BELLINGHAM, Wash. – PeaceHealth is proud to announce donations totaling $610,000 in grants to local organizations working to improve the health, safety and quality of life in Whatcom County. These grants are part of PeaceHealth’s Community Health program, which has invested over $3.5 million in local initiatives over the past five years. The program reflects the hospital’s mission to go beyond healthcare services, working hand-in-hand with community partners to address pressing needs and provide resources where they are needed most.
Seven partners received grants in October, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, to address critical areas such as housing, food security, mental health, education and access to health services. These partnerships aim to address health inequities and empower local organizations to drive meaningful change.
"We recognize that good health extends beyond the walls of our hospital and clinics," said Chuck Prosper, chief executive at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center. "By investing in these community organizations, we are helping address the impact of social drivers of health and creating pathways to a healthier, more equitable future."
Recipients include:
Brothers to Brothers, $25,000: Funding supports this non-profit organization dedicated to improving the physical and mental well-being of Black men in Whatcom County. Its Health and Wellness Program aims to addresses the unique health challenges for Black men while raising awareness and offering resources for advocacy and care.
Catholic Community Services, Villa Santa Fe Baby Resource Center, $25,000: Funding will support the set-up of a mother and baby resource center at Villa Santa Fe, a farmworker housing community. Once open, Spanish-speaking families will have access to a calm and welcoming space to weigh their newborn before and after feeding, and a wealth of other resources.
Common Threads Food Truck, $40,000: Funding supports the food truck “Basil,” which brings free healthy meals and educational activities to low income, BIPOC and rural youth with access barriers to nourishing foods. Since the launch, Basil has served over 32,000 meals at its three after-school sites.
NAMI Whatcom, $25,000: Funding supports additional staffing for NAMI’s outreach to the Latine community, including the Ending the Silence program for youth, families, teachers and staff.
Road2Home, $60,000: Funding supports expansion of the Volunteer Ally Program, which provides comprehensive case management services to our unsheltered and recently housed neighbors.
Whatcom Street Medicine, $10,000: Funding supports a team of volunteer Medical Reserve Corps doctors and nurses providing empathy-based medical care for our unhoused neighbors on the streets, in homeless camps and at homeless shelters.
YWCA Bellingham, Emergency Shelter, $100,000: Funding supports an expansion of emergency housing and case management programs with the addition of a shelter dedicated to women and young children. This 20-unit shelter is set to begin operations in early 2025.
“Local data show that there is a great need for housing and shelter services that meet the unique needs of women and young children,” said Alle Schene, chief executive officer of the YWCA. “We are grateful to be able to provide some much-needed support to those who are particularly vulnerable. Expanding our services to include women and children is a long-time dream come true for YWCA Bellingham and we are thrilled for this opportunity to serve our community.”
These latest grant recipients join a long list of prior recipients including the Bellingham Food Bank, Birchwood International Market, Mercy Housing NW, Lydia Place, The Way Station Medical Respite Program and the Vamos Outdoors Project.
For more information about PeaceHealth Community Health initiatives, visit https://www.peacehealth.org/about-peacehealth/community-health.
About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a non-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, more than 3,000 providers, more than 160 clinics and 9 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.
