference in the lives of our neighbors who are homeless:
First, we’ll construct a new Mission building that will more than replace the closing Base Camp shelter.
Second, we’ll provide enhanced, specialized care to address the needs of families, the elderly, and those who require medical or mental health support.
Let’s do more for our neighbors.
Your support today will help construct a building designed to give dignity and safety, letting the most vulnerable people in our community know they have great value and are loved by God and others.
From outreach to recovery to restoration, your support will help double our impact— building lives, community, faith, and families.
Why now?
This project has been years in the making. Prior to Base Camp, the 100-year-old building on Holly St. known as the “Drop-In Center” was not considered a viable long-term solution. But seeing the growing need, leadership made it work for a time to respond to the increasing numbers of people experiencing homelessness.
After the pandemic brought on a move to the temporary Base Camp, it was clear that the shelter would not be able to return to the old Drop-In Center building. Since the Base Camp lease ends July 2024, we need to start construction on a new building.
Now is the time to take the next step in helping our community’s homeless neighbors. When we join together to provide the care, connection, and healing that people need, they begin to thrive.
Project Specifics
- 200 low-barrier beds
- 100 micro-shelter beds
- Capacity for 100 additional people in severe weather emergencies
- Extra meeting rooms for community agencies to offer services
- Increased laundry capacity
- Expanded kitchen and storage – to serve 1,200+ meals a day
- Large outdoor decks with indoor-outdoor fireplaces
- Medical clinic with three exam rooms
- Chapel for optional pastoral services, Bible studies and worship
- Three storefront businesses that will employ our recovery program graduates
The building will have 15,000 square feet per floor, giving people plenty of space. It is thoughtfully designed with safety in mind with clear sightlines and an abundance of natural light. Each shelter area has open concept, giving flexibility for the ever changing needs, and has access to outdoor decks which will have seating.
Financial Update
Let’s do more to ease the homelessness crisis and transform lives. Learn more about our budget for this project.
New Specialized Micro-Shelters
Click here for printable resources!
Families
26 beds
- 6 Dorm family crisis micro-shelter built to accommodate one-and two-parent families
- Separate entrance from main shelter
- Community living kitchenette
- Play area and private deck
This micro-shelter will give families in crisis the ability to stay together and have the space they need to feel at home while they work to get back on their feet.
Elderly & Medically Fragile
25 Beds
- Medical respite for 25 men and women
- Extra space to move around
- Easy-access to restrooms
- Additional staff support
In addition to a separate shelter area for people who are elderly or who have special medical needs, the new building will house a medical clinic with three exam rooms. Currently, Base Camp has only one exam room.
Mental & Behavioral Health
25 beds
- Space for 25 men and women
- Additional space and staff support
- Plenty of natural light with a comfortable feel
- Private decks
Living with so many other people can be difficult for those with mental health conditions. Having extra space and resources ensures they can get the care they need without having to go back to living on the street.
Working Dorm/Flex Use
24 Beds
- Space for 24 men and women
- Separate from the main dorm
- Focused case management
- Flexible schedule based on their job needs
Base Camp currently only has working dorm space for men, so the new building opens up this option to women. For our guests who work nights or variable schedules, these spaces also offer flexible check-in and a quiet space to sleep.
Endorsements & Partnerships
The Impact
Hear from people directly impacted by the Mission.
Kareesa & Thomas
Two years ago Kareesa lost her job at a daycare because of Covid. She was also going to school at the time. Within the same week of losing her job, her house burned down.
She has a 6-year-old son and did not choose to be homeless.
Jason
I had nowhere to go and was told about Base Camp. I love that I have somewhere to get three meals a day and a bed. I am so thankful for LMM and the chance to feel normal.
I would be living on the streets if it wasn’t for Base Camp. The generosity of Lighthouse Mission and Base Camp has been a total lifesaver. This is a place to re-establish my identity.
My goals are to get permanent housing and get my SSDI going.
Terrence
I was working and living at the Super 8 hotel for 2.5 years until I was fired.
Then I went to inpatient treatment and graduated. A friend told me about Base Camp and Thank God. It’s a straight blessing and serves as an excellent launch pad.
My goals are to establish a legal parenting plan and to get visits with my daughter. And to get an excellent job and housing.
Phillip
I’ve been homeless the past year. I’ve been unemployed for the past two years, I lost my job when Covid hit. I have a 19-year-old daughter.
I lived in parks and on the streets, also in other shelters. I now get meals every day and a dry place to sleep. I’m creating relationships with the community and staff. I joined Base Camp’s Stride team (a community running/walking group).
My goals are to regain my physical health, find a sense of calm and reconnect with my family.
Elizabeth
This place is a real stepping stone for people.
You guys are doing good things.
People who come here can really get a leg up and get job prospects, and find housing… and I know someone who just found a job.
Brett
I’ve been stuck down here (in his trailer) for a year.
You could call it complacency, but I call it overwhelmed.
Ermond
I was a flood victim from November of last year.
Base Camp has shared their compassion, plus food and shelter before and after surgery.
God bless Base Camp.
FAQs
Still have questions? Explore all our frequently asked questions or check out our Resources and Media page.
We accept donations by check or credit/debit card, gifts of stock, property, donor advised funds, pledges (typically over the course of 2-3 years), and more. Contact us for more information.
Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 548, Bellingham, WA 98227 with “New Building Project” in the memo line. Thank you!
