Open Letter to Whatcom & Bellingham Leaders – Gratitude for Extended Shelter Operations & Urgent Need for Warming Centers

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

Petition Update: A Step in the Right Direction, But Where Are the Warming Centers?

921 Supporters Strong

We commend Whatcom County for stepping up and opening the Severe Weather Shelter for 10 consecutive nights from February 2nd through February 11th. This is a significant step forward and exactly the kind of predictable, consistent sheltering that our community has been asking for. It will provide lifesaving warmth to those who have nowhere else to go. Thank you to the County staff and volunteers who are making this possible.

The Fight Isn’t Over – Where Are the Warming Centers?

Even with this good news, daytime warming spaces remain nonexistent, leaving our unhoused neighbors outside in freezing temperatures for up to 16 hours before they can return to the shelter.

With wind chills dropping as low as 5°F this past week, prolonged exposure is not just uncomfortable—it is life-threatening. Other cities across Washington and the U.S. have daytime warming centers during cold weather emergencies. Why doesn’t Whatcom County?

We are asking leadership to:

Open emergency warming centers immediately—even if it is temporary, spaces like the Farmers Market building, community centers, or partnerships with Lighthouse Mission could provide warmth during the day.

Use available city, county, or school staff to help run these spaces if staffing is an issue.

Ensure better planning for future shelter operations so this crisis does not repeat itself next winter.

What Happens After February 11?

As of now, there is no plan to keep the shelter open after the 11th—yet weather forecasts show below-freezing temperatures and snow/rain beyond that date. We urge Whatcom County to announce additional openings as soon as possible and ensure that people are not once again left in the cold due to poor planning.

We have made progress, but the work is not done. Please continue to share this petition and contact your local officials to demand immediate warming centers and long-term shelter planning.

Contact Officials Today:

Satpal Sidhu (County Executive): ssidhu@co.whatcom.wa.us

Whatcom County Council: council@co.whatcom.wa.us

Mayor Kim Lund: mayorsoffice@cob.org

Bellingham City Council: ccmail@cob.org

Whatcom County Health Department (Shelter Operations): wintershelter@whatcomcounty.us

Example Message:

Dear [Official’s Name],

Thank you for ensuring that the Severe Weather Shelter will remain open through February 11th. This is a crucial step in protecting our unhoused neighbors during extreme cold. However, we remain deeply concerned about the lack of daytime warming centers and the uncertainty of shelter openings beyond February 11th. The weather forecast continues to show freezing temperatures and possible snow/rain. We are urging you to open emergency warming centers and extend shelter operations beyond the 11th. No one should be left to suffer in the cold when solutions exist. Please take action now.

Together, we can push for real, lasting solutions. Thank you for your continued support.

Sign and Share the Petition: https://www.change.org/WhatcomWinterShelter

With Gratitude,

Tukayote Helianthus

Petition Update: No Warming Centers & Freezing Conditions—Immediate Action Needed

918 supporters agree: The temperature threshold must be raised, and shelter operations must be consistent and fully staffed. No more last-minute closures due to staffing shortages. We need a long-term solution.

That’s why we are calling on the city and county to begin planning TODAY for the 2025/2026 severe weather shelter operations. This year’s failures cannot be repeated.

But we also need urgent action right now.

Despite dangerously cold temperatures this week, there are NO official daytime warming centers. People who sleep at the Severe Weather Shelter at night are forced out into the cold during the day, facing up to 16 hours of exposure in wind chills that dropped to 5°F earlier today.

This is inhumane and life-threatening. Hypothermia does not wait for nighttime.

We need immediate action from our local leaders to open daytime warming centers for unsheltered individuals. We are demanding that city and county leaders find a solution immediately.

What We Are Asking For

1. A permanent plan for 2025/2026 severe weather shelter operations to avoid last-minute closures and staffing shortages.

2. Immediate opening of daytime warming centers to protect unsheltered individuals from dangerous exposure.

3. Utilization of available city, county, or school facilities to provide emergency warming space.

4. Staffing solutions so that shelters remain open without gaps in service.

How You Can Help Right Now

We need you to contact local leaders and demand immediate warming centers. Tell them this is an emergency and that they must act now.

