From: Tukayote Helianthus <emailme@tukayote.com>
Date: Friday, July 11, 2025 at 07:26
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@co.whatcom.wa.us <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>, kkershne@co.whatcom.wa.us <kkershne@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>
Subject: Follow-Up: No Response on Cooling Center Plans Ahead of Dangerous Heat
Dear Bellingham and Whatcom County Officials,
I am following up on my previous emails dated June 2, 2024, and June 3, 2025, regarding the urgent need for cooling centers as we approach another dangerously hot week.
As of today, I have not received a response to the email on June 3, 2025 nor have I seen any public announcements regarding emergency cooling center availability for next week. Forecasted highs in the mid-80s—combined with direct sun and humidity—pose serious and well-documented health risks, especially to our unhoused and medically vulnerable neighbors.
Once again, I respectfully ask for a response to the following critical questions:
- What forecasted heat index or environmental conditions trigger the activation of cooling or clean air shelters in Whatcom County or the City of Bellingham?
- Are there any plans to open cooling centers this coming week? If so, when, and where?
- How will unhoused residents and other vulnerable populations be notified?
- Will your offices commit to implementing public, evidence-based thresholds (including heat index) for emergency shelter activation?
This is not a theoretical concern—this is a matter of life and death for some residents. Last year, there was no coordinated response, even during multiple periods of hazardous heat and wildfire smoke. That failure must not be repeated.
I urge you to respond by the end of this week. Outreach volunteers are actively coordinating hydration and supply efforts and need clarity from local government on what supports—if any—will be in place.
Silence on this issue endangers lives. I implore you to act.
With urgency and continued willingness to collaborate,
Tukayote Helianthus (pronounce)
Certified Peer Supporter / Mental Health First Aider
emailme@tukayote.com
From: Tukayote Helianthus <emailme@tukayote.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 10:43:18 AM
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@co.whatcom.wa.us <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>; kkershne@co.whatcom.wa.us <kkershne@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>
Subject: Re: Inquiry on Emergency Hot Weather Cooling Centers
Dear Bellingham and Whatcom County Leaders,
My name is Tukayote Helianthus, a Bellingham resident, certified peer supporter, and founder of Operation Water Drop—a grassroots initiative that has distributed over 60,000 bottles of water to unhoused and water-insecure residents across Whatcom County since its inception.
I am writing with serious concern regarding the forecasted high temperatures this weekend in Bellingham and throughout Whatcom County. With predicted highs in the 80s in some locations and potentially hazardous heat index levels due to humidity and sun exposure, the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke is real—particularly for unhoused individuals and vulnerable populations without access to shade, hydration, or air conditioning.
I raised this same concern last year in a letter to both City and County Councils. At that time, only Councilmember Jon Scanlon responded. Despite multiple days of hazardous heat and wildfire smoke, no emergency cooling or clean air shelters were activated throughout the entire summer. People were left exposed to hazardous hot weather conditions. This repeated inaction is unacceptable and endangers lives.
According to the National Weather Service, heat index values as low as 80°F in direct sunlight can pose serious health risks. Medical professionals agree that even moderate temperatures can be dangerous when combined with high humidity or sun exposure. Public health guidance recommends caution—or even avoidance of outdoor activity—once heat index levels exceed 80°F. Direct sun exposure can increase the felt temperature by 10–15°F, meaning an 80°F day can feel like 90–95°F to those without shade.
I ask again, clearly, and urgently:
- What specific forecasted conditions trigger activation of cooling and/or clean air shelters in Whatcom County?
- What, if anything, is being done this weekend to protect vulnerable residents from heat-related illness?
- How will the public—especially unhoused and unsheltered individuals—be notified of available emergency services?
- Will your office(s) commit to implementing transparent, evidence-based thresholds for activating extreme weather shelters based on heat index and air quality—not just air temperature?
- How can Operation Water Drop help support outreach or hydration response in the absence of formal emergency shelters?
I urge you to respond by Friday, as weekend outreach and resource coordination are actively underway. Last year’s silence cannot be repeated—people’s lives depend on your leadership.
With urgency, community care, and gratitude for your leadership,
Tukayote Helianthus
Founder, Operation Water Drop
Certified Peer Supporter / Mental Health First Aider
📧 emailme@tukayote.com | 📞 (564) 202-3542
From: Tukayote Helianthus <emailme@tukayote.com>
Date: Sunday, June 2, 2024 at 18:38
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>, ehwilliams@cob.org <ehwilliams@cob.org>, laanderson@cob.org <laanderson@cob.org>, mlilliquist@cob.org <mlilliquist@cob.org>, council@co.whatcom.wa.us <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>, kkershne@co.whatcom.wa.us <kkershne@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>, Health-PIO <Health-PIO@co.whatcom.wa.us>
Subject: Inquiry on Emergency Hot Weather Cooling Centers for This Weekend
Dear Bellingham and Whatcom County Leaders,
My name is Tukayote Helianthus, a resident of Bellingham, an active homeless outreach volunteer, and the director of Operation Water Drop (operationwaterdrop.com), a nonprofit water drive for those experiencing water poverty in our community.
I am writing to inquire about the plans for emergency hot weather cooling centers in light of the forecasted above-normal temperatures for this weekend. The National Weather Service has forecasted temperatures to be around 80°F, and depending on humidity levels, the heat index could easily exceed this temperature.
Dr. Sterling Ransone, a practicing family physician in Deltaville, Virginia, advises that caution should generally be taken if the heat index is over 77°F. Above 82°F is considered ‘extreme caution,’ with heat-related illness possible with long exposure. Over 85°F is dangerous, with heat illness likely and heat stroke possible. Eighty-nine degrees and above presents a high risk of heat stroke. (https://www.healthline.com/health-news/what-you-should-do-if-you-exercise-work-in-the-heat)
Further, the National Weather Service warns of a likelihood of heat disorders with prolonged exposure or strenuous activity with a heat index of 80F or above. Direct exposure to sunlight increases the heat index by 15F, which means at 80F in direct sunlight, the National Weather Service would express “extreme caution” to anyone exposed. (https://www.weather.gov/ama/heatindex)
Given this information, could you please provide details on the following:
1. What is the forecasted heat index that triggers the operation of cooling centers in our area?
2. Are there any specific plans in place for opening cooling centers this weekend?
3. How will the public, especially vulnerable populations, be informed about the availability and locations of these cooling centers?
4. How can Operation Water Drop best support the hydration needs of those who are unable to access cooling centers?
Your prompt response to these questions will greatly assist in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community, especially those most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
With Gratitude,
Tukayote Helianthus (pronounce)
Certified Peer Supporter / Mental Health First Aider
emailme@tukayote.com