Shelter Operations Spring Internship
Company: The Lighthouse Mission
Location: Bellingham
Posted on: April 1, 2026
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Job Description:
Do you share a passion for helping our community and learning
what the Mission is all about? Well, you can certainly do this
while gaining valuable volunteer experience with a professional
network! Lighthouse Mission Ministries is a leading non-profit
organization dedicated to providing emergency shelter, support, and
resources to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in
our community. We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment
where those in need can access essential services and begin their
journey toward stability and self-sufficiency. Lighthouse Mission
Ministries is seeking a dedicated and compassionate student intern
to volunteer with our team at the Mission's Enhanced Shelter. The
primary purpose of this internship is direct relational service
with residents participating in shelter programming. As an intern,
you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in direct
service provision, community outreach, and program support within a
dynamic and impactful organization. Schedule: To be individually
determined upon intern’s availability, however, there will be an
expected minimum of 10-12 hours per week (or variable for credit)
during Spring Quarter 2026. Internship Shadowing and Tasks
Description: Help provide compassionate support and assistance to
shelter residents, including intake procedures, meal distribution,
and addressing the immediate needs of guests Help with
administrative tasks including: answering phones, sorting mail,
assisting residents at the front desk, organizing supplies, and
other duties as assigned. Build healthy relationships with
residents while encouraging them to pursue new goals. Help with
referrals to community resources, Lighthouse Mission Services,
researching resources as needed. Help manage/update the employment
board and resources board. Help assist in maintaining a clean and
organized shelter facility, including common areas, sleeping
quarters, and restrooms. Collaborate with shelter staff to
implement programs and activities aimed at enhancing the well-being
and empowerment of residents including but not limited to:
assisting with check-ins, playing games with residents, serving
meals, day room and outside visitation, and coordinating shower and
laundry services. Help conduct outreach and engage with community
partners to raise awareness about our services and resources
available to individuals experiencing homelessness. Opportunity for
volunteering with additional projects/concentrations: Help manage
the donation-based coffee shop, Café Renovaré, coordinating a
collaborative group art project, or volunteer leading a Bible study
or class. Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and
professional development opportunities to enhance skills and
knowledge in the field of homelessness services. Specific tasks of
the internship can be adapted to meet student needs and areas of
interest. Benefits: Gain valuable hands-on experience in the field
of homelessness services. Develop skills in communication, crisis
intervention, and community outreach. Receive mentorship and
support from experienced professionals in the field. Make a
meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families
experiencing homelessness. Flexible scheduling options available to
accommodate academic commitments. Preferred Skills: A willingness
to serve and be in relationship with people experiencing
homelessness A positive attitude, flexibility, and active
participation in service Professional demeanor with a willingness
to learn professional boundaries Organizational Relationships:
Intern will be supervised by theDirector of Shelter Operations
Intern will volunteer alongside staff and other volunteers in
Crisis and Outreach Services. Qualifications: This internship
opportunity is open to any current college/university student
seeking experience within their field of study and/or for academic
credit hours (Speak with your University Department/College for
qualification.) Preference for candidates with an area of study
and/or personal passion for social services. The internship is not
an offer of employment- either during the course of the internship
or a promise of employment afterwards. In recognition of the
intern’s efforts and costs, LMM is pleased to offer a $1,000
stipend payment paid in a lump sum following the successful
completion of the internship. Interns, in accordance with LMM
policies, may be subject to a pre-volunteer background check.
Physical Demands & Environmental Conditions: With or without
reasonable accommodation. Internship candidates are encouraged to
reach out to HR via hr@thelighthousemission.org if they require
accommodation during the application or volunteer process.
Intermittent high stress environment Standing 40%; walking 30%;
sitting 30%; ability to walk up and down stairs Medium to heavy
lifting, up to 35 lbs Possible exposure to a variety of illnesses
EEO (Equal Opportunity Employer): Lighthouse Mission Ministries is
both an equal-opportunity employer and a faith-based religious
organization. Subject to all applicable state and federal laws,
Lighthouse Mission Ministries does not discriminate in its
employment practices or in the administration and dissemination of
its programs and services. Pursuant to the Civil Rights Act of
1964, Section 702 (42 U.S.C. 2000e I(a)), Lighthouse Mission
Ministries has the right to, and does, hire only candidates for
employment who agree with the Lighthouse Mission Ministries
Statement of Faith. Volunteers and Interns are not required to
agree with the Statement of Faith.
Keywords: The Lighthouse Mission, Bellingham , Shelter Operations Spring Internship, Social Services , Bellingham, Washington
