BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Lighthouse Mission Ministries’ newest enhanced shelter is nearly complete, and the building’s grand opening is set to take place on Sept. 28.
The Enhanced Shelter Model is designed to meet the needs of individuals who are experiencing homelessness. Recently, Lighthouse Mission Ministries staff provided an overview of the building and its services to the Bellingham City Council.
Lighthouse Mission says the facility will offer an array of services that provide support to individuals at various stages of life and recovery. Their model focuses on using housing, healthcare, life skills and spiritual support to build sustainable recovery and reintegrate people into society.
The shelter’s program follows “four key components:” multiple access-points, multi-layered programming, holistic services and community integration.
The five-story building, located at the corner of Holly Street and F Street, is replacing the Lighthouse Mission’s current Base Camp on Cornwall Avenue.
Accommodations will include low-barrier emergency beds, severe weather emergency beds and access to case management and community referrals. There will be a flexible dorm space with open entry, medical respite dorm, behavioral health dorm, family dorms, medical clinic and community spaces.
The shelter plans to hold up to 300 guests per night with room for additional space during severe weather events.
Lighthouse Mission is hosting an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, with tours going every 15 minutes.
Those who are unable to attend the tour can view the walk-through images presented at the Bellingham City Council meeting (gallery begins on pg. 192.)
