Thank you to everyone who has signed and shared this petition so far. Your support is driving awareness of this critical issue, but there’s more work to do to ensure our community provides consistent, effective shelter services.
What We Know About the County’s Current Plan
• 55 Nights at 32°F or Colder: The county has budgeted $655,000 for 55 nights of shelter during the 2024-2025 season, at an average cost of $11,909.09 per night or $170.13 per bed per night for 70 beds.
• 35 Additional Nights Needed: Climate data predicts approximately 90 nights per year below 40°F in Bellingham, including the 55 nights at 32°F or colder. This means 35 more nights are unaccounted for, leaving unhoused individuals exposed to life-threatening conditions.
The Problem with Inconsistency
Inconsistent shelter operations are not just inefficient—they actively discourage people from using the shelter:
1. A Lack of Awareness: My personal survey of several unhoused individuals this past Friday revealed that none of them even knew about the county shelter, let alone that it would be open. Without consistent operations and clear communication, people cannot rely on the shelter as a resource.
2. Loss of Trust: Sporadic shelter openings lead to distrust among the unhoused population, who fear arriving at the shelter only to find it closed. This fear discourages them from seeking shelter altogether.
3. Missed Opportunities: A consistent, predictable shelter schedule builds trust, encourages utilization, and makes it easier for outreach organizations to connect people to resources.
The Cost of 35 Additional Nights
Whatcom County Health leadership has estimated that operating the shelter for 35 additional nights would cost over $1 million. This projection is significantly higher than the cost of implementing a consistent, proven model:
• County Model: At $11,909.09 per night, 35 additional nights would cost $416,818.18 based on the current per-night average.
• Road2Home Model: At $5,555.56 per night, 35 additional nights would cost just $194,444.60—less than half the county’s projected expense.
The Solution
The Road2Home model demonstrates how consistent shelter operations save money, retain staff, encourage volunteer participation, and build trust with those who rely on these services. Adopting a similar approach in Whatcom County would:
1. Save Lives: By raising the shelter threshold to 40°F, including wind chill, we can protect vulnerable individuals from hypothermia and exposure.
2. Increase Trust: A consistent, predictable schedule encourages the unhoused to utilize the shelter without fear of being turned away.
3. Optimize Costs: By adopting proven models, the county could serve more people for significantly less money.
Call to Action
This is a solvable problem—but only if we act. Please continue to share this petition and encourage others to join the movement for consistent, compassionate shelter policies. Let’s push Whatcom County to adopt smarter, more effective solutions that save lives and build a stronger community.
Thank you for your continued support! Together, we can make a difference. Sign the petition here.
With Gratitude,
Tukayote Helianthus