Whatcom County

Men and Women’s Overnight Shelter and Day Center (Drop-In Center), 1013 W. Holly Street, operated by Lighthouse Mission Ministries (LMM) year-round

  • Up to 150 men and women can be accommodated at the Drop-in Center each night
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily
  • The Drop-in Center is available for men and women during the day and offers services ​from partnering organizations
  • In December, January and February, LMM coordinates with the City and Opportunity Council to shelter women – see below for more information.
  • For more information, visit https://www.thelighthousemission.org/what-we-do/drop-in-center/

Women’s Winter Shelter, Civic Stadium Locker Room, operated by the Opportunity Council on behalf of the City of Bellingham during the months of December, January & February

  • To add capacity during the winter months when those seeking shelter increases, up to 40 women per night can be accommodated at Civic Stadium Locker Room.  Check-in will be undertaken by the Opportunity Council at the Drop-in Center located at 1013 W. Holly.
  • Dinner and breakfast are offered at the LMM – not at Civic Stadium.
  • All guests will be offered the opportunity to shower daily.​
  • The City provides funding to cover staffing and services over the three-month period – estimated at $80,000.
  • Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
  • For more information, contact cd@cob.org

Severe Weather Shelters coordinated by Whatcom County Health Department

  • Additional shelter spaces will open when weather conditions are severe and existing shelters are operating at or near full capacity. Shelters and limited services are coordinated by the Whatcom County Health Department.
  • Severe weather shelters will operate when a temperature of 28°F is forecasted as the overnight low and there is no capacity at the Lighthouse Mission or Women’s Winter Shelter. Precipitation and wind chill will also be considered when activating severe weather shelters on nights when the temperature threshold is not met. 
  • For more information, visit https://www.whatcomcounty.us/3167/Homeless-Shelters​ or ​contact abeck@co.whatcom.wa.us.​

OTHER SHELTER OPPORTUNITIES

 Unity Village, 210 McKenzie Avenue, operated by HomesNOW!

  • Provides a temporary safe tiny home village for men and women experiencing homelessness
  • Up to 20 tiny homes are available for men and women
  • Operating September 2019 through April 2020 at 210 McKenzie Avenue in Fairhaven
  • Future sites to be determined
  • For more information, visit https://homesnow.org/unity-village/

 Other Emergency Shelter Options for Families with Children

  • Please visit the Opportunity Council to learn more about what is available to families with children who are experiencing homelessness. 
  • For more information, visit https://www.oppco.org/whsc/
Skagit County

Community Action of Skagit County

Northwest Youth Services

Seamar Community Health Services

Anacortes Family Center

Mount Vernon Friendship House (360-336-2135 for men’s house or 360-336-2418 women/family house)

More Housing Options in Skagit: click here for resource link

  • Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-336-9591
San Juan County

Opal Community Land Trust Eastsound
Eastsound, WA 98245
360-376-3191
Agency that provides HUD Approved Housing Assistance Programs
View Full Listing Details

If you need assistance call Opal Community Land Trust Eastsound directly at: 360-376-3191

Additional Resources

Reports:

Skagit County Housing Action Plan

Skagit County Affordable Housing Needs
Local Community Housing Profiles

Recovery Housing and Employment Needs Assessment

Community Report: Housing in Skagit County

Housing Summit documents and presentations:

Building a Skagit County Housing Affordability Strategy
Updated Report: 2016
Two out of every five households in Skagit County cannot afford the home they occupy. The attached report describes in detail the scope of our affordable housing shortfall and 12 recommendations to address this crucial issue.

Homelessness in Skagit County
At any point in time, at least 957 people in Skagit County are homeless (2011 Homeless Count). Throughout the year, hundreds more face the prospect of losing their homes due to precarious financial conditions, domestic violence, health crises, and chronic mental health and chemical dependency conditions. Furthermore, the rising cost of housing and stagnant wages increases the risk of people losing their housing, and makes it increasingly difficult to find affordable housing.
Skagit County: The 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness [Pdf]