Thank you for your continued support as we work toward a more compassionate and consistent shelter policy in Whatcom County. Tonight, the county is opening its winter weather shelter despite the temperature being 38°F—six degrees above the current threshold of 32°F. I want to acknowledge and express gratitude for this decision, as it demonstrates an understanding that cold weather dangers don’t stop at freezing.
However, the forecasted lows for Wednesday through Sunday are also 38°F, and as of now, the county has not announced any additional shelter openings. This raises serious concerns about the inconsistency of shelter operations and the lack of proactive planning to protect unhoused individuals during cold weather.
Why This Matters
1. 38°F Is Still Dangerous:
• Hypothermia can set in at temperatures as high as 50°F, especially when combined with wind chill and rain.
• Opening the shelter tonight is the right decision, but it sets a precedent: if it’s cold enough to open at 38°F tonight, why not for the next several nights with identical conditions?
2. Inconsistent Openings Erode Trust:
• Sporadic shelter operations create confusion and discourage unhoused individuals from seeking help.
• Outreach volunteers and the unhoused community need predictable, reliable shelter policies to build trust and ensure safety.
3. Forecasting Should Drive Decisions:
• With a week of consistent 38°F lows in the forecast, the county has an opportunity to show leadership by announcing a continuous shelter opening through the weekend.
A Path Forward
1. Raise the Threshold to 40°F:
• The county must adopt a consistent shelter policy that operates whenever temperatures drop below 40°F, including wind chill. This ensures no one is left to face preventable dangers.
2. Commit to Proactive Announcements:
• Announcing openings on a day-by-day basis leaves people vulnerable and uninformed. The county should commit to announcing shelter operations for extended periods when forecasts predict sustained cold weather.
3. Improve Communication:
• Outreach volunteers and the unhoused community must receive clear, timely information about shelter openings.
Gratitude and Accountability
While I am grateful for tonight’s shelter opening, it highlights the very inconsistency we are fighting to address. The forecasted 38°F lows for the rest of the week are no less dangerous than tonight, and failing to open the shelter during these conditions could have devastating consequences.
Call to Action
Please continue to share this petition and urge Whatcom County leaders to:
• Raise the shelter threshold to 40°F to protect vulnerable individuals.
• Operate consistently during cold weather and proactively communicate openings.
• Plan for continuous shelter availability when forecasts predict sustained cold temperatures.
Together, we can ensure no one is left out in the cold. Thank you for your support and for standing with us in this critical effort!
With Gratitude,
Tukayote Helianthus