This morning, as I walked through downtown Bellingham, my heart ached for the dozens of people I saw in makeshift shelters, struggling to stay warm. It was 48°F, and while some had tarps and cardboard tucked into doorways to block the wind, others had nothing but a thin blanket and cold concrete beneath them. Today, on the first day of winter, I am reminded that the season ahead will only bring colder temperatures, heavier rains, and stronger winds.
Gratitude for a Caring Community
To everyone who is helping our unhoused neighbors—whether through providing food, shelter, donations, or advocacy—thank you. Your efforts are not only noticed but deeply appreciated. You are the hands and hearts making a difference every day.
To those grieving the loss of someone special who lived unhoused, I extend my deepest condolences. Every name we heard at today’s memorial represents a beloved friend, family member, or community member whose life mattered. Please know that this petition and the work we’re doing are in honor of them.
Remembering Lives Lost
Today, I stood at a memorial for the unhoused who lost their lives this year. 56 lives were lost in Whatcom County by June alone, and that number has undoubtedly grown since. As I stood in the blowing, cold rain for an hour, listening to name after name being called, I felt deeply chilled—even with proper winter gear. This was at 51°F, eleven degrees higher than the threshold we’re asking for.
For our neighbors who endure these conditions every night, this isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s deadly. As temperatures drop and snow eventually blankets our city, we must do better.
Join Us: “Night Out in the Cold” Protest
In response to this crisis, we are organizing a “Night Out in the Cold” protest to show solidarity with our unhoused neighbors and to demand action. This event is still in the planning stages, but I encourage everyone to sign up and help us send a powerful, compassionate message that no one should be left out in the cold.
Sign up here to participate: https://form.jotform.com/243544752585061
Call on Our Leaders
Let’s also send a unified message to our leaders that the time for action is now.
• “Raise the shelter threshold to 40°F, including wind chill.”
• “Begin preparations for a year-round, low-barrier shelter to serve our most vulnerable population.”
Contact your 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
Suggested Message:
“Thank you for your work supporting our community. Please take the next step to end the suffering and prevent more losses. Raise the severe weather shelter threshold to 40°F, including wind chill, and prioritize preparations for a year-round, low-barrier shelter. Every life matters, and together, we can ensure no one is left out in the cold.”
With Gratitude and Compassion
To everyone supporting this petition: thank you for your dedication to helping our unhoused neighbors. Your advocacy, kindness, and commitment make a difference.
To those grieving the loss of someone special, please know we see you, we hear you, and we are standing with you in this fight to ensure no one else has to endure such preventable loss.
Together, we can create a community where everyone is cared for and no one is left behind. Let’s make this winter one of compassion and action.
Sign up for the protest now: https://form.jotform.com/243544752585061
Thank you for your kindness and for being a part of this critical movement.
With Gratitude,
Tukayote Helianthus