Thank you to the 575 supporters who have joined this fight for consistent shelter operations and raising the winter weather shelter threshold to 40°F. To amplify our message and drive change, we are in the planning stages of a “Night Out in the Cold” protest.
This event will aim to bring attention to the dangers of temperatures below 40°F, highlight the inconsistencies in shelter operations, and send a powerful message to our leaders: no one should be left to endure these conditions.
What is the “Night Out in the Cold” Protest?
The protest is a chance for supporters to come together, experience the cold firsthand, and show solidarity with our unhoused neighbors. It will emphasize the urgency of raising the shelter threshold and ensuring reliable operations.
This is still in the planning phase, but we are actively gauging interest and logistics. We hope to send a strong, united message that these issues cannot be ignored.
Interested in joining? Sign up here to be part of the movement: https://form.jotform.com/243544752585061
A Challenge to Our Leaders
We are also inviting our leaders—Satpal Sidhu, the Whatcom County Council, and Mayor Kim Lund—to spend one night in the cold with us. This is their opportunity to show empathy and experience the same conditions their policies force so many to endure.
Email your leaders and invite them to the protest:
Subject: Join Us: “Night Out in the Cold” Protest
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing as one of the 575 supporters who have signed the petition calling for Whatcom County to raise the winter weather shelter threshold to 40°F and ensure consistent shelter operations.
We are planning a “Night Out in the Cold” protest to highlight the dangers of freezing temperatures and demand compassionate action. I invite you to join us and experience what so many face nightly.
Sign up here to join us or learn more: https://form.jotform.com/243544752585061
This is an opportunity to lead by example and take real action to protect our most vulnerable neighbors.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Why This Protest Matters
This winter, we’ve seen 11 of 13 freezing nights where the shelter was closed, despite dangerous wind chills dipping into the 20s. The inconsistency leaves our unhoused neighbors exposed to life-threatening conditions and reinforces the need for action.
How You Can Help
1. Sign up to join the protest: https://form.jotform.com/243544752585061
2. Invite leaders to participate: Email Satpal Sidhu (ssidhu@co.whatcom.wa.us), the Whatcom County Council (council@co.whatcom.wa.us), and Mayor Kim Lund (klund@cob.org).
3. Share this petition to spread the word and grow our movement: https://www.change.org/WhatcomWinterShelter.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
This protest is about showing compassion, leadership, and the power of a united community. Let’s ensure no one is left out in the cold again. Thank you for continuing to fight for change. Sign up now and be part of the solution:
https://form.jotform.com/243544752585061
With Gratitude,
Tukayote Helianthus