As temperatures drop in Whatcom County, another warming shelter now in operation
Severe weather shelters for people experiencing homelessness will be open Wednesday, January 10 through Sunday, January 14, as temperatures are expected to reach well below freezing across Whatcom County. Daytime highs on Friday and Saturday are expected to stay below freezing.
The City of Bellingham and the Whatcom County Health and Community Services Department are collaborating with other community organizations to operate the shelters throughout the 2023-24 winter season.
The Bellingham Herald has compiled a list of available resources immediately available, both overnight and during daytime hours on specific days.
▪ Bellingham Overnight Severe Weather Shelter
Address: 810 N. State Street, Bellingham.
Check-in: 5 p.m - 9 p.m. Check-out: 8 a.m.
The shelter will be open overnight Wednesday, January 10 through Sunday, January 14. It will remain open during daytime hours on Friday, Jan. 12, and Saturday, Jan. 13, as a continuation of services for any guests who spent the previous night at the shelter and plan to spend the following night at the shelter.
Guests will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the shelter is full. The facility is expected to be completely full during this weather event. If a guest chooses to leave and not return, available spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Service animals and emotional support animals are welcome, although guests may be asked to crate their animals. Snacks will be offered to guests at the shelter.
▪ Ferndale Severe Weather Shelter
Address: 2034 Washington Street, Ferndale.
Check-in: 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Check-out: 8 a.m.
The shelter will be open overnight Wednesday, January 10 through Sunday, January 14. It will remain open during daytime hours on Friday, Jan. 12, and Saturday, Jan. 13, as a continuation of services for any guests who spent the previous night at the shelter and plan to spend the following night at the shelter.
Guests will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the shelter is full. The facility is expected to be completely full during this weather event. If a guest chooses to leave and not return, available spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Service animals and emotional support animals are welcome, although guests may be asked to crate their animals. The shelter does offer space available for the storage of personal belongings. Snacks, showers, and laundry services will be offered to guests at the shelter.
▪ Lighthouse Mission Base Camp
Address: 1530 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham.
Check-in: 7 p.m. Check-out: 8 a.m.
The shelter is open daily. Meals, showers, and laundry services will be offered to guests at the shelter.
▪ Road2Home Civic Field Winter Shelter
Address: 1355 Civic Field Way, Bellingham.
Check-in: 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Check-out: 8 a.m.
The shelter is open daily during December, January, and February. It is expected to accommodate up to 45 guests per night on a first-come, first-served basis. Service animals and emotional support animals are welcome, although guests may be asked to crate their animals. The shelter has limited space available for the storage of personal belongings. Snacks and showers will be offered to guests at the shelter.
Update: 9:45 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12
In addition to the winter shelter options already available, an additional daytime warming shelter opened at the former Lighthouse Mission Drop-In Center starting Friday morning, Jan. 12.
Address: 1013 W. Holly Street, Bellingham
Open hours:
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12
8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan.13, and Sunday, Jan. 14.
There will be transportation between the Road2Home winter shelter at Civic Field and the daytime warming shelter. Anyone who needs shelter from the cold who cannot make it to a warming shelter should call 911 for help.
This story was originally published January 11, 2024 at 2:00 PM.
