Following an improvement in weather conditions, the City-staffed temporary emergency shelter based at Maritime Heritage Center (MHC) this week is closed.
The Lighthouse Mission and Fountain Church, which provide 210 beds, have not been filled to capacity. The shelter at MHC had capacity for 20-25 men and averaged up-to-seven per night.
The City will resume its winter shelter operating procedure, which includes:
- Partnering with the Lighthouse Mission in support of the shelter for women at Fountain Church;
- Continue to allow Winter Haven in its current space behind City Hall for their license duration;
- Continue to partner with service providers such as Opportunity Council, Northwest Youth Services, Lydia Place and others.
“My concern is always for those without shelter,” said Mayor Linville. “I appreciate City staff and our partners who came together to meet the immediate need for shelter out of severe weather.”
The Bellingham Police Department and Bellingham Fire Department also continue to transport unsheltered people to local shelters or PeaceHealth Hospital, as needed.
