Interfaith Coalition of Whatcom County

Addressing Local Poverty Issues - We connect volunteers with Whatcom county neighbors experiencing poverty, housing instability, and homelessness. Our volunteers provides food and basic hygiene items, warm hats and socks to people living on the edge. Project Warm-up crafters knit scarves and hats for low-income neighbor needs We provided nearly 10,000 sandwiches for guests through our Coffee And Sandwiches Together (CAST) program. We distributed food four nights a week at our pickup location behind the Bellingham library. We hope to expand to a fifth night of sandwich distribution which will increase our cost by 25%. To operate the CAST program, it requires 10 volunteers each day to prepare and distribute the food. Volunteers work 2 hours per night. Last year our Fall Coat Drive resulted in 1,547 coats being given out in partnership with The Bellingham Food Bank, the United Church of Christ of Ferndale, and the Deming Mission. Hundreds of hats, gloves, and scarves made by crafters in Project Warm Up were given away at our coat drive events and at CAST food events. Volunteers are the backbone of these programs but Interfaith Coalition staff time, truck rental, snacks, and event supplies are part of the Interfaith Coalition's operating budget. During 2023 and 2024 we had 137 volunteers providing 2,332 hours of service, with an estimated value of $73,691. The volunteers came from over 20 Whatcom County faith communities.Holiday Joy provided 200 presents for families last year. The Interfaith Coalition provided administrative support for the participating Faith Communities and community partners. In partnership with Family Engagement Liaisons in each Whatcom County School District, over 30 families received financial assistance through our Beacon of Hope program last year. One-time grants helped families to get into permanent housing, avoid eviction brought on by reduced work hours, or make car repairs.