Here are the officials to contact:

Satpal Sidhu, Whatcom County Executive

Email: ssidhu@co.whatcom.wa.us

Whatcom County Council

Email: council@co.whatcom.wa.us

Mayor Kim Lund, City of Bellingham

Email: mayorsoffice@cob.org

Bellingham City Council

Email: ccmail@cob.org

Whatcom County Health and Community Services (Winter Shelter Program)

Email: wintershelter@whatcomcounty.us

Sample Email or Message to Send:

Subject: Urgent Need for Daytime Warming Centers & Shelter Planning

Dear [Official’s Name],

I am writing to express my deep concern about the ongoing lack of daytime warming centers for people experiencing homelessness in Whatcom County. This week, wind chills have dropped as low as 5°F, and unsheltered individuals are being forced outside for up to 16 hours during the day. This is a life-threatening emergency.

The Whatcom Severe Weather Shelter is open only at night, leaving people exposed to dangerous conditions during the day. We need immediate action to open warming centers so that no one is left to suffer in freezing temperatures.

There are multiple available options, including:

• The Bellingham Farmers Market building on Railroad Avenue

(With Lighthouse Mission cooperation) Opening their Drop-In Center for expanded warming space

Any available city, county, or school district facility that can provide temporary emergency shelter

I am also asking that Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham immediately begin planning for the 2025/2026 severe weather shelter season. The current shelter model has proven to be unreliable, inconsistent, and dangerous due to staffing shortages and last-minute closures. This cannot happen again next winter.

I urge you to take action NOW to protect vulnerable members of our community. Lives are at stake.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Contact Information]

[Your City, Whatcom County Resident]

Share This Petition

This petition is making a difference, but we need more voices. Share it on social media, send it to friends and family, and let’s keep the pressure on.

Petition Link: https://www.change.org/WhatcomWinterShelter

We cannot let this issue fade into the background. People’s lives depend on it. Let’s demand action NOW.

With Gratitude,

Tukayote Helianthus

Petition Update: Winter Storm Arriving Soon – Shelter Open Sunday, But Why Not Tonight and Saturday?

We appreciate the county’s announcement that the Whatcom Severe Weather Shelter will be open from Sunday, Feb. 2, through Thursday, Feb. 6. Keeping people safe from freezing conditions is crucial, and we are grateful for these confirmed nights.

However, despite forecasted qualifying conditions (including estimated windchill), the shelter will remain closed Friday, Jan. 31, and Saturday, Feb. 1, with no clear explanation from the county. This means two more nights of dangerous cold before the next scheduled opening.

Here are the details for the upcoming openings:

Location: 925 N. Forest St. (downstairs of former Lutheran Church)

Check-in: 4-9 PM each evening

Check-out: 9 AM the following morning

Meals Provided: Dinner and breakfast

Well-behaved pets allowed

We continue to ask: Why isn’t the shelter open tonight and tomorrow, especially with freezing temperatures and snow in the forecast? The county has the funding, the space, and the need is undeniable.

Let’s keep pushing for a reliable, consistent shelter operation that doesn’t leave people out in the cold. Keep sharing this petition and contacting our leaders.

Shelter status updates: shelterstatus.com

With Gratitude,

Tukayote Helianthus

Open Letter to Local Government: Open the Shelter!

From: Tukayote Helianthus <emailme@tukayote.com>
Date: Friday, January 31, 2025 at 13:31
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>
Subject: Whatcom Severe Winter Shelter – Closed on Saturday and 45% of the nights that met the 32F threshold

Dear Executive Satpal Sidhu, Whatcom County Council Members, Mayor Kim Lund, Bellingham City Council, and Sheriff Tanksley,

I am writing to you with urgent concern regarding the continued failures in operating the Whatcom Severe Weather Shelter, particularly in light of the Winter Storm Watch issued for our region this weekend.

As of now, the Whatcom County Severe Weather Shelter is not scheduled to open on Saturday, February 1st, despite forecasted temperatures of 31°F without wind chill factored in, and significant snowfall expected. How can this be justified, especially when the county has publicly stated that 32F or below temperatures, wind chill, AND precipitation would be considered in opening decisions?

For months, the community has repeatedly asked you to fix the failures of the severe weather shelter system, and the consequences of inaction have already been felt through freezing nights, unnecessary closures, and a shelter that has been closed for nearly half of the nights it should have been open. We implore you to take immediate action to prevent another avoidable crisis.

