BELLINGHAM - Voters have approved a Bellingham levy to help provide for low-income housing, according to unofficial vote totals updated Wednesday, Nov. 7.

With 3,627 more votes counted Wednesday, Proposition 1 was passing 55.5 percent to 44.5 percent.

That percent gap didn't change much from the first count on Tuesday.

The measure needed a simple majority to pass.

"It's great news. We're grateful for the community's support. It's a great demonstration that Bellingham voters want to see that everybody has a place that they can afford to live," said Greg Winter, director of Whatcom Homeless Service Center and co-chairman of the campaign to approve Proposition 1.

The measure will increase Bellingham property taxes to raise nearly $21 million over seven years to help the needy get into affordable housing. The levy will add a new tax of 36 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation, adding $90 a year to the tax bill on a $250,000 home.

Reach KIE RELYEA at kie.relyea@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2234.