Home > Housing Search

Housing Search

Resources and support for finding, applying for, and attaining affordable housing

Housing Search Support

Resources to support your housing search

Housing to Try List (English)

List of housing options for low-income households

Español: Vivienda Disponsible

Clean & Sober Housing

List of housing options for individuals who are recovering from substance use

Affordable Housing FAQs

Opportunity Council has housing programs for eligible households who are experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Whatcom County. Outside of our homeless housing programs, we do not provide or manage waitlists for low-income/affordable housing.

Households who are currently renting and struggling to pay rent may be eligible for short-term rental assistance. Learn more and apply online at oppco.org/help-with-rent.

If you are unstably housed and a senior over age 60, a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, or a person fleeing domestic violence, you may be eligible for homeless housing programs. Contact the Community Resource Center for screening and information: 360-734-5121 option 3.

HUD defines subsidized housing as “A generic term covering all federal, state or local government programs that reduce the cost of housing for low- and moderate-income residents. Public housing, project-based Section 8, Section 8 vouchers, tax credits, the State Housing Trust Fund, and Seattle Housing Levy programs are all examples of subsidized housing. Subsidized housing can range from apartments for families to senior housing high-rises. Subsidized simply means that rents are reduced because of a particular government program.” Most subsidized housing programs (public housing, Section 8, etc.) in Whatcom County are provided by the Bellingham/Whatcom County Housing Authority

Section 8 is a federal program administered by local housing authorities (for Whatcom County, Section 8 is administered by the Bellingham/Whatcom County Housing Authority). Eligible tenants receive vouchers (sometimes called a Section-8 Voucher, or Housing Choice Voucher) they can use to help them pay for apartments in the private market. Contact BWCHA for more information about waitlists and wait times

Eligible households can apply for housing programs through the Bellingham/Whatcom County Housing Authority, Catholic Housing Services, and Mercy Housing. Additionally, some local housing providers offer rent rates lower than the typical market rate; see the Housing to Try guide for a list of housing available for renters with low/moderate incomes

Opportunity Council is not able to provide assistance paying rental application fees.* The network of churches who provide financial assistance may be able to help: contact Love INC at 360-671-6201, fill out a request online, or contact the church network for assistance.

*Some clients receiving housing case management services may be able to receive rental application fee assistance; contact your case manager directly to inquire.

Opportunity Council can only provide deposit assistance for households who are experiencing unsheltered homelessness.* More information available here

*Subject to funding and availability. Veterans and persons fleeing domestic violence who are facing housing instability may also be eligible for deposit assistance.

Visit the Housing Search Support page for resources to help you build a strong rental portfolio, and explain any challenging rental history or a lack of rental history.

Visit the Housing Search Support page for resources to help you explain any challenging criminal history to prospective landlords.

Visit the Housing Search Support page for resources to help you explain your situation to prospective landlords.

Visit the Housing Search Support page for resources to help you build a strong rental portfolio, and explain any challenging criminal history, rental history, or a lack of rental history.

Low-Income Housing Providers:

Housing Authority

Subsidized housing programs for income eligible households
Visit Site

Catholic Housing

Low-income permanent housing options
Visit Site

Mercy Housing

Affordable low-income housing and apartments
Visit Site

Nooksack Housing

Housing opportunities for Nooksack families
Visit Site

Lummi Housing

Subsidized housing for tribal members, with priority for members of Lummi Nation
Visit Site