Bellingham day shelter for unhoused people remains a priority, mayor says
About $1 million in funding remains in the state budget to kick-start a daytime shelter for unhoused people in central Bellingham, Mayor Kim Lund said Monday.
In disclosing the information during a City Council meeting, Lund said such a shelter remains a priority for her administration amid a looming closure of the Bellingham Public Library for a remodeling project that is expected to last about a year. The library has become a kind of de facto shelter for those without housing, especially during inclement weather, and some social services are embedded at the 210 Central Ave. location across from City Hall.
“This unmet need is critical as we strive to meet ongoing commitments to a healthy and thriving downtown and more importantly as we anticipate the impacts of the closure of our Central (Avenue) library branch for renovations later this year,” Lund said.
Lund said the day shelter is planned for fall, in advance of the library’s planned closing late this year or early next year. No site has been announced.
“The day center we envision will provide a central low-barrier location for people to access services, including case management, food, referrals for substance abuse and mental health treatment and connections to others and supports,” Lund said.
She said the center could be a base for the county’s Street Medicine team and other social workers. It also could double as a cold weather shelter.
No details were provided, including a possible location.
This story was originally published March 12, 2026 at 11:38 AM.
