From: Tukayote Helianthus <emailme@tukayote.com>
Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 18:39
To: mayorsoffice@cob.org <mayorsoffice@cob.org>, ccmail@cob.org <ccmail@cob.org>, hestone@cob.org <hestone@cob.org>, hahuthman@cob.org <hahuthman@cob.org>, dchammill@cob.org <dchammill@cob.org>, Cotton, Jace A. <jacotton@cob.org>, ehwilliams@cob.org <ehwilliams@cob.org>, laanderson@cob.org <laanderson@cob.org>, mlilliquist@cob.org <mlilliquist@cob.org>, Council <council@co.whatcom.wa.us>, CFrazey@co.whatcom.wa.us <CFrazey@co.whatcom.wa.us>, kgallowa@co.whatcom.wa.us <kgallowa@co.whatcom.wa.us>, bbuchana@co.whatcom.wa.us <bbuchana@co.whatcom.wa.us>, tdonovan@co.whatcom.wa.us <tdonovan@co.whatcom.wa.us>, tbyrd@co.whatcom.wa.us <tbyrd@co.whatcom.wa.us>, belenbaa@co.whatcom.wa.us <belenbaa@co.whatcom.wa.us>, DTanksle@co.whatcom.wa.us <DTanksle@co.whatcom.wa.us>, ssidhu@co.whatcom.wa.us <ssidhu@co.whatcom.wa.us>, Jon Scanlon <JScanlon@co.whatcom.wa.us>
Dear Executive Satpal Sidhu, Whatcom County Council Members, Mayor Kim Lund, Bellingham City Council, and Sheriff Tanksley,
I am writing to express grave concern over the severe weather shelter crisis in Whatcom County. Tonight, Saturday, January 18th, the Bellingham Severe Weather Shelter reached full capacity early in the evening, leaving over 1,000 people unsheltered during one of the coldest nights forecasted this winter. With temperatures plummeting to 25°F and wind chill making conditions even more dangerous, many in our community are left exposed to life-threatening conditions.
This situation is unacceptable and constitutes an emergency requiring immediate action.
Key Facts
• The Bellingham Severe Weather Shelter and Lighthouse Mission can provide approximately 350 beds combined at full capacity. This is grossly inadequate for a population of over 1,000 unsheltered individuals in Whatcom County, as documented in the 2024 Point-In-Time Count.
• Turning people away into freezing temperatures creates unnecessary suffering, increases the risk of hypothermia and frostbite, and puts lives in jeopardy.
• Forecasts indicate continued cold weather, with temperatures dropping to 29°F or lower in the coming days.
Immediate Requests
1. Expand Shelter Capacity Immediately:
• Utilize available public buildings, churches, or other community spaces to provide temporary shelter for those currently unsheltered.
2. Open the Severe Weather Shelter for 14 Consecutive Nights Starting January 17th:
• This two-week opening aligns with the upcoming encampment clearing on Bakerview Road and ensures those displaced have immediate access to warmth and safety.
3. Raise the Activation Threshold to 40°F Including Wind Chill:
• Freezing conditions can occur well above 32°F when factoring in wind chill. A higher threshold will prevent unnecessary suffering and provide better protection for those exposed to the elements.
4. Relax Permitting Requirements for Extended Shelter Operations:
• Expedite or waive permits that limit shelter operations to 14 consecutive nights, allowing facilities to remain open during extended emergencies.
5. Declare a Homelessness and Severe Weather Emergency:
• A formal declaration will emphasize the urgency of the crisis and enable the county to allocate resources more effectively.
Long-Term Planning
This crisis highlights the need for a year-round shelter strategy to prevent future emergencies. I urge the county to:
• Issue a New Request for Proposals (RFP) for a year-round shelter with an extended application period to ensure adequate participation.
• Begin planning now for Winter 2025 to avoid a repeat of this preventable humanitarian failure.
Conclusion
This is not just a matter of discomfort; it is a life-and-death emergency. The situation demands decisive action to protect our community’s most vulnerable members. I implore you to act immediately to expand shelter capacity, implement the council’s recent recommendations, and ensure that no one is left to suffer in the cold.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I, along with many others in our community, am eager to see bold and compassionate leadership in the face of this crisis.
With Gratitude,
Tukayote Helianthus