HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2024-036Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE
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Agenda Bill Report
File Number: AB2024-492
File ID: AB2024-492 Version: 1 Status: Substitute Approved
File Created: 07/16/2024 Entered by: JGernand@co.whatcom.wa.us
Department: Council Office File Type: Resolution
Assigned to: Council Committee of the Whole Final Action: 07/23/2024
Agenda Date: 07/23/2024 Enactment #: RES 2024-036
Related Files:
Primary Contact Email: jgernand@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
Resolution supporting the expansion of year-round shelter capacity in Whatcom County
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
Resolution supporting the expansion of year-round shelter capacity in Whatcom County
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE
Date: Acting Body:
Action: Sent To:
07/23/2024 Council Committee of the Whole
SUBSTITUTE
RECOMMENDED FOR
APPROVAL
Aye:
4 Buchanan, Donovan, Galloway, and Scanlon
Nay:
3 Byrd, Elenbaas, and Stremler
07/23/2024 Council
SUBSTITUTE APPROVED
Aye:
4 Buchanan, Donovan, Galloway, and Scanlon
Nay:
3 Byrd, Elenbaas, and Stremler
Attachments: Proposed Resolution, Substitute Resolution
Whatcom County
Page 1 Printed on 712412024
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PROPOSED BY: BUCHANAN, GALLOWAY, SCANLON
INTRODUCTION DATE: July 23, 2024
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-036
SUPPORTING THE EXPANSION OF YEAR-ROUND SHELTER CAPACITY IN WHATCOM
COUNTY
WHEREAS, there are many factors leading to housing instability and the most frequent
hardship is lack of affordable and available housing; and
WHEREAS, Local Plans to End Homelessness are required by Washington State legislation
for counties receiving state funding at a minimum of once every five years, with briefer updates
annually; and
WHEREAS, Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) submitted the 2019
Strategic Plan to End Homelessness in Whatcom County with the input of community stakeholders
including those with lived experiences; and
WHEREAS, the 2019 Strategic Plan was created in alignment with Federal and Washington
State plans to prevent and end homelessness; and
WHEREAS, the Strategic Plan outlined seven key strategies:
1. A Centralized Point of Entry
2. Rapid Re -Housing
3. Permanent Supportive Housing
4. Increase the Supply of Affordable Housing
5. Homelessness Prevention and Diversion
6. Interim Housing
7. Economic Security; and
WHEREAS, in 2017 the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development
released new requirements for "a centralized or coordinated assessment system" (CPD-17-01); and
WHEREAS, according to the 2019 Strategic Plan, Whatcom County has two main entry
points where the homeless community can register to receive services: Whatcom Homeless Service
Center (WHSC), a department of the Opportunity Council, and Northwest Youth Services; and
WHEREAS, the 2019 Strategic Plan additionally recognizes intakes