Petition Update: County Council Demands Action: Will Leadership Step Up Before It’s Too Late?

The Whatcom County Council has taken a major step in addressing the homelessness crisis by approving a letter urging immediate actions to protect our most vulnerable neighbors. This letter was delivered to County Executive Satpal Sidhu, Deputy Executives Kayla Schott-Bresler and Aly Pennucci, Whatcom County Health and Community Services leadership, Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund, and the Bellingham City Council.

We stand in full support of the actions outlined in the letter, which align with many of the demands we’ve raised through this petition.

You can read the full letter here

What the Letter Demands

The County Council’s letter recognizes the severity of the situation and calls for decisive action:

1. Coordinate Shelter for Encampment Displacement:

• Work with the City of Bellingham and service providers to ensure that individuals displaced by the Bakerview/Northwest encampment clearing have safe shelter options.

• Research indicates that such displacements worsen health outcomes, including overdose rates and hospitalizations.

2. Open the Severe Weather Shelter for 14 Days Starting January 17th:

• The Council urges immediate use of budgeted funds to provide stability for those affected by the encampment clearing and freezing conditions.

3. Raise the Activation Temperature Threshold:

• Present a plan to the Council for raising the threshold to either 35°F or 40°F, including wind chill, and partner with the City of Bellingham to share costs.

4. Establish Another Tiny Home Village:

• Collaborate with HomesNow to identify a location for a new village and explore options to provide county land, funding, and staff resources.

Why This Matters

The letter highlights critical gaps in our current system:

• The 2024 Point-in-Time Count revealed that over 1,000 people in Whatcom County remain unsheltered every night, while our combined shelter capacity is only 350 beds.

• Research underscores the devastating impact of displacing individuals without adequate alternatives, including increased deaths, overdoses, and hospitalizations.

• The current 32°F activation threshold leaves people at risk during dangerously cold conditions, especially when wind chill and precipitation are factored in.

Our Continued Asks

In addition to supporting the County Council’s recommendations, we reiterate the following:

1. Open the Severe Weather Shelter for Two Weeks Starting January 17th.

• This will provide life-saving shelter for those impacted by the encampment clearing and severe winter weather.

2. Raise the Activation Threshold to 40°F Including Wind Chill.

• No one should be left outside to suffer when conditions are life-threatening.

3. Relax or Expedite Permitting Requirements for longer shelter operations.

4. Issue a New RFP for a Year-Round Shelter with an extended application period to attract qualified operators.

5. Plan for Winter 2025 Now.

• Proactive planning is essential to avoid another crisis next winter.

Take Action Today

Contact your leaders and demand they take immediate, compassionate action to implement these recommendations:

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

Thank You for Your Support

With 665 supporters, we are sending a strong message to our leaders: action is urgently needed. Please continue to share this petition with your friends, family, and social networks. Together, we can ensure no one is left out in the cold.

Sign the Petition Here: https://www.change.org/WhatcomWinterShelter

With Gratitude,

Tukayote Helianthus