Thank you to the 627 supporters who are standing up for our unhoused neighbors and demanding better from our local leaders. Your support is more crucial than ever, as the county continues to fail the most vulnerable members of our community.
Last night, as wind chills dropped into the 20s, the Severe Weather Shelter remained closed. Tonight and tomorrow, snow is in the forecast, yet the county has not announced an opening. This lack of action in dangerous weather is completely unacceptable.
How Many More Nights?
The Severe Weather Shelter exists to save lives during dangerous conditions, but the county continues to fail those who need it most. Their own policies, based on a 32°F threshold, ignore the real and immediate dangers posed by wind, rain, and snow at higher temperatures.
Every day this shelter remains closed is another day people are forced to suffer in the cold, with nowhere to go. As wind and snow move in, the county’s inaction will only increase the suffering.
County Admissions Highlight Systemic Failures
1. Threshold is Too Low
• The shelter opens only when temperatures hit 32°F for four or more hours. Hypothermia can occur at temperatures below 40°F, especially with wind and rain.
2. High Costs, Minimal Action
• The county is spending $655,000 to operate the shelter for up to 55 nights, with a cost of over $11,900 per night for just 70 beds.
3. Lack of Leadership
• The county admitted that staffing and operational challenges prevent them from running a continuous shelter, leaving people to guess whether they’ll have a safe place to sleep.
4. Over 1,000 Still Unsheltered
• Even if the shelter were open every night, over 1,000 individuals would still be left out in the cold.
What Needs to Change
1. Raise the Threshold to 40°F
• Protect people from hypothermia, injuries, and death by raising the activation threshold to 40°F, including wind chill.
2. Operate Continuously Throughout Winter
• Intermittent openings create chaos. A consistent shelter model is essential to save lives.
3. Adopt Cost-Effective Solutions
• The county’s current model is expensive and inefficient. Proven alternatives like the Road2Home model offer better outcomes at half the cost.
4. Improve Communication and Outreach
• Many unhoused individuals remain unaware of shelter openings due to poor communication. The county must do better.
Take Action Now
1. Sign Up for the Protest
Join the “Night Out in the Cold” protest to demand action and stand in solidarity with those left to suffer. Even if you can’t stay all night, your presence makes a difference.
https://form.jotform.com/243544752585061
2. Share the Petition
Spread the word on social media, with friends, and within your networks. Every signature amplifies our voice.
https://www.change.org/WhatcomWinterShelter
3. Contact Local Leaders
• Satpal Sidhu (County Executive): ssidhu@co.whatcom.wa.us
• Whatcom County Council: council@co.whatcom.wa.us
• Mayor Kim Lund: mayorsoffice@cob.org
• Severe Weather Shelter Team: wintershelter@whatcomcounty.us
Sample Email Template:
Subject: Open the Shelter Before It’s Too Late
Dear [Recipient],
Last night, wind chills dropped into the 20s, and the Severe Weather Shelter remained closed. Tonight and tomorrow, snow is in the forecast, yet no action has been announced.
This is unacceptable. The threshold must be raised to 40°F, including wind chill, and the shelter must operate consistently throughout the winter. People are suffering and dying in preventable conditions while leaders remain silent.
Please act now to save lives.
Thank you.
Thank You and Keep Fighting
Thank you to everyone who has signed this petition, shared it, and signed up for the protest. Your compassion and dedication give hope to those who need it most.
Sign the Petition: https://www.change.org/WhatcomWinterShelter
Sign Up for the Protest: https://form.jotform.com/243544752585061
Together, we can demand better. Let’s ensure no one is left out in the cold.
With Gratitude,
Tukayote Helianthus