FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 2020                        
Media Contact:           Claudia Murphy, Public Information Officer
Phone:                         (360) 815-2701
E-mail address:          CMurphy@COB.org
                                                                                    
BELLINGHAM, WA – In response to COVID-19 and related state proclamations, as well as to address the needs of a vulnerable population, the Lighthouse Mission Ministries (LMM) will relocate its Drop-In Center (DIC) on Friday, March 20.  In partnership with the Bellingham School District and Whatcom Unified Command, the DIC will be temporarily housed on the Bellingham High School Campus.
 
The move is consistent with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and state and local Health Department guidelines for social (physical) distancing. The housing will be limited to the commons area and the gymnasium.
 
“People without homes don’t have the ability to create the social distancing required when they are seeking shelter,” said Anne Deacon, Human Services manager for the Whatcom County Health Department.
 
“By moving the Drop-In Center to a larger facility we are providing the social distancing necessary to reduce opportunities to spread COVID-19. This not only benefits vulnerable individuals, but protects the health of the entire community,” said Deacon.
Bellingham High School (BHS) students and their families are receiving related information from BHS principal Linda Miller and Bellingham School Superintendent Dr. Greg Baker.
 
For more information:
              Lighthouse Mission Ministries
              Bellingham School District FAQs
              Whatcom Unified Command FAQs