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Address and Prevent Homelessness

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Consultation has concluded

As the cost of housing rises, so does homelessness. This is a problem that affects our entire region, and Bellingham is no different. The City invests significant HUD and local housing dollars toward addressing and preventing homelessness.

Did you know?

  • Consistently, around 70% of the people who apply for housing services in Whatcom County are from Whatcom County.
  • Since the pandemic began there has been a rise in homelessness among families with children.
  • The City does not provide any direct homeless services - we work closely with a network of skilled and dedicated providers. The City's main role is as a funder.
  • The Whatcom County Health Department has been designated by the State as the lead agency in charge of addressing homelessness in our region. The City and County work closely together to coordinate on housing and services funding.

There are many different approaches that we are already taking as a community. Learn more about how we work with partners to address and prevent homelessness by viewing the presentations and slides below. Then share your ideas and opinions about how we can do better!


As the cost of housing rises, so does homelessness. This is a problem that affects our entire region, and Bellingham is no different. The City invests significant HUD and local housing dollars toward addressing and preventing homelessness.

Did you know?

  • Consistently, around 70% of the people who apply for housing services in Whatcom County are from Whatcom County.
  • Since the pandemic began there has been a rise in homelessness among families with children.
  • The City does not provide any direct homeless services - we work closely with a network of skilled and dedicated providers. The City's main role is as a funder.
  • The Whatcom County Health Department has been designated by the State as the lead agency in charge of addressing homelessness in our region. The City and County work closely together to coordinate on housing and services funding.

There are many different approaches that we are already taking as a community. Learn more about how we work with partners to address and prevent homelessness by viewing the presentations and slides below. Then share your ideas and opinions about how we can do better!


Consultation has concluded

What questions do you have about how the City currently responds to and addresses homelessness?

  • Share I've heard of some unique concepts for housing homeless people. What organization should I contact to relay those concepts? on Facebook Share I've heard of some unique concepts for housing homeless people. What organization should I contact to relay those concepts? on Twitter Share I've heard of some unique concepts for housing homeless people. What organization should I contact to relay those concepts? on Linkedin Email I've heard of some unique concepts for housing homeless people. What organization should I contact to relay those concepts? link

    I've heard of some unique concepts for housing homeless people. What organization should I contact to relay those concepts?

    Marci asked over 1 year ago

    The City works with many partner organizations who serve people experiencing homelessness. You can see a recent list here, under "Partnership": Housing & Human Services (arcgis.com) .

  • Share First off when is enough, enough. When are we going to put a sweat equity deadline for them. I have traveled across your city and honestly your people have no worries and stay fat dumb and. Happy and prefer to live of the communities money and budget without kicking in Are you guys ready to finally get a navigation system to get these people back to a part time job and. Pay taxes? on Facebook Share First off when is enough, enough. When are we going to put a sweat equity deadline for them. I have traveled across your city and honestly your people have no worries and stay fat dumb and. Happy and prefer to live of the communities money and budget without kicking in Are you guys ready to finally get a navigation system to get these people back to a part time job and. Pay taxes? on Twitter Share First off when is enough, enough. When are we going to put a sweat equity deadline for them. I have traveled across your city and honestly your people have no worries and stay fat dumb and. Happy and prefer to live of the communities money and budget without kicking in Are you guys ready to finally get a navigation system to get these people back to a part time job and. Pay taxes? on Linkedin Email First off when is enough, enough. When are we going to put a sweat equity deadline for them. I have traveled across your city and honestly your people have no worries and stay fat dumb and. Happy and prefer to live of the communities money and budget without kicking in Are you guys ready to finally get a navigation system to get these people back to a part time job and. Pay taxes? link

    First off when is enough, enough. When are we going to put a sweat equity deadline for them. I have traveled across your city and honestly your people have no worries and stay fat dumb and. Happy and prefer to live of the communities money and budget without kicking in Are you guys ready to finally get a navigation system to get these people back to a part time job and. Pay taxes?

    Sewerrich asked almost 2 years ago

    Thanks for your question. Such a "navigation system" does exist. Many of the housing programs for folks who have experienced chronic homelessness come with case management, which includes setting goals and resolving barriers to self-sufficiency. For many, this may include employment. However, it is also worth noting that the populations where we see rates of homelessness rising most steadily are seniors and families with children. It's not always possible for folks who are disabled, elderly, or have young children and no childcare to seek full-time employment.