Community and Economic Development Committee

The presentation centered on Lighthouse Mission Ministries' shift from traditional congregate shelter to an "enhanced shelter model" designed to break cycles of homelessness through progressive engagement programming. Brittany Hargrove explained that the model arose from quarterly surveys of residents and partner agencies, revealing that some individuals avoided Base Camp due to discomfort with active substance users and behavioral health crises in large community settings. The enhanced shelter model addresses this through specialized dorms with controlled access via keycard systems. Each resident receives a keycard programmed for specific areas - for example, a woman in behavioral health housing would have access to the main entry, female elevator and stairwell, and her designated dorm, but nowhere else. This controlled access system provides safety and privacy while preventing unauthorized movement throughout the facility. Council Member Michael Lilliquist offered extensive commentary on the evolution of homelessness services, noting that the community had learned …

**Hans Erchinger-Davis, President & CEO, Lighthouse Mission Ministries:** Expressed gratitude for city support including early assistance with Base Camp rent and renovations, streamlined permitting processes, and coordination with Old Town development including Astor Street improvements. Emphasized the organization's 100-year history in the community and role as the largest homelessness intervention locally. Noted that community tours and the recent public open house help dispel misconceptions about shelter operations. **Brittany Hargrove, Chief Program Officer, Lighthouse Mission Ministries:** Detailed the enhanced shelter model's development based on resident and partner feedback. Emphasized the trauma-informed design principles and "radical hospitality" philosophy treating each individual as if experiencing homelessness for the first time. Shared personal perspective as someone who received enhanced shelter services in Southwest Florida after eight years of homelessness, crediting progressive engagement programs with enabling her current success including dual master's degrees and 12 years of sobriety. **Council Member Michael Lilliquist:** Offered strong support for the enhanced shelter model, reflecting on a decade of community learning about effective homelessness interventions. Noted the evolution from early discussions about large congregate shelters to understanding the need for specialized, purpose-built facilities serving different populations. Praised Lighthouse Mission for implementing multiple specialized services within one facility rather than requiring separate bui…

**Brittany Hargrove, on the enhanced shelter model:** "If you can picture the full continuum of care, starting with outreach and really walk in emergency, low barrier shelter, which lighthouse currently operates. And then on the other end of the spectrum, we have our year long residential recovery programs. And so really what we're aiming to do is build in that missing middle so that there are stair steps from low barrier through to residential recovery." **Brittany Hargrove, on radical hospit…

**Homelessness service model transition:** The community is shifting from traditional congregate shelter services to specialized, progressive engagement programming designed to break rather than perpetuate cycles of homelessness. This represents a fundamental change in approach from emergency-only services to intervention-focused programming. **Specialized population services:** The new facility enables targeted services for previously underserved populations including families with children, individuals with behavioral health needs, medically fragile individuals requiring respite care, and those seeking substance-free environments. These services were not available in a coordinated manner previously. **Access and security systems:** Implementation of keycard access systems provides controlled entry to different facility areas based on individual needs and …

### Meeting Overview The City of Bellingham's Community and Economic Development Committee met on September 30, 2024, to receive a comprehensive presentation from Lighthouse Mission Ministries about their new enhanced shelter facility in Old Town. The meeting focused on the organization's transition from their temporary Base Camp facility to a larger, more sophisticated shelter model designed to serve up to 300 guests per night. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Enhanced Shelter Model:** A comprehensive approach to homelessness services that provides multiple levels of programming and specialized dorms rather than just basic overnight shelter, designed to help people progress toward housing stability. **Progressive Engagement Programs:** Structured programming that allows individuals to advance through different levels of services and support as they work toward recovery and housing goals, moving beyond the traditional "three hots and a cot" model. **Low Barrier Shelter:** Emergency shelter that accepts people regardless of sobriety status, mental health conditions, or ability to follow strict rules, removing barriers to accessing basic shelter services. **Medical Respite:** Specialized housing for individuals who are recovering from medical procedures or managing chronic health conditions but don't need hospital-level care. **Key Card Access System:** Electronic access control that allows residents to enter only the areas of the facility they're authorized to use, providing security and privacy for different program levels. **Flex Rooms:** Private rooms that can be assigned based on individual needs, such as for people with pets, LGBTQ+ individuals seeking safety, or others requiring specialized accommodations. **Radical Hospitality:** Lighthouse Mission's philosophy of treating every person seeking services as if it's their first time experiencing homelessness, regardless of their history with the organization. **Continuum of Care:** The full range of services from emergency shelter through transitional housing to permanent housing, designed to help people move step by step toward housing stability. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Hans Erchinger-Davis | President and CEO, Lighthouse Mission Ministries | | Brittany Hargrove | Chief Program Officer, Lighthouse Mission Ministries | | Jace Cotton | Committee Chair, City Council | | Hannah Stone | Committee Member, City Council | | Hollie Huthman | Committee Member, City Council | | Michael Lilliquist | City Counci…