Shelter, Food and Other Human Services

(Updated 11/30/2023)

Learn more about the programs and services the City and our partners support to help people facing housing crises, experiencing homelessness, or in need of help meeting their basic needs.

Shelter Resources

Get information on drop-in shelters, including severe weather shelters, and other shelter options such as tiny house villages and special resources for families.

See Shelter Resources

Whatcom Homeless Service Center

The Whatcom Homeless Service Center, operated by the Opportunity Council, provides services and uses “housing-first” strategies.

See WHSC Services

Hygiene Resources

Find out how to access restrooms and showers.

See Hygiene Resources

Food Resources

The Whatcom Resource Information Collaborative provides a consolidated list of community food resources.

See Food Resources

Homeless Outreach Team

Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) connects people experiencing homelessness with services. HOT also supports community members in working through needs surrounding homelessness. Call HOT at (360) 312-3717.

Learn More About HOT

Community Paramedic​ Program

Helping frequent users of the 9-1-1 service obtain access to long-term care.

Paramedic Program

GRACE Program

The GRACE (Ground-Level Response and Coordinated Engagement) program provides intensive and targeted support to people who are frequent users of emergency medical services and the criminal justice system

GRACE Program

LEAD​ Program

The LEAD (Law Enforcement Assistance Diversion) program targets individuals who frequently interact with law enforcement and possess numerous low-level criminal offenses, and connects these individuals with intensive case management. 

LEAD Program

ART​ Program

ART (Alternative Response Team) is a newly launched program in which a behavioral health specialist and a public health nurse are dispatched to specific non-violent behavioral health 911 calls. 

ART Program

Additional Outreach and Alternative Response Programs

City Programs and Services

The City of Bellingham’s main role in housing and human services programs is as a funder. Rather than working independently, the City partners with many other government and local non-profit agencies to carry out this work. Learn more about City partnerships, homelessness prevention services, housing projects, and more.

Learn More

Whatcom County Coalition to End Homelessness

The Whatcom County Coalition to end​ Homelessness is a consortium of public and private agencies and non-profits that collaborate to create a system of housing and services. Their ultimate goal is to move families and individuals who are homeless toward permanent housing and self-sufficiency. 

Learn More

Find Options for Getting Involved

Do you want to do more to help community members experiencing homelessness? Learn more about our partner organizations and agencies you can donate time or resources to. 

Interim Housing and Temporary Shelter Regulations

Learn more about regulations for those operating interim housing or a temporary shelter.

Contact Us

Do you have questions or want more information? Contact the Mayor’s Office.

Home > Services > Housing Support, Shelter, and Human Services