BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – As temperatures begin to cool down, the search continues for Whatcom County’s severe weather shelter for the upcoming winter season.
Whatcom County Health and Community Services provided an update on their search during a County Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
Human Services Manager Ann Beck said that last year’s shelter location on State Street is unavailable for this winter, as the building is slated to be demolished. Previous options within the Civic Field locker rooms and the downtown drop-in center on Holly Street have also been ruled out.
A faith-based facility in Bellingham has expressed interest in working with the county, but Beck said that those discussions are in the very early stages.
Despite not having a set location just yet, the county has posted job openings for “a pool” of shelter employees to work at the future location.
Beck called on community members to provide them with any leads on possible spaces. Shelters must be dry, safe and warm and fit 40 to 75 people. They must have locked doors, as well as restrooms and running water.
