Thank you to the 552 supporters who have stood up to demand immediate action to protect lives in Whatcom County. While the community’s voice grows louder, the response from leadership remains silent.
Here’s the reality:
• Out of 13 freezing nights, the winter weather shelter has been open for only 2 nights, leaving people exposed on 11 dangerous nights.
• The City of Bellingham contributed $100,000 to support this program, yet there have been no meaningful returns on this investment.
• Taxpayer money continues to fund an underutilized building leased at $13,000 per month, while lives remain at risk.
I have now added Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund to this petition, as city residents deserve accountability for their investment.
The Growing Cost of Inaction
County officials claim raising the shelter threshold to 40°F would triple current costs, reaching nearly $2 million. However:
• Proven models, like Road2Home, demonstrate that shelters can operate efficiently and affordably for far less.
• Road2Home provided 90 continuous nights of shelter at just $5,555 per night—a fraction of the county’s cost.
This isn’t about resources—it’s about priorities.
Where is the Leadership?
We have heard no response from:
• Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu
• Whatcom County Council
• Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund
This silence, while temperatures drop and people suffer, is unacceptable. As one supporter said:
“To be a humane society, asking for this is the very smallest ask.”
Our Demand
We call on Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham to:
1. Raise the Winter Shelter Threshold to 40°F, including wind chill.
2. Operate the Shelter Consistently throughout the winter months.
3. Provide Accountability for taxpayer dollars already invested in this program.
Take Action: Make Your Voice Heard
Here’s how you can help:
1. Contact Local Leaders
• Satpal Sidhu (County Executive): ssidhu@co.whatcom.wa.us
• Whatcom County Council: council@co.whatcom.wa.us
• Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund: klund@cob.org
Sample Message:
“I am one of 552 supporters demanding immediate action on the winter shelter crisis. The City of Bellingham’s $100,000 contribution has delivered no meaningful results, while the shelter remains closed for most freezing nights. Raise the shelter threshold to 40°F, ensure consistent operations, and hold leadership accountable. Lives are at risk, and this inaction cannot continue.”
2. Share This Petition
• Amplify our message and encourage others to sign: https://www.change.org/WhatcomWinterShelter
3. Attend Upcoming Meetings
• Show up, speak out (when allowed), and demand action at County Council and City Council meetings.
552 Voices Strong—We Will Be Heard
This isn’t just about policy—it’s about humanity, accountability, and leadership. 11 freezing nights ignored is 11 too many. We will keep pushing until Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham step up to protect our most vulnerable neighbors.
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we will make change happen. Share, speak, and demand action today.
With Gratitude,
Tukayote Helianthus