The Whatcom County Council has unanimously approved a lease with Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW) to host a county-operated severe weather shelter (SWS) in Bellingham. The property at 925 N. Forest Street is larger than last winter’s site and would provide space for 70 guests on nights when the shelter is open.
“After months of searching, we are grateful to have found a willing and supportive partner to help us provide this life-saving intervention during dangerous weather conditions. We hope that we can continue to build on this partnership in the coming years,” Ann Beck, Community Health and Human Services Manager said.
LCSNW purchased the Bellingham Central Lutheran Church property in early 2024, a few months after the 133-year-old congregation's final worship service there. LCSNW serves communities in Washington, Oregon and Idaho with programs that support behavioral health, aging and independent living, refugee resettlement, child and family wellness, and more. This is the agency’s first foray into Whatcom County and its first time buying a church property.
“Bellingham fits into our Northwest mission field, and we are taking time to thoughtfully evaluate how we can best serve this community,” LCSNW CEO David Duea said. “We also want to be good neighbors.”
Similar to last winter, Whatcom County Health and Community Services (HCS) will manage and operate the SWS on nights when it is open. The facility will operate as a secular shelter; guests will not be required to participate in religious activities.
The 7,000-square-foot basement space is not only larger than last winter’s lease site but also has more indoor restrooms and a catering-style kitchen capable of reheating prepared foods. Setup will begin immediately, and preparations should be complete by Nov. 15.
The lease agreement will run through March 31, 2025, and the rent will be $13,000 per month. Whatcom County will pay this lease using funds from the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Consolidated Homeless Grant, not local tax dollars.
How You Can Help
- Sign up to donate food or warm clothing. Go to www.shelterstatus.com, and click on “Donate Food or Clothing” to fill out the online form.
- Health and Community Services is actively recruiting part-time, paid staff to work at the SWS and will soon post volunteer positions on the website. For more information, go to www.shelterstatus.com and click on “Work or Volunteer.”
