Petition Update: Freezing Temperatures, Inaccurate Forecasts, and Unnecessary Suffering

Early Friday morning, temperatures in Bellingham plummeted to 27°F, a full 7 degrees colder than NOAA’s National Weather Service forecast. Time and time again, we’ve seen how inaccurate forecasts lead to unnecessary shelter closures and leave vulnerable individuals to endure dangerously cold conditions. This is unacceptable.

The Whatcom County Council has already outlined actionable steps in their recently approved letter to County Executive Satpal Sidhu, Mayor Kim Lund, and other leaders. The time to act is now.

What the Council Recommended

The County Council has made it clear:

1. Open the Severe Weather Shelter on January 17th and keep it open for 14 consecutive nights.

• With the planned encampment clearing on Bakerview/Northwest Road the week of January 20th, opening the shelter for two full weeks will provide life-saving stability for those displaced.

2. Raise the Activation Temperature Threshold to 35/40°F Including Wind Chill.

• The current threshold of 32°F is failing to protect people. Even a slight wind can drastically lower the perceived temperature, leaving individuals at risk of hypothermia and frostbite. We disagree that 35°F is sufficient and continue to ask for 40°F operating thresholds, including wind chill.

3. Relax or Expedite Permitting Requirements for Longer Shelter Operations.

• Permitting processes should not stand in the way of keeping people safe.

4. Issue a New RFP for a Year-Round Shelter with an Extended Application Period.

• The county’s September RFP for shelter operators gave only 10 business days for bids—far too short for such a critical service. A year-round shelter is essential, and we need to attract qualified operators by providing them adequate time and support.

5. Plan for Winter 2025 Now.

• With over 1,000 unsheltered individuals in Whatcom County and only 350 available beds, proactive planning is critical to avoid another preventable crisis next year.

Support for These Changes is Growing

Thanks to you, this petition now has 694 supporters—nearly 700 voices calling for life-saving action. These aren’t just numbers; they represent people who care deeply about ensuring that no one in our community is left out in the cold.

We must keep the momentum going. Please continue to share this petition, contact your government leaders, and ask them to act on the County Council’s 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

Let’s Keep Pushing for Change

Every freezing night is a reminder of the urgency of this crisis. As temperatures drop and forecasts continue to miss the mark, we need leaders to take action that prioritizes lives over bureaucracy.

Together, we can make sure no one in Whatcom County is left to suffer in the cold. Thank you for your continued support and advocacy.

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

With Gratitude,

Tukayote Helianthus