Thank you to the 500+ supporters who are demanding action to protect unhoused individuals during dangerous winter weather. The numbers remain shocking:
• Out of 13 freezing nights (32°F or below) this season, the Whatcom Winter Weather Shelter has been open for only 2 nights.
• By remaining closed for 11 freezing nights, the county saved $232,000—but at what cost?
This is a failure that cannot be ignored.
Why This Matters
1. Cold Weather is Deadly
• Hypothermia doesn’t wait for extreme temperatures. People exposed to 40°F with rain or wind can still suffer severe illness or die.
2. Inconsistent Shelter Openings Cause Harm
• Sporadic shelter operations leave unhoused individuals unsure of where to turn for safety.
• This unpredictability erodes trust and prevents people from accessing critical shelter when they need it most.
3. The Shelter is Already Paid For
• Taxpayer dollars are funding a building at $13,000 per month, yet it has remained closed for most freezing nights.
• These resources must be fully utilized to protect lives, not sit unused during dangerous weather.
Our Demand: Action Now
We are calling on Whatcom County to:
1. Raise the Shelter Threshold to 40°F—including wind chill—so no one is left to suffer in life-threatening conditions.
2. Operate the Shelter Consistently to ensure safety and trust during the coldest months.
3. Maximize Existing Resources by fully utilizing the taxpayer-funded building that has already been secured.
What You Can Do
This movement is growing, and your voice makes a difference. Here’s how you can help:
1. Share This Petition: https://www.change.org/WhatcomWinterShelter
2. Contact Local Leaders:
• Satpal Sidhu (County Executive): ssidhu@co.whatcom.wa.us
• Whatcom County Council: council@co.whatcom.wa.us
Sample Message:
“Out of 13 freezing nights this season, the winter shelter has only been open twice. This failure has put lives at risk while the county saves $232,000 and leaves a taxpayer-funded building empty. Please raise the threshold to 40°F and ensure consistent operations to prevent avoidable suffering and deaths.”
3. Spread the Word: Share this petition, post on social media, and talk to friends and family about why this matters.
The Time to Act is Now
We have the resources. We have the community support. What we need is action. No one should be left to suffer through freezing nights while solutions sit unused.
Thank you for your support. Together, we can ensure that Whatcom County does better—for everyone. Let’s keep the momentum going and make sure no one is left out in the cold.
With Gratitude,
Tukayote Helianthus