News Bulletin
March 26, 2026 – The Homeless Prevention Program is currently at capacity, however eligible applicants will be added to our interest list.
We have expanded our screening line hours and have removed the voicemail option. You can reach us directly through the screening line at 360-746-3826, Monday-Thursday from 9am-12pm and Monday and Wednesday from 2-5pm.
If you are in need of assistance, please call the Homeless Prevention Screening Line at 360-746-3826 during screening line hours:
Monday to Thursday : 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Monday and Wednesday : 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Clients with disabilities preventing them from completing a phone screening may request an accommodation by filling out a Disability Accommodation Request.
- To download an Accommodation Request Form for return by mail, fax, or in person you may choose a Word or PDF copy of the form.
We maintain a rolling list of clients in need to ensure a constant flow of new enrollments as space becomes available. Households that include Veterans, seniors, or are receiving Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) or Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) benefits through DSHS may qualify for assistance through alternate programs. To be added to the list or to check for current openings, please call 360-746-3826 during during screening line hours, or apply using the Homeless Prevention Interest Form link above.
In Whatcom County, Opportunity Council offers eligible households housing-focused case management and temporary rent subsidies. Eligibility for the program must be determined by a program screening specialist based on risk factors related to homelessness.
Enrollment in homeless prevention services requires an intake appointment to verify eligibility. Appointment availability is determined by program funding available.
Whatcom County Homeless Prevention FAQ
Those behind on their rent or at risk of becoming homeless in Island County should contact the Island County Housing Resource Center at 360-678-8284 or visit the Island County Housing Support Center.
Please visit the Island County Community Resource Center for more information on Opportunity Council services and programs in Island County.
To find help securing housing and avoiding homelessness in San Juan County, please contact your local Community Resource Center:
- Orcas Island: Orcas Community Resource Center
- San Juan Island: Joyce L. Sobel Community Resource Center
- Lopez Island: Lopez Island Family Resource Center
Homeowner Resources
While we cannot assist with mortgage help, check out these websites for more information on homeownership resources.
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HUD: https://www.hud.gov/helping-americans/avoiding-foreclosure
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Washington Law Help: https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/topics/housing/homeowners
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Department of Commerce: https://www.commerce.wa.gov/homeownership/foreclosure-fairness/ (Contact a FREE housing counselor ANYTIME at 1-877-894-4663)
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Washington Homeownership Resource Center: https://www.homeownership-wa.org/foreclosure-prevention/
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Department of Financial Institutions: https://dfi.wa.gov/foreclosure
Possible Alternatives to Foreclosure
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Special Forbearance. Your lender may be able to arrange a repayment plan that would be based upon your current financial situation and may even provide for a temporary reduction or suspension of your payments. You may qualify for this if you’ve recently experienced an involuntary reduction in income or an increase in living expenses.
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Mortgage Modification. You may be able to refinance the debt and extend the term of your mortgage loan. This will help you catch up by possibly reducing the monthly payments to a more affordable level. You may qualify if you’ve recovered from a financial problem but your net income is less than it was before the default.
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Partial Claim. Your lender may be able to work with you to obtain an interest-free FHA loan from HUD to bring your mortgage current, if you qualify.
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Pre-Foreclosure Sale. This will allow you to sell your property and pay off your mortgage loan to avoid foreclosure and damage to your credit rating. If you’re unable to afford the house long-term, you may sell the house yourself before the foreclosure sale and save some of your equity.
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Short Sale. A sale in which the lender agrees to accept a sale price less than the outstanding balance of the loan.
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Deed-in-lieu of Foreclosure. As a last resort, you may be able to voluntarily “give back” your property to the lender. This won’t save your house, but may help your chances of getting another mortgage loan in the future. TIP: If you’re a senior citizen or are disabled and are facing a foreclosure action because of unpaid property taxes or special assessments, you may be eligible to postpone payment of your property taxes or special assessments under two programs in Washington. Contact your local County Assessor’s Office or an attorney for more information.
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Legal Help
If you have questions regarding your rights as a tenant or if you have received an eviction notice and have questions, please contact legal aid or go online for information on your options.
Dispute Resolution
Dispute Resolution Centers may offer help to improve communication, increase understanding, negotiating payment or repayment plans, discuss deposits and move out timelines, address lease agreements and other related issues, and empower parties to determine their own solutions. Please click on your county below for the Dispute Resolution Center serving your county.