In partnership with Whatcom County, the City of Bellingham is opening a temporary Severe Weather Day Shelter (SWDS) at the Old Lighthouse Mission Drop-In Center, 1013 Holly Street. Starting Monday, Dec. 1, the shelter will provide a safe, warm space for individuals experiencing homelessness during periods of severe cold weather.
The SWDS will function in collaboration with Whatcom County’s Severe Weather Shelter. The City’s day shelter will activate following a nighttime activation of the Severe Weather Shelter (SWS), provided there is sufficient staffing. Community members who stayed in the overnight SWS will have transportation to the SWDS. Activation updates will be posted on shelterstatus.com.
“Opening this daytime warming shelter reflects our deep commitment to protecting the health and dignity of every Bellingham resident,” said Mayor Kim Lund. “By working closely with our County and nonprofit partners, we’re expanding access to safe, warm spaces when people need them most.”
Supporting agencies include Opportunity Council (OC) via the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), Road2Home (R2H), Lighthouse Mission Ministries (LMM), and Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) via their Severe Weather Shelter (SWS) volunteer staffing pool.
Funding for the shelter is primarily available through existing contracts. Lighthouse Mission Ministries has donated use of the former Drop-In Center.
Community members interested in volunteering should visit The Volunteer Center of Whatcom County. The County has paused onboarding for severe weather shelters for the 2025-2026 season but will open the form back up as opportunities arise.
The City is not accepting donations at the shelter. You can donate food, clothing, and other items by filling out Whatcom County Health and Community Services’ donation form.
What to expect at the shelter
- Hours: Open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Check-in: Starting at 8:00 AM
- Capacity: Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The space can hold approximately 60 guests and 20 staff/volunteers/service providers.
- Storage: Limited storage space for personal belongings. Carts will not be permitted inside the facility.
- Animals: Service, emotional support, and therapy animals are welcome. Staff may ask guests to have their animals remain in crates, especially if they are disruptive.
Up-to-date winter shelter information, including whether the shelter is open, can be found on shelterstatus.com.
