Petition Update: A Week of Freezing Lows—Why No Shelter Beyond Wednesday?

The National Weather Service (NOAA) is forecasting below-freezing low temperatures all week and into next weekend, lasting through Monday, January 27th. Despite this alarming forecast, the Whatcom Severe Weather Shelter has not announced any openings beyond Wednesday night, January 22nd.

Why is there no plan for the remainder of the week? Why hasn’t the county communicated whether the shelter will remain open? With 45 additional nights of funding available, this uncertainty is deeply concerning.

Last week, the county announced six consecutive nights of shelter openings. Why can’t they provide clarity now? We demand answers and action.

Our Demands

1. Open the Shelter for 14 Consecutive Days Starting January 17th:

• This would ensure shelter for those affected by the Bakerview encampment clearing and protect individuals during this sustained period of freezing weather.

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

• Freezing conditions, even with temperatures above 32°F, create life-threatening conditions for our unhoused neighbors.

3. Expand Capacity and Plan for Winter 2025 Now:

• The combined shelter capacity of the Severe Weather Shelter and Lighthouse Mission is not enough. Over 1,000 individuals remain unsheltered every night.

4. Relax or Expedite Permitting Requirements:

• Allow shelters to operate continuously when weather conditions demand it, without unnecessary red tape.

Take Action Now

Contact your leaders and ask them to ensure the shelter stays open through this week and beyond:

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

Example Message to Send

Subject: Keep the Severe Weather Shelter Open Beyond Wednesday

Dear [Leader’s Name],

The National Weather Service is forecasting below-freezing temperatures every night this week and into next weekend, yet the Whatcom Severe Weather Shelter has not announced any openings beyond Wednesday, January 22nd.

This uncertainty is unacceptable, especially when there are funds available to open the shelter for 45 additional nights this winter. Turning people away in freezing weather is dangerous and inhumane.

I urge you to:

1. Keep the shelter open through this sustained period of freezing weather.

2. Raise the activation threshold to 40°F, including wind chill, to prevent suffering in dangerous conditions.

3. Ensure adequate capacity for those in need and expedite permitting requirements for extended shelter operations.

We must act with urgency to protect our most vulnerable community members. Please do the right thing and ensure no one is left out in the cold.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Your Voice Matters

Every email and signature brings us closer to a solution. Please contact your leaders today and share this petition widely. Together, we can ensure no one is left to suffer in the cold.

Sign the Petition

Let’s hold our leaders accountable to their promises and ensure this shelter is open when our community needs it most.

With Gratitude,

Tukayote Helianthus