BELLINGHAM, WA. – The Lighthouse Mission has received a nearly $1 million grant to support its new homeless shelter.

The Washington State Department of Commerce awarded $970,000 to Lighthouse for the installation of solar and battery back-up power systems on Wednesday.

The systems will help maintain services during power outages and saves energy costs for the Mission.

213 solar panels will be added to their new five story building, which will replace the current Base Camp on Cornwall Ave.

A Lighthouse Missions organizer says they will be able to double the shelter’s capacity while cutting their electricity use in half.

The new facility, located on 910 W. Holly Street, is expected to be finished by September of next year.