
Dear Supporters,
On the evening of Thursday, January 23rd, temperatures in Bellingham dropped to 25°F (22°F with wind chill)—dangerously cold conditions that put our unhoused neighbors at severe risk. Despite these frigid temperatures, the Severe Weather Shelter remained closed due to insufficient staffing.
This situation is entirely avoidable. The County’s own Severe Weather Shelter FAQ states that they have suspended hiring for this winter season, limiting their ability to provide consistent shelter. The county acknowledges that multi-day operations strain their limited staffing pool, yet no concrete solutions have been proposed to address this crisis.
We must demand action to prevent these closures from happening again.
We have 45 nights of funding available, but without staff, the shelter cannot open, leaving people to endure dangerous weather without a safe place to go.
What Needs to Happen Now
To address this ongoing crisis, we’re calling on County and City leadership to:
1. Raise the activation threshold to 40°F, including wind chill. Current criteria fail to protect people from actual freezing conditions.
2. Reassess staffing resources immediately. If hiring is suspended, what alternatives exist to ensure consistent shelter openings?
3. Develop a long-term plan for Winter 2025. This includes issuing a new RFP with sufficient time for operators to apply and planning for a year-round shelter solution.
The Severe Weather Shelter should be a safe haven, but it can only fulfill that mission if it remains open during freezing weather. The County must prioritize staffing and operational consistency to prevent further unnecessary suffering.
Contact Your Leaders
We need to ensure our voices are heard. Please contact Satpal Sidhu, the Whatcom County Council, and Mayor Kim Lund, to demand immediate action.
Here’s how to reach them:
• Satpal Sidhu: ssidhu@co.whatcom.wa.us
• Whatcom County Council: council@co.whatcom.wa.us
• Mayor Kim Lund: mayorsoffice@cob.org
Example Message:
Subject: Immediate Action Needed to Address Severe Weather Shelter Closures
Dear [Leader’s Name],
I am deeply concerned about the ongoing closures of the Bellingham Severe Weather Shelter during freezing conditions. On Thursday, January 23rd, temperatures dropped to 25°F (22°F with wind chill), yet the shelter remained closed due to insufficient staffing. This is unacceptable and preventable.
While I appreciate the hard work of County staff, suspending hiring has left the shelter without the resources needed to remain open. I urge you to:
1. Raise the activation threshold to 40°F, including wind chill. The current model fails to account for actual conditions and leaves people out in dangerously cold weather.
2. Reassess staffing resources and explore temporary staffing alternatives to ensure the shelter can open consistently.
3. Develop sustainable solutions for Winter 2025, including planning early and reissuing an RFP with an extended application period to find a year-round shelter operator.
The County has the funds to operate the shelter for 45 more nights this season, and yet it is turning people away on freezing nights. This is not only a public health crisis but also a failure of governance.
Please take immediate action to prevent further closures and unnecessary suffering. No one should have to sleep outside in these conditions.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Together, We Can Make a Difference
We now have 766 supporters, each one of you making a powerful statement that this issue matters. Please share this petition with your friends, family, and social networks. Together, we can ensure no one is left out in the cold.
With Gratitude,
Tukayote Helianthus