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Homeless Housing

Resources for Whatcom County residents who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness

Shelter

Immediate or emergency shelter options

Stable Housing

Short-term, transitional, and permanent housing programs

Other Services

Outreach and support services

FAQs

Opportunity Council and the Whatcom Homeless Service Center operate the Housing Pool, which is often what people mean when they refer to a “housing list.” Find detailed information here

Additionally, the Bellingham/Whatcom County Housing Authority operate waitlists for subsidized housing programs, which is another “housing list” option you may want to pursue. Find details here

The Housing Pool is not a waitlist. Since referrals are not made on a first-come, first-served basis, it is impossible to determine how long a household might remain in the pool. Most housing assistance programs are funding-mandated to target services to households who are most in need, based on a variety of factors and criteria. Additionally, due to the severe lack of affordable housing in Whatcom County, there is far greater need for services than there is available funding.

For many households, the fastest route to stable housing is through Opportunity Council’s Deposit Assistance program, which can often be a quicker option than waiting for a referral from the Housing Pool. This option requires the household has enough income to successfully rent independently after the one-time assistance for the security deposit, so one of the best things you can do to attain housing faster is to work on increasing your income.

Some ways you can increase your income:

Gain employment:

  • Goodwill provides employment training and basic education to individuals experiencing significant barriers to economic opportunity. Classes are free and offered on a rotating schedule and range from basic computing and English language classes to GED prep and cashiering. Goodwill also offers resume and cover letter assistance and free computer access
  • Opportunity Council employment programs provide job placement, job search preparation, and assistance to people experiencing poverty, homelessness, or financial strain. Opportunity Council programs can offer one-on-one coaching, assisted computer lab time, work and life skills classes, and monetary support for job search activities such as buying an outfit appropriate for interviews, exam costs, and transportation assistance. Contact the Community Resource Center for a referral: 360-734-5121 ext. 3
  • WorkSource provides an array of employment and training services to job seekers and employers in Washington. Services such as employment classes, case management, employment programs, computer access and assistance are available for all ages

Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits: If you are unable to work, or limited in your ability to work due to a disability, you may qualify for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration

Apply for state assistance: The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) provides a variety of assistance programs that can provide cash, food, and medical benefits to eligible households

Opportunity Council may be able to provide limited seasonal shelter to eligible families with minor children who are unsheltered (depending on funding and availability). Unfortunately, Opportunity Council is unable to provide emergency shelter to the majority of households seeking it, and our housing programs are not emergency based. See the Shelter resource page here for other shelter options

Opportunity Council does not provide vouchers for motels/hotels. We may be able to provide limited seasonal shelter to eligible households (depending on funding and availability), which could mean a temporary motel stay. Contact the Community Resource Center for more information: 360-734-5121 ext. 3

In order to stay active in the Housing Pool you are required to check-in on a monthly basis. To check-in, email checkin@whatcomhsc.org, or call 360-734-5121 ext. 5, then ext. 3 and provide the following information:

  • Your full name
  • Phone number
  • Mailing address
  • Where you stayed last night
  • Your current total monthly household income and income sources (wages, TANF, ABD, SSI, etc.)

If it has only been 30-60 days since your last check-in, you should still be active in the Housing Pool, but call 360-255-2091 ext. 5, then ext. 3 to check-in ASAP. If you think it has been more than 90 days since your last check-in, contact the Community Resource Center to check your status: 360-734-5121 ext. 3.

CRC

Contact the Community Resource Center for information & referral. Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm: Drop-in at 1111 Cornwall Ave., or call 360-734-5121 ext. 3

Printable Guide

Guide to services and resources for Whatcom County residents experiencing homelessness
View Guide

What is Coordinated Entry?

Learn more about how to access housing services in Whatcom County through this informational video by Lydia Place. (6:28)
Watch Video

Housing Partners

Opportunity Council and the Whatcom Homeless Service Center partner with and manage referrals to a variety of housing providers
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