New hygiene facilities for homeless people will open next week in downtown Bellingham.
Officials celebrated the completion of the Way Station at 1500 N. State St. in October, but the center’s opening will happen in stages. On Tuesday, Nov. 12, the Way Station’s hygiene facilities will open to provide showers, restrooms and laundry facilities from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.
On Nov. 19, Unity Care NW will begin providing health care services through the hygiene center.
In early 2025, the medical respite side of the Way Station will begin operating. Medical respite refers to a transitional program that provides medical care and supportive services for homeless people. PeaceHealth will directly discharge people from the hospital to the medical respite to allow them time to heal and access services.
The Way Station is a collaboration between Unity Care NW, PeaceHealth St Joseph Medical Center and the Opportunity Council. Split into two sides with separate entrances, Unity Care NW will operate the hygiene side of the facility, while the Opportunity Council will operate the medical respite side.
Charlotte Alden is CDN’s general assignment/enterprise reporter; reach her at charlottealden@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 123.
