Learn About Homelessness
The Whatcom Homeless Service Center of the Opportunity Council publishes information on homelessness in our community including frequently asked questions, statistics on homelessness, plans and reports, and the Homeless in Bellingham film project. Visit their website to learn more.
Get Involved in the Conversation
The public is invited to attend meetings of the Whatcom County Coalition to End Homelessness. They meet the first Thursday of every other month to network, review services, provide public information forums, training and advocacy to address the community’s homeless issues. They meet at the YWCA Ballroom, 1026 N. Forest Street, Bellingham, WA.
Volunteer or Donate
There are many local organizations and agencies who serve people in need in our community. The City of Bellingham partners with a variety of these organizations in different ways. We believe that a solution to the homeless crisis will take all of us, working together. Please consider donating your time or resources to one or several of these organizations to make a real and personal impact on the homeless crisis in Bellingham.
- Catholic Community Services / Catholic Housing Services
- Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services
- Interfaith Coalition
- Lighthouse Mission
- Lydia Place
- Northwest Youth Services
- Opportunity Council
- Sun Community Services
- Volunteer Center of Whatcom County
- Whatcom Homeless Service Center
- YWCA
Seek Help for a Person in Crisis
If you witness a medical emergency or see illegal behavior, please call 9-1-1 to report it. The City has other resources for less emergent situations including the Community Paramedic, and the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT).
The HOT team, operated by the Whatcom Homeless Service Center, offers outreach services to persons experiencing homelessness and can be reached at 360-312-3717. HOT hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Calls outside of this time will be responded to the following business day. A Crisis Prevention and Intervention Team is also available to support those experiencing a mental health crisis and can be reached at 360-752-4545.
If you wish to report an illegal camp, please contact the non-emergency line of the Bellingham Police Department, 360-778-8800, and ask for the Code Enforcement Officer to make a report. Once the City is made aware of a camp, the Bellingham Police Department will assess the camp and notify the Homeless Outreach Team so they can visit the site and work with the occupants to connect them to services. Site cleanup will be coordinated by the City as soon as possible.
Contacts
HOT Team: 360-312-3717, Mon-Fri, 9 AM to 5 PM
For Night by Night Winter Shelter availability, call 360-788-7983.