Old Town Christian Ministries (OTCM) has been serving the homeless population in Whatcom County since 1980. The agency was founded by a small group of citizens, who were concerned about homeless people in Whatcom County. During the early eighties this group gathered and distributed sleeping bags, blankets and winter clothing to the homeless in need.
    In 1986, Old Town Christian Ministries became a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation with the State of Washington. In 1995, OTCM opened a thrift store which became the basis of operations for homeless outreach services.
From 1999 to 2005, OTCM received a contract from the Dept. of Social and Health Services to be the prime contractor providing food stamp education and outreach in a five county area in Western Washington (DSHS region 3).

The focus of OTCM's relief program is multi-faceted. After a vigorous screening process, and based on the urgency and validity of their need, clients can be assisted in a variety of ways. These include: vouchers for up to a week-long motel stay, bus tickets and shower passes, referrals to other resources available in the area or possibly just giving them a warm sleeping bag to keep them from freezing outside in their camp or their car.

OTCM, as an agency of "last resort", will endeavor to first assist clients by determining the availability of resources through other agencies in the community and referring to them as appropriate. Many of our clients do not qualify for other programs because of substance and alcohol abuse, mental illness or criminal records.  We believe in the dignity of each person and the value of every life, and our small staff is dedicated to providing services that meet the most basic human needs of our clients.

All clients are followed up with case management services which can include referral to additional resources available, assistance in applying for programs they may qualify for, aid in finding transitional or permanent housing, aid in finding space in a treatment center or rehabilitative facility, and/or assistance in determining work availability.

OTCM has now expanded its mission to provide programs and services to homeless and unaccompanied youth. Our Youth Drop-in Center, Amy's Place, provides youth with a meal, bus & shower vouchers, and connection to community resources.  Youth can also check their email, use the phone, play pool, watch movies, and participate in presentations and group discussions.
This program is a vital need in our community, as there are currently no other agencies providing direct outreach to street youth.  The main goal of Amy's Place is to build caring, supportive relationships with street-involved youth so they can choose to leave the streets.