From: Tukayote Helianthus <emailme@tukayote.com>
Date: Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 14:05
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>, 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>
Subject: Gratitude for Extended Shelter Operations & Urgent Need for Warming Centers
Dear Government Leaders,
I want to start by sincerely thanking you, along with the dedicated staff and volunteers, for the recent 10-day opening of the Whatcom Severe Weather Shelter from February 2nd through February 11th. This consistent operation has been a vital lifeline for many in our community, and I deeply appreciate the efforts made to ensure our unhoused neighbors have a safe, warm place to go during these dangerously cold nights.
However, I remain concerned about the lack of daytime warming centers and the uncertainty surrounding shelter operations beyond February 11th. As you know, recent wind chills have dropped as low as 5°F, and forecasts indicate continued freezing temperatures and possible snow after the 11th. Without a daytime warming option, individuals experiencing homelessness will be left outside for up to 16 hours at a time in life-threatening conditions.
I respectfully urge you to take the following actions:
1. Open emergency warming centers immediately—even temporarily, facilities such as the Farmers Market building, community centers, or partnering with Lighthouse Mission to open their drop-in center could provide crucial daytime relief.
2. Use available city, county, or school staff to assist in running these warming spaces if staffing is a concern.
3. Extend Severe Weather Shelter operations beyond February 11th and waive or obtain the necessary 14-day permit from the City of Bellingham to allow for continuous sheltering. There is no excuse to close the shelter while freezing conditions persist.
I recognize that planning and staffing are ongoing challenges, but I firmly believe that solutions exist. Cities across Washington have implemented warming centers and more flexible shelter operations—we can, and must, do the same.
Once again, I am truly grateful for the work that has been done so far. The Severe Weather Shelter has saved lives this winter, and I urge you to continue that momentum by ensuring no one is left in the cold in the days and weeks ahead.
Thank you for your time, your commitment, and your willingness to listen to community concerns. I look forward to your response and any updates you can provide on these urgent matters.
With Gratitude,
Tukayote Helianthus