Shelter Resources

Page last updated on:

November 26, 2024

The City of Bellingham partners with and/or provides funding to organizations that support shelter and housing programs for those experiencing homelessness. These include drop-in shelters and day centers, rental assistance, motel stays, temporary housing and transitional-living programs.

Lighthouse Mission Ministries

What it provides: Lighthouse Mission Ministries operates Base Camp, a nightly low-barrier emergency shelter. In addition to offering drop-in shelter beds, LMM offers a variety of other enhanced shelter programs serving families, individuals with behavioral health needs, and individuals in need of medical respite.
Where it is: 1312 F Street
Contact phone: (360) 671-1562

Learn More

Severe Weather Shelter Options

When they’re open: On nights when a severe weather emergency is declared, the Whatcom County Health and Community Services Department will open a severe weather shelter, which will offer up to 70 beds of emergency, drop-in shelter.
When it’s open: You can see whether the shelter has been activated to open on the Whatcom County Health and Community Services website.
Where it is: 925 N Garden Street
Contact email: WinterShelter@whatcomcounty.us

Learn More

For all other shelters below, start with Opportunity Council’s Community Resource Center.

Unlike drop-in shelters, other shelter options usually require a referral through the Opportunity Council or another agency. The Opportunity Council is the first point of contact for most shelter and housing programs in Whatcom County. The Opportunity Council manages the county’s Coordinated Entry system, which makes referrals to a wide variety of programs including rental assistance, temporary shelter and housing, and other services.

Where it is: 1111 Cornwall Ave.
Contact phone: (360) 734-5121

Opportunity Council’s Community Resource Center

What the options are: To find out what’s available to families with children who are experiencing homelessness, contact the Opportunity Council’s Community Resource Center.
Contact phone: Call (360) 734-5121 ext. 0 to make an appointment.
When to call: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, or 9 a.m. to noon on Fridays.

Learn More

Lydia Place Family Housing Program

What it provides: A variety of targeted interventions, including emergency motel placements, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and rapid rehousing services.
Who it serves: Homeless families with children.

Learn More

Lighthouse Mission Ministries’ Agape Program

What it provides: Temporary, faith-based shelter program.
Who it serves: Women and families in crisis.

Learn More

Northwest Youth Services PAD Program for Youth

What it provides: Emergency housing program.
Who it serves: Minors aged 13-17.
Contact phone: Call the 24-hour PAD hotline for help at (360) 393-0116.

Learn More

Additional Northwest Youth Services Programs

Transitional Living Program is a short-term, supportive housing for homeless young adults, ages 18-24.
Rapid Re-Housing is for young people, ages 18-24, who are moving out of unstable situations that resulted in them being temporarily homeless.
Other housing programs, such as long-term vouchers and other wraparound services.

Learn More

YWCA’s Emergency Shelter for Single Women

What it provides: Five private areas.
Who it serves: Women in need of emergency shelter.
Contact phone: Call (360) 734-4820 or (360) 255-2091 for more information.

Learn More

YWCA Senior Women’s Housing Program

What it provides: Limited number of bedrooms in a fully handicap-accessible space.
Who it serves: Women who are 55 and over and experiencing homelessness.

Learn More

YWCA Emergency Interim Housing Program

What it provides: Nine private bedrooms.
Who it serves: Women in need of emergency interim housing.

Learn More

Lighthouse Mission Ministries’ Agape Program

What it provides: Temporary, faith-based shelter program.
Who it serves: Women and families in crisis.

Learn More

Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) Shelter for those Fleeing Domestic Violence

What it provides: Safe, confidential shelter and services.
Who it serves: Individuals and families fleeing domestic violence.
Contact phone: Any person needing shelter due to domestic violence is encouraged to call the 24-hour hotline for help at 1-877-715-1563.

Learn More

Sun Community Service’s Sun House

What it provides: Limited number of shelter beds.
Who it serves: Individuals with behavioral health issues.

Learn More

Gardenview Operated by Road2Home

What it provides: Temporary shelter and case management services.
Who it serves: Adults and couples who are experiencing homelessness. Primarily serving seniors and those who are medically fragile.
Where it is: 1399 Woburn Street.

Learn More

Unity Village Operated by HomesNOW!

What it provides: Temporary safe tiny home village.
Who it serves: Adults experiencing homelessness.
Where it is: See the Unity Village website for the most current information.

Learn More Apply

Swift Haven Operated by HomesNOW!

What it provides: Temporary safe tiny home village.
Who it serves: Adults experiencing homelessness.
Where it is: See the Swift Haven website for the most current information.

Learn More Apply

Contact Us

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