Whatcom County investments top $15.8 million in Children and Family Programs; Including $3.26 million in the first four months of 2024
In the last two years, Whatcom County has invested $15.8 million to support children and families using funding from the Healthy Children’s Fund, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and Housing Sales Tax revenue. From January to April of 2024, Whatcom County invested $3.26 million to improve access to quality services for families with young children. These investments will result in an increase of nearly 600 childcare slots in Whatcom County and increased housing stability and behavioral health services.
Highlights of 2024 investments thus far, and plans for the remainder of 2024, are detailed below.*
Healthy Children’s Fund (HCF)
So far in 2024, $1.7 million has been dedicated to addressing HCF priorities to expand resources for families experiencing housing instability:
- Lydia Place was awarded $959,681 to offer comprehensive services for families with children aged 0-5 to prevent homelessness. Services will include case management around budgeting and resource navigation as well as behavioral health and parenting supports, which may include opportunities for classes or peer groups. Giving families tools to strengthen resources, empower caregivers, and prevent them from entering homelessness.
- Mercy Housing NW (MHNW) was awarded $422,532 to bolster housing stability through employment and education support. Programs will serve families in their MHNW’s properties throughout the county, who are rent-burdened and unable to maintain housing stability. Employment and educational support, provided with this funding, will increase household incomes and prevent future housing instability.
- Ferndale Community Services was awarded $269,315 to deliver personalized navigation services for families in need. Services will focus on assessing household budgets, identifying savings for rent and other needs, and developing client-centered goals to improve financial stability for each household.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund
After a second round of competitive bidding, an additional $800,000 from ARPA has been awarded for childcare expansion projects.
- Ferndale School District was awarded $700,000 to enhance playground equipment accessibility, so that children with disabilities will be able to play alongside their peers.
- Forty-two stabilization grants have been awarded to childcare providers throughout Whatcom County, through a partnership between Whatcom County, City of Bellingham, Opportunity Council, and Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce. Twenty-four of those childcare providers are located outside the City of Bellingham to support childcare access in rural communities.
- Whatcom County will fund the development of a new childcare center to be located in Samish Commons, in partnership with the Bellingham & Whatcom County Housing Authorities. This new center is expected to support 41 childcare slots and includes space for infants and toddlers.
Additional Housing and Shelter Investments
The County has awarded an additional $760,000 towards local housing-related preservation and improvement programs, including these specific children and family projects:
- Opportunity Council’s Dorothy Place Apartments was awarded $251,460 to increase building accessibility and increase residents’ safety.
- Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) was awarded $280,000 for shelter infrastructure improvements. The DVSAS Safe Shelter will improve accessibility for survivors who rely on supportive mobility, and the Rotary House will receive some updates such as fencing, roof replacement and other worn areas in the home.
- Lydia Place was awarded $159,000 to convert transitional housing into larger affordable units to better serve large families.
Future Healthy Children’s Fund Investments
Whatcom County will continue to support vulnerable families with priorities including:
Increasing access to childcare for rural communities:
- Whatcom County is partnering with The Imagine Institute to open 15-17 new home-based childcare businesses throughout Whatcom County, to increase access to childcare for families in rural areas. These new licensed providers will have the potential to create up to 204 new childcare slots. The Imagine Institute will assist new home-based providers through the process of starting up a business and licensed facility. Each new provider will be required to accept state subsidies, making them accessible to low-income families. Funding will be provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Creating more flexible and affordable childcare options:
- Whatcom County is now soliciting proposals from agencies interested in creating a drop-in childcare system. Low income families in sudden need of childcare will be able to locate safe, professional childcare providers able to offer a space for their children. You can learn more about the request for proposals here.
Early Childhood Mental Health Support:
- Healthy Children’s Fund will be used to establish graduate-level applied psychology internship positions in perinatal mental health. This will increase capacity in the community for a workforce skilled in perinatal and early childhood mental and behavioral health needs.
- Whatcom County is currently soliciting proposals through June 11 for contractors interested in developing a local mental health workforce in order to increase access to perinatal and infant-early childhood mental health care. You can learn more about the request for proposals here.
Birth and postpartum support:
- Doula services will soon be available for Medicaid-eligible families. Benefits of doulas for families include increased knowledge about birth and parenting, reduced likelihood of low birth weight and premature birth, an increased system of support for navigating health care and social services, and improved maternal health outcomes.
- Healthy Children’s Fund dollars will be used to create a county-wide peer support network for pregnant and parenting families. Peer support programs are proven to improve health outcomes for parents and children by reducing isolation and stress, building community, and promoting resiliency and independence.
All of these efforts continue Whatcom County’s commitment to support a thriving community for all residents, with a particular focus on the well-being of its youngest members and their families.
*Finalized contracts are subject to County Council approval.
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