BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The lease for the City of Bellingham’s severe winter weather shelter has been approved.
Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) said that the Whatcom County Council unanimously approved the use of the space at 925 N. Forest St in Bellingham.
Owned by Lutheran Community Services NW (LCSNW), the former church space can hold up to 70 people per-night when temperatures dip below freezing.
“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.”
The shelter is larger than last year’s State Street location and features more restrooms and a commercial-sized kitchen.
WCHCS says that their staff is already preparing the space for the upcoming season, with an anticipated completion date set for next Friday.
“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,” Community Health and Human Services Manager Ann Beck said.
Their lease for the building runs through March 31, 2025.
