Dec 8, 2024
Thank you for your unwavering support of this petition to raise the winter weather shelter threshold in Whatcom County to 40°F, including wind chill. Since we launched this effort, alarming new information has come to light, underscoring just how urgent this change is. We are facing a crisis that demands immediate and decisive action, and this petition is the first step toward ensuring no one in Whatcom County is left to suffer or die on the streets.
The Current Crisis
1. Unhoused Deaths Are Rising Sharply
• Deaths among unhoused individuals in Whatcom County have more than doubled since 2020, rising from 39 in 2020 to 84 in 2023. Tragically, 2024 is on track to surpass even this record, with two people dying every week in our community.
2. Dangerous Temperatures Above Freezing
• Hypothermia can set in at temperatures as high as 50°F when wind chill or wet conditions are involved. At 40°F with 10-15 mph winds, the effective temperature drops below freezing, creating life-threatening conditions. Yet, the county’s shelter threshold remains at 32°F, ignoring these well-documented risks.
3. Mistrust in the Shelter System
• Inconsistent shelter operations discourage unhoused individuals from seeking help. My recent survey of several unhoused individuals revealed that many didn’t even know about the county’s shelter or its erratic operating schedule. Without trust and reliability, shelters can’t serve the people who need them most.
The Cost of Inefficiency
Whatcom County leadership argues that raising the threshold to 40°F would require cutting funding for other essential programs like tiny homes, recovery housing, or substance use treatment. However, a deeper look at the county’s budget and operations shows this argument is both misleading and avoidable:
1. Ballooning Shelter Costs
• The county estimates that running a 70-bed shelter for 90 nights would cost $1.9 million, or $21,111 per night. This equates to $301.59 per bed per night, a staggering cost that far exceeds proven alternatives.
• In contrast, the Road2Home model costs just $111 per bed per night. Scaling this model to 70 beds would cost $7,777 per night, saving millions over the course of the season.
2. No Active Plans for Tiny Homes or Recovery Housing
• Despite leadership suggesting these programs would suffer under a higher shelter threshold, a thorough search of county records shows no active plans or funding for county-funded tiny homes or recovery housing for people in treatment. Threatening to cut programs that don’t even exist is misleading and unacceptable.
3. Minimal Investment in Substance Use Treatment
• Only 4.3% of the county’s current budget is allocated to substance use treatment, even though addiction is a major driver of homelessness. Meanwhile, the county employs 152 full-time staff in the health department, raising questions about whether resources are being prioritized effectively.
Outdated and Reactive Strategies
The county’s Local Plan to End Homelessness hasn’t been updated since 2019, before the pandemic and the subsequent surge in homelessness. Without an updated strategy, the county is failing to meet the scale of the current crisis. The lack of direct action and transparency undermines public trust and prevents meaningful progress.
What Needs to Change
1. Raise the Shelter Threshold to 40°F
• Ensure shelters open at 40°F, including wind chill, to save lives and protect vulnerable individuals from preventable cold-weather deaths.
2. Adopt Proven, Cost-Efficient Models
• Replace the current inefficient shelter system with the Road2Home model, which saves money while building trust and ensuring consistent operations.
3. Update the Local Plan to Reflect Current Realities
• Revise the outdated homelessness plan to include concrete goals for tiny homes, recovery housing, and expanded substance use treatment.
4. Provide Transparency and Accountability
• The public deserves clear, honest communication about how funds are being spent and what programs are being prioritized. Misleading claims about cutting nonexistent programs must end.
This is a Matter of Life and Death
Whatcom County residents deserve better. The current system is failing, with lives being lost every week due to preventable conditions. Raising the shelter threshold to 40°F isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a cost-effective, compassionate solution that will save lives and protect vital programs.
How You Can Help
1. Share This Petition: Spread the word to friends, family, and community members.
2. Contact Local Leaders: Demand transparency, accountability, and immediate action to raise the shelter threshold and adopt cost-effective solutions.
3. Stay Engaged: Follow updates and advocate for long-term solutions that address the root causes of homelessness.
Together, we can ensure that Whatcom County becomes a place where no one is left out in the cold. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to this critical cause! Every signature brings us closer to real change.
With Gratitude,
Tukayote Helianthus