Thank you for your continued support of this petition. As winter temperatures drop, it’s become clear that Whatcom County’s current shelter policies are not only inconsistent but also wastefully expensive. The Whatcom Winter Weather Shelter has remained closed for all but two nights this season, despite the county paying $13,000 per month for the lease from November through March 31st.
Meanwhile, Road2Home has proven that shelters can operate continuously for far less.
A Tale of Two Shelters: Whatcom County vs. Road2Home
1. Whatcom County Shelter Costs:
• The county is paying $65,000 over five months for a warm building that remains unused most nights.
• Operating sporadically with inconsistent openings, the county’s shelter costs are estimated at $21,111 per night for 70 beds if run for 90 nights. This is both inefficient and unacceptable.
2. Road2Home’s Efficient Model:
• Road2Home operated a shelter for 90 continuous nights, ensuring predictability and trust for unhoused individuals.
• Their model cost just $5,555.56 per night for 50 beds, or approximately $7,777 per night when scaled to 70 beds—less than half of the county’s cost projection.
3. The Lesson:
• Road2Home demonstrates that shelters can be operated consistently and cost-effectively. Whatcom County has the resources to follow this model, but it’s choosing an expensive, inefficient approach instead.
The Case for Consistent Shelter Operations
1. The Building is Already Paid For:
• Taxpayer dollars are funding this lease, and it’s unacceptable for the building to sit empty while people endure dangerously cold weather.
2. Cold Weather Risks Are Consistent:
• Hypothermia and other cold-related conditions can occur at temperatures above freezing, particularly with wind chill or wet conditions. Continuous shelter operations would ensure no one is left to face preventable dangers.
3. Build Trust with the Community:
• A consistent schedule rebuilds trust with unhoused individuals and outreach volunteers, providing reliable access to life-saving resources.
What Needs to Change
1. Raise the Threshold to 40°F:
• The shelter should open whenever temperatures drop below 40°F, including wind chill, to ensure no one is left to face life-threatening cold.
2. Adopt Proven, Cost-Effective Models:
• Road2Home has shown that shelters can operate continuously for far less than Whatcom County’s current estimates. By adopting this model, the county could save lives while protecting resources for other vital programs.
3. Fully Utilize the Lease:
• With the building already leased, there’s no reason for it to remain closed most nights. The county must maximize this resource by keeping the shelter open consistently throughout the winter.
Call to Action
Whatcom County has the resources to operate a continuous, life-saving shelter at a reasonable cost—but it must choose to act. Road2Home’s model proves this is not only possible but also fiscally responsible.
Here’s how you can help:
1. Share This Petition: Spread the word and encourage others to sign.
2. Contact Local Leaders: Demand that Whatcom County adopt a 40°F shelter threshold and follow Road2Home’s proven model of cost-effective, continuous shelter operations.
3. Advocate for Transparency and Accountability: Ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly to protect the community’s most vulnerable members.
Thank you for standing with us in this fight. Together, we can push for a shelter system that saves lives, rebuilds trust, and uses resources wisely. Let’s ensure no one in Whatcom County is left out in the cold.
With Gratitude,
Tukayote Helianthus