Subject: Follow-Up: Request to Open Severe Weather Shelter During January Encampment Clearing
Dear Mayor Kim Lund, Members of the Bellingham City Council, Members of the Whatcom County Council, and County Executive Satpal Sidhu,
I am writing again to express my deep concern regarding the upcoming clearing of the Bakerview and Northwest Avenue encampment, scheduled to begin the week of January 20, 2025. As previously mentioned, this action will displace approximately 75–100 individuals, many of whom have no other shelter options. With the risks posed by cold weather and limited alternatives for those affected, I urge you to take immediate action to mitigate the harm caused by this clearing.
Specifically, I ask that you open the severe weather shelter for 14 days starting on January 15, 2025. This step would provide a safe, warm place for those being displaced, ensuring that lives are not unnecessarily put at risk during this transition.
Why This Action Is Critical
1. Immediate Humanitarian Need: The planned clearing will force dozens of individuals, many with health conditions or disabilities, into dangerous weather conditions. January is one of the coldest months of the year, and exposure to these elements can be life-threatening, particularly for those without adequate protection from the cold.
2. Lack of Shelter Capacity: As it stands, Bellingham and Whatcom County do not have the capacity to accommodate the individuals who will be displaced. Current shelters are already at or near capacity, and the severe weather shelter threshold of 32°F does not sufficiently address the compounded dangers of wind chill, wet conditions, and nighttime temperatures in the low 40s.
3. A Temporary But Life-Saving Solution: Opening the severe weather shelter for 14 days would provide a temporary solution to protect those affected while longer-term options are pursued. This action would demonstrate the City and County’s commitment to public safety and compassion, especially as this clearing involves coordinated participation from local authorities.
4. Alignment with Community Values: Bellingham and Whatcom County pride themselves on being inclusive, compassionate, and community-focused. Failing to provide a safety net for those displaced would contradict these values and tarnish trust in local leadership.
A Simple But Vital Request
I understand the challenges involved in coordinating shelter operations, but this is a moment that calls for decisive action. Opening the severe weather shelter for 14 days starting January 15, 2025, would:
• Provide immediate relief and safety for those displaced.
• Prevent unnecessary suffering and potential fatalities during a cold and dangerous time of year.
• Give outreach teams a centralized location to connect individuals with resources, reducing the chaos and harm caused by the clearing.
A Broader Call for Long-Term Solutions
While this request addresses an immediate need, I want to reiterate the importance of developing sustainable, long-term solutions. This includes expanding shelter capacity, raising the severe weather threshold to 40°F (including wind chill), investing in affordable housing, and prioritizing housing-first initiatives.
Closing
The clearing of the Bakerview encampment is imminent, and its impact will be profound. Opening the severe weather shelter for a temporary period is the very least we can do to ensure the safety and dignity of those affected. I implore you to act quickly and decisively to protect the lives of our most vulnerable residents.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to your response and welcome the opportunity to collaborate on humane and effective solutions.
Sincerely,
Tukayote Helianthus