MEDIA RELEASE
Contact: Greg Winter, Opportunity Council executive director
Contact Opportunity Council Leadership
Phone: 360-734-5121 ext. 1346
Opportunity Council is advocating for the security of 40 community members who live at 22 North, the agency’s affordable permanent supportive housing facility, after a Tuesday resolution from County Council member Ben Elenbaas proposed that the Council cut off all contracts and funding for the project.
“We were dismayed to hear of Council Member Elenbaas’ resolution seeking to cut off funding for 22 North, a crucial community lifeline to people who are fighting for their lives,” said Greg Winter, executive director of Opportunity Council. “22 North welcomes people who have experienced homelessness, who have invariably suffered great trauma and who are too often experiencing complex medical issues and disabilities.”
Located at 1022 North State Street in Bellingham, the facility has been owned and operated by Opportunity Council since 2018, with support from Northwest Youth Services. The two Bellingham-based nonprofits have partnered to offer care, community and wrap-around services such as case management, regular welfare checks, referrals to counseling and substance use treatment, access to medical treatment and more.
“22 North is on the front lines of converging crises in our community,” Winter said. “Many of us are experiencing the results of the rising cost of living, the proliferation of highly lethal drugs, the lack of affordable homes, and a strained behavioral healthcare system—and each of these crises take a disproportionate toll on our most vulnerable community members.” Opportunity Council has increased welfare checks for residents in response to the opioid epidemic and continues to follow best practices to support our clients, Winter said.
While 22 North has dealt with concerns surrounding substance use and safety over the past two years, Winter said that Opportunity Council has resolved to ensure everyone has access to a safe place to call home and is committed to working with community partners, law enforcement, neighbors, and city, county, and state governments to better support the residents and the community.
“It’s imperative that we continue to care for the 40 people who make their home at 22 North,” Winter said. “Each of these individuals deserves a place to live independently, with dignity.”
Community members are encouraged to contact Whatcom County Council members about their support for the residents of 22 North ahead of the Council meeting on Tuesday, July 30.
