Lighthouse Mission Ministries is reaching a minor milestone this week in the construction of a new 300-bed shelter for homeless people. Construction crews are framing up the fifth floor and completing the new shelter’s roof.
That work will be “hopefully done Friday (Jan. 12),” Lighthouse Communications Coordinator Derek Rivera-Smith said.
The Christian nonprofit expects to clear out of Base Camp, the 200-bed shelter on Cornwall Avenue, and have the new shelter operational by October.
Lighthouse is planning a grand opening for the new shelter in September, Rivera-Smith said on Tuesday, Jan. 16.
The $27-million project is funded through private donations. Lighthouse has raised $23 million so far, which includes anticipated proceeds from the pending sale of the Willows Inn property on Lummi Island.
The new facility at 910 W. Holly St. will include a low-barrier shelter with spaces for 140 men and 60 women, plus a specialized shelter with room for 100 more homeless individuals, including families and people with medical or behavioral health needs.
Another 100 beds will become available during weather emergencies or natural disasters, temporarily increasing the facility’s capacity to 400.
Higher demand has resulted in Base Camp hitting maximum capacity more frequently, officials said.
Bellingham’s hearing examiner approved the new shelter in July 2022, over the objections of some Lettered Streets residents who said the facility would invite crime, litter and other disruptions to their neighborhood. The hearing examiner granted Lighthouse an exemption from the city’s 200-bed limit for homeless shelters.
The building’s second floor will have office space for Lighthouse staff, Rivera-Smith said.
Commercial businesses will occupy the ground floor.
This story was updated at 2:30 p.m. Jan. 16, 2024, with more current information on the new homeless shelter’s opening date.