Winter Storm Incoming, Yet the Shelter is Closed Saturday Night

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for our area. With temperatures forecasted at 31°F and wind chill expected to make conditions even colder, leaving people outside without shelter is a life-threatening failure.

The county has previously stated:

   •       “We will consider wind chill.”

   •       “To make sure that in the harshest conditions, people aren’t dying on the streets.”

Yet time and time again, this has proven untrue in practice.

   •       On Thursday night, January 30th, wind chill reached 29°F and the shelter remained closed.

   •       The shelter has been closed for 45% of the nights that met the 32°F threshold since November 2024.

This is not “considering wind chill.” This is neglecting the very real dangers of freezing temperatures and winter storms.

The Shelter Has the Funds – Why Is It Closed?

The budgeted funds for the shelter remain untouched for over 39 nights of operation. Furthermore, the City of Bellingham just pledged $150,000 in additional funding, once county funding is exhausted.

Why is the shelter closed when funding is available?

Staffing Excuses Do Not Hold Up

County officials have cited staffing shortages as a reason for these closures. Yet, the county itself suspended hiring for shelter assistants and has failed to retroactively contact applicants who applied for staffing or volunteer positions.

This is not an unavoidable issue—this is a failure of planning.

   •       The most recent job posting was only open for four days and not widely advertised.

   •       Multiple applicants and volunteers have reported that they were never contacted after applying.

Additionally, last year’s Road2Home shelter model operated for 90 continuous nights without staffing issues—yet the county chose a different model that relies on an on-call system that has proven unreliable.

If the county refuses to properly staff the shelter, it is the county’s own failure that is leading to closures.

What Needs to Happen Immediately:

     1.    Open the Shelter on Saturday, February 3rd, Due to the Winter Storm Watch.

        •  No more delays. No more “coming soon” announcements.

        •  The funds are available. The weather conditions demand action.

     2.    Ensure the Shelter Remains Open Every Night Freezing Conditions Are Expected.

        •  The remaining budget should be used immediately to prevent further unnecessary closures.

        •  Stop the “wait and see” approach—people should not be left wondering if shelter will be available.

     3.    Reopen Hiring Immediately and Contact All Past Applicants.

        •  If staffing is an issue, hire more people and actually respond to applicants.

        •  The county cannot claim a staffing shortage while refusing to hire more staff.

     4.    Provide Clear, Long-Term Plans for Shelter Operations.

        •  The public should not have to wait days at a time to know if the shelter will open.

        •  If a six-night activation could be announced earlier this month, why can’t the same be done now?

This Cannot Be Ignored Any Longer

Leadership at both the City and County levels have acknowledged the need for more shelter.

   •       “We need another shelter, I don’t disagree with the intent of the petition.” – Erika Lautenbach, Director of Whatcom County Health & Community Services

   •       “Our region needs another shelter.” – Lautenbach

   •       “The rates of homelessness continue to go up.” – Lautenbach

Yet instead of action, we get excuses, poor planning, and preventable closures.

We need bold leadership to prevent people from suffering in the cold while a fully paid-for shelter sits empty.

It is time to act.  912 Petitioners agree.

I urge you: Do not let another night of freezing temperatures (including wind chill) go by without an open shelter.

Please respond with immediate action and open the shelter for Saturday, February 1st, and for EVERY QUALIFYING NIGHT beyond.

With Gratitude,

Tukayote Helianthus 

Petition Update: Whatcom Severe Weather Shelter Closed Again Despite Forecasted Freezing Temperatures and Snow

900 supporters and counting—our voices are growing louder, but the county still isn’t listening.

Tonight, Wednesday (1/29), the Whatcom Severe Weather Shelter is closed despite a forecasted low of 32°F—a temperature that meets their own threshold for activation. Looking ahead, snow and dangerously cold conditions are in the forecast, yet there is no plan to open the shelter beyond Tuesday (1/28).

Since November 2024, there have been 29 nights where temperatures have dropped to 32°F or below—nights that should have automatically triggered an emergency shelter opening. Instead, the shelter has only been open 16 of those nights. That means the shelter has been closed 45% of the time it should have been open.

This is unacceptable. The county has the funding to continue opening the shelter—but it’s choosing not to.

Staffing Shortages? The County Set Themselves Up for Failure

The county claims staffing shortages are preventing shelter openings. However, multiple people have reported that they applied for paid or volunteer shelter positions and were never contacted.

