The Issue
Save Lives: Protect Our Most Vulnerable Residents From Dangerous Cold Weather
In Whatcom County, the current winter weather shelter threshold is set at 32°F. This policy fails to account for the life-threatening effects of wind chill and wet conditions, which can cause hypothermia at temperatures well above freezing. We are calling on Whatcom County Officials to raise the winter weather shelter operating threshold to 40°F, including wind chill, to protect vulnerable individuals during cold weather.
Hypothermia can set in at temperatures as high as 50°F under certain conditions, such as rain or wind. At 40°F with a wind speed of 10-15 mph, the perceived temperature can drop to near freezing, putting lives at risk. This is especially true for our unsheltered community members who have limited access to resources or protection from the elements.
Additionally, we must recognize that harmful encampment sweeps during cold weather months exacerbate these dangers. Displacing individuals from their encampments does not solve homelessness—it simply moves the problem from one area to another, making it harder for nonprofits and outreach workers to provide life-saving services.
By raising the shelter threshold to 40°F, including wind chill, we can:
• Save lives by preventing hypothermia and other cold-related illnesses.
• Provide stability for individuals seeking shelter, reducing the need for dangerous encampment sweeps.
• Support outreach organizations in their efforts to deliver critical services to those in need.
This change is not just compassionate—it is cost-effective. Investing in shelter access and prevention reduces the financial burden on emergency medical services, policing, and hospital care.
Please join us in urging Whatcom County Officials to raise the winter weather shelter threshold to 40°F, including wind chill. Every life matters, and together, we can ensure our community offers safety and dignity to those most in need.
Please sign this petition to protect lives and create a stronger, more compassionate community.