As the weather gets colder, local governments and nonprofits are preparing to activate additional shelter space to serve homeless people in the community. Freezing weather can put unsheltered people at a higher risk for serious health conditions — particularly when there is precipitation, according to Whatcom County Health and Community Services.
At least 328 households were living unsheltered in Whatcom County as of January, according to housing pool data. At least 173 people were living unsheltered in Skagit County, according to the latest Point-in-Time count, although this is regarded to be an undercount. Here is the latest information on shelters in the two-county area.
Whatcom County
Bellingham Severe Weather shelter, 925 N. Forest St. in Bellingham
The shelter is located in the former Central Lutheran Church property, now owned by Lutheran Community Services. When activated, the shelter will be open from 4 p.m. to 9 a.m., with check-in from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The shelter can hold around 70 people, with limited storage space for personal belongings, and service, emotional support and therapy animals are welcome. The county will announce the shelter’s opening 48 hours ahead of time. The director of the health department will consider opening when the temperature hits freezing for four or more hours overnight, factoring in wind chill and precipitation. The county expects to operate the shelter 35-50 nights this winter, based on weather predictions. People can sign up for text or email messages when the health department announces the activation of the shelter.
Ferndale Community Services shelter, United Church of Ferndale, 2034 Washington St.
The shelter will activate when temperatures fall below 28 degrees, or when temperatures are below freezing plus precipitation or high wind. The shelter is open from 5:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. on days it is activated. People can find out if the shelter is open by calling 360-380-2200, ext. 4.
Lummi Nation, Stommish Hall, 2295 Lummi View Drive
People can access meals, sleeping cots, showers and restrooms at the shelter when it is active. Lummi Communications will issue an alert when the shelter is open.
Lighthouse Mission Ministries, 1312 F St. in Bellingham
Not technically a severe weather shelter, but it’s open every day, with check-in at 7 p.m., and check-out at 8 a.m.
Skagit County
Winter shelters in Skagit will be available starting in late November and will run through April 2025, according to Skagit County’s website.
Family Promise of Skagit Valley
Adults with children seeking shelter should call for a phone intake. Community members can reach the day center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 360-854-0743 and after hours from 4 p.m. to 9 a.m. at 360-764-1486.
Welcome Home Skagit Resource Center in Salem Lutheran Church, 2529 N. Laventure Road in Mount Vernon
Adults without children seeking shelter should check in daily by 3 p.m. Beds are available on a first come, first served basis.
Community Center in Concrete, 45821 Railroad Ave.
Operated by Community Action of Skagit County. Questions? Call 360-853-8400 or 360-416-1733.
Salvation Army Anacortes
Providing motel vouchers for those experiencing homelessness in Anacortes. Call 360-488-2376 to make an appointment.
How to support severe weather shelters
Bellingham Severe Weather Shelter is hiring on-call shelter assistants and is recruiting volunteers through the Whatcom Volunteer Center. The shelter is also accepting donations of food and clothing, more information here.
Ferndale Severe Weather Shelter is also seeking volunteers for the shelter.
To volunteer at the Skagit shelters, contact the shelter providers directly.
Charlotte Alden is CDN’s general assignment/enterprise reporter; reach her at charlottealden@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 123.
