Coming Together to Solve Winter Woes
Winter in Bellingham is tough. The cold seeps into our bones, the days grow shorter, and we pile on the layers. For our neighbors experiencing homelessness, it’s even worse. The last thing anyone in our community wants is for someone to face these harsh conditions without shelter or support.
At Opportunity Council, we know that getting people what they need is a team effort. This winter, Whatcom County Health and Community Services operated the free Bellingham Severe Weather Shelter, Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW) provided the space, and we helped make sure it ran smoothly by rallying a dedicated team of volunteers. These amazing people made it possible for the shelter to provide a warm and safe place for people in need.
Now, we want to celebrate the team effort that helped our community get through the season. Together, we gave a lifeline to hundreds of neighbors—and we couldn’t have done it without the great partnerships that came together to make it happen.
But Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Located at 925 N. Forest Street, many people depended on Bellingham’s Severe Weather Shelter this winter when temperatures dropped to 32°F or lower. Operated by Whatcom County Health and Community Services in partnership with LCSNW, the shelter brought warmth and safety to people experiencing homelessness during the coldest months of the year.
The shelter fit up to 70 guests, giving people the essentials like hot meals, comfortable bedding, and a supportive environment. It’s a huge part of the community’s safety net in extreme weather, meaning not only a shelter from the cold, but also a chance for guests to rest, recover, and connect to resources for longer-term stability.
Each year, the shelter is activated on nights when the weather forecast shows freezing temperatures, so that no one in our community is left outside when the weather turns dangerous. This collaborative effort is a shining example of what can happen when we all come together with a shared goal: to keep everyone stay safe and warm.
Community Support: A Collective Effort
At Opportunity Council, we know that volunteers are the heart of building a community that serves everyone’s needs. Our role in the Severe Weather Shelter was to recruit, train, and support its volunteers throughout the season.
Getting Volunteers On Board: Our Whatcom Volunteer Center reached out to local residents, businesses, and organizations for volunteers. Through social media, local newspapers, and word of mouth, we worked hard to build a team of volunteers who were ready to make a difference.
Training the Team: Volunteers got comprehensive training to prepare them for the shelter environment. This included everything from hospitality skills and safety protocols to de-escalation techniques. Our goal was to make sure volunteers felt confident handling any situation, meeting every guest with compassion and safety.
Managing the Shifts: The shelter asked volunteers to fill two main shifts—an evening shift from 5–8 p.m. and a morning shift from 6:30–9:30 a.m. Volunteers were key players in supporting guests throughout their stay, helping with tasks like meal service, bedding organization, and general assistance. It was thanks to their commitment that the shelter ran efficiently and with the warmth and care its guests deserved.
The Impact: A Community That Truly Cares
This winter, thanks to our volunteers and community partners, the Severe Weather Shelter made a big impact on the lives of people experiencing homelessness.
217 volunteer shifts were filled by 45 dedicated volunteers, totaling an impressive 755 hours! These volunteers performed essential tasks, from serving meals to helping organize and maintain the space. Their hard work and compassion made the shelter helpful and welcoming for everyone who stayed.
The shelter opened its doors for 27 nights between December and February, offering shelter to 315 individual guests. In total, 2,387 guest stays were provided, and 4,570 meals were served.
Beyond the basics of shelter and food, the shelter also helped address other critical needs. For example, 85 guests received onsite medical care, and 126 rides were provided to guests, helping them get to essential appointments or find other resources in the community.
The shelter wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of local businesses and organizations that donated food, clothing, and other vital resources. Their support demonstrated the power of community collaboration in addressing homelessness and creating a safety net for our most vulnerable neighbors.
Looking Ahead: How You Can Make a Difference
As we reflect on the 2024–2025 shelter season, we are filled with gratitude for the community that made it all possible. From the volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to the local businesses and organizations that offered their support, every contribution mattered. Together, we provided a warm and safe haven for our neighbors in need, and we couldn’t be prouder of the collective impact we’ve had.
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make the shelter a success. Whether you volunteered, donated, or spread the word, you were part of something truly special.
Ready to Get Involved? If you’re inspired by this work and want to make a difference in the future, there are always opportunities to get involved year-round. We encourage you to visit the Whatcom Volunteer Center and sign up for future shifts or donate your time and resources to causes that support our community.
Sign up to Volunteer Today: WhatcomVolunteer.org
Thank you for being part of this powerful demonstration of community in action!
