BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Lighthouse Mission’s long-awaited new facility is getting help from a local credit union.

WECU has announced that they have helped the Lighthouse Mission apply for a $1 million grant through the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Des Moines to get the 300-bed facility completed later this year. WECU is also helping offset the difference between construction costs and the amount Lighthouse has funded so far through a loan with “very friendly terms,” according to WECU spokesperson Keith Mader.

Lighthouse Mission CEO and President Hans Erchinger-Davis says they are also helping the organization sell the Willows Inn, the property which was donated to them to help with funding the new building.

“We still have the Willows property on Lummi Island that’s for sale. We haven’t sold that yet,” Erchinger-Davis said. 

Erchinger-Davis adds that despite WECU’s assistance, they’re still facing a $4 million shortfall to stay out of debt. He also mentions that community members are still stepping up to help out in big ways.

“… just yesterday I got an email from a supporter saying ‘Hey, I’m willing to put 500 grand towards this, it’s matching.’ So, if we’re able to get 500 grand here in the next month and a half or so we’re going to have a matching gift of $500,000,” Erchinger-Davis said. 

Lighthouse Mission’s former building was demolished in early 2023 to make way for the new five story building on W. Holly St. The new building will open for guests in October of 2024.

Editor’s note: the latest version of this story clarifies WECU’s role in helping Lighthouse Mission obtain funding.