Lighthouse Mission asks for help to support unhoused who lost SNAP benefits
Lighthouse Mission Ministries is asking the community for additional monetary and food donations to support hundreds of unhoused individuals in Whatcom County who lost federal Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on Nov. 1.
“SNAP offers autonomy and dignity for our residents, allowing them to buy food that fits their identity and health,” Lighthouse Mission Executive Director Hans Erchinger-Davis said in a release from the organization.
More than 80% of Lighthouse Mission residents receive about $190 in SNAP benefits each month to spend on fresh or qualifying food products, according to the release.
The organization supports up to 300 individuals daily throughout the year, serving about 600 meals each day.
“A lot of people are going to be stressed, and the food banks will be overwhelmed,” said Lighthouse Mission resident Mark. “This is not good for anyone.”
“I’m less worried since I’m here at the Mission and food is provided,” said Lighthouse Mission family shelter resident Mckenzie. “If we weren’t here, it would be a huge impact... scary and hectic. People do desperate things when they’re hungry.”
SNAP benefits help residents supplement the food they are provided at the shelter with things like fresh produce, snacks or cold meals.
“We expect more individuals looking for to-go lunches and dinners,” Erchinger-Davis said. “In addition, current residents who prefer to provide their own meals will no longer have that ability and will rely more on shelter-provided food. With winter months coming up, we anticipate a rise in need from individuals who are not typically in town receiving services.”
Shelter residents who leave temporarily for work or other reasons can buy things like peanut butter, bread, tuna pouches, dried fruit, trail mix and ready-to-eat salads. SNAP also allows recipients to purchase specialty or dietary foods not provided by the shelter, according to the release.
“Some buy nut-free, gluten-free or dairy-free products that are unavailable at the shelter but better for their health,” Erchinger-Davis said. “Others purchase culturally familiar foods such as rice, lentils, tortillas and spices. And some buy halal, kosher or vegetarian items to follow religious dietary laws.”
Roughly 12% of the U.S. population and about 10-12% of the population in Washington relies on SNAP benefits, according to the USDA. In Whatcom County, that number is closer to 15%, or about 35,243 people, according to the Bellingham Food Bank website. That translates to about $4 million a month in SNAP benefits used in Whatcom County alone, according to Bellingham Food Bank Executive Director Mike Cohen.
The Lighthouse Mission is a Christian organization. It is the only overnight, low-barrier homeless service center north of Everett. To make a donation or volunteer, call (360) 733-5120, or visit www.thelighthousemission.org.
