Our partners at the Lighthouse Mission Ministries and Fountain Community Church have reported that there is currently shelter capacity at those facilities. The Lighthouse Mission Ministries Drop-In Shelter is open 24-hours a day and is located at 1013 W. Holly Street. The shelters at the LMM and Fountain Community Church are open to all regardless of their religious beliefs.
During cold weather events, the City of Bellingham has a plan to work with local service providers to ensure shelter and services are available for our most vulnerable. Today and over the weekend, we have been in close communication with the LMM and Fountain Community Church regarding shelter availability. If they reach capacity, an overflow shelter plan will be activated and additional space in City facilities will be made available. We are also working with Winter Haven tent encampment behind City Hall to make sure the residents are safe and have their needs met during these very cold days and nights. In addition, we contract annually with the Opportunity Council to pay for motel stays for families during the winter months.
For more information about what the City is doing to address homelessness during the winter months, visit https://www.cob.org/services/housing/homeless/Pages/2019-winter-actions.aspx.
Thank you to all of our community partners for making sure everyone has access to shelter during this weather event and every day during the year.
