A pet can provide vital companionship, emotional support, and a sense of responsibility for people who have experienced chronic homelessness. But maintaining a pet’s health and well-being can sometimes be prohibitively expensive.
That’s why LCSNW recently hosted an event in Bellingham, Washington, for residents of permanent supportive housing (PSH), offering a free dose of health and hope to them and their four-legged friends.
A pop-up clinic was held at our Bellingham building, formerly the site of Central Lutheran Church. Residents of three nearby PSH communities were invited to bring in their pets for free check-ups and vaccinations. The housing contracts require that residents’ indoor pets are in good health and are annually vaccinated.
The September event was the third pop-up vaccination clinic held at LCSNW-Bellingham in partnership with Dr. Gwyn Potter and Village Veterinary Hospital. It was coordinated with the Opportunity Council, a northwest Washington nonprofit that operates local PSH facilities as a proven remedy for housing instability.
Some housing residents brought their pets to the clinic with anxiety but left with gratitude.
“This [free vaccinations] is the difference between me eating and getting my medications or helping my pet have what they need to be healthy and following my housing requirements,” one resident said. “I couldn’t do it without y’all.”
LCSNW-Bellingham also provides space for the Whatcom County Severe Weather Shelter; the 2026-27 winter will be our third consecutive winter hosting the shelter. Our staff also operates the Santa for Seniors program, assembling holiday gift bags, safety kits, and other items for isolated seniors.
LCSNW purchased the former Central Lutheran Church property in early 2024, a few months after the 133-year-old congregation held its final worship service there.
We keep our eyes open for ways to serve unmet needs in the Bellingham area.