• The most recent job posting for shelter assistants was only open for 4 days before being taken down.

• There was no widespread advertisement for the position.

People who signed up to volunteer also were never contacted.

If the county was serious about staffing this shelter, they would actively recruit and ensure that all applicants were considered. Instead, they closed hiring and then blamed staffing shortages for shelter closures. This is an unacceptable excuse.

The County Must Immediately Reopen Hiring for Shelter Staff

We demand that Whatcom County immediately reopen the job listing for shelter assistants and widely advertise the hiring opportunity. Additionally, the county must retroactively contact everyone who applied for paid staff or volunteer positions to update them on the status of their applications.

• If an applicant was denied a staff or volunteer position, the county must provide them with a reason why.

• If applications were ignored, the county must rectify this immediately and move forward with hiring to ensure no further shelter closures due to staffing shortages.

This situation is entirely preventable. If Road2Home was able to operate a winter shelter for 90 days continuously without staffing issues, then the county should have been able to do the same.

Whatcom County’s Own Words Contradict Their Actions

Let’s look at what Whatcom County officials have admitted:

“We need another shelter, I don’t disagree with the intent of the petition.” — Erika Lautenbach, Whatcom County Health & Community Services

“Our region needs another shelter.” — Erika Lautenbach

“We very much wanted to open the shelter overnight on Thursday, Jan. 23. However, despite multiple emails to our staffing pool requesting people sign up for shifts, we were unable to secure sufficient staffing.” — Whatcom County Health & Community Services

The county admits staffing is a crisis, yet they suspended hiring for shelter staff. They refuse to invest in a stable workforce for the shelter, unlike Road2Home, which successfully operated a winter shelter for 90 days continuously without these staffing issues.

The Shelter Has the Budget—Use It Now

The City of Bellingham has pledged an additional $150,000 in funding once the county’s budget for the shelter is exhausted. However, at this moment, it will take another 39 days of operation before that funding is applied.

Meanwhile, the shelter lease is already paid for through March, meaning the facility is sitting empty on nights when people are suffering in the cold.

The County Must Act Immediately

With snow in the forecast and more dangerously cold nights ahead, we must demand that the shelter be opened immediately and remain open every night that temperatures dip to 40°F including wind chill.

Call or email your leaders TODAY and demand an immediate shelter opening and the reopening of shelter staff hiring.

Contact Your Leaders

Email:

Satpal Sidhu (County Executive): ssidhu@co.whatcom.wa.us

Whatcom County Council: council@co.whatcom.wa.us

Mayor Kim Lund: mayorsoffice@cob.org

Whatcom County Health & Community Services: wintershelter@whatcomcounty.us

Example Email to Send:

Subject: Open the Severe Weather Shelter Now – Freezing Temps & Snow in Forecast

Dear [Official’s Name],

I am deeply concerned that the Whatcom Severe Weather Shelter is closed tonight (1/29) despite forecasted freezing temperatures and snow. Since November, there have been 29 nights at or below 32°F, yet the shelter has only been open for 16 of those nights.

The shelter has the funding and resources to continue operations but remains closed due to preventable staffing shortages. People will suffer and die in these conditions. I urge you to act immediately to open the shelter and ensure it remains open for all future nights that drop to 40°F including wind chill.

Additionally, multiple individuals have reported applying for shelter staff and volunteer positions and never being contacted. The most recent job posting for shelter assistants was only open for four days before being removed without broad outreach. This is no excuse for a staffing shortage. If Whatcom County was serious about keeping people safe, they would have kept hiring open and ensured all applicants were processed.

We need leadership, not excuses. Please act now to protect our most vulnerable community members.

Thank you for your time,

[Your Name]

[Your Contact Information]

[Your City]

Were You Ignored After Applying for a Shelter Position?

If you applied to work or volunteer at the Whatcom Severe Weather Shelter and were never contacted, please submit your experience here:

https://form.jotform.com/250247511361044

We are gathering this information to hold the county accountable for their staffing failures.

Keep the pressure on—sign and share the petition with your friends, family, and community.

Petition Link: https://www.change.org/WhatcomWinterShelter

The fight isn’t over. We won’t stop until our most vulnerable community members are given the shelter and dignity they deserve.

With Gratitude,

Tukayote Helianthus

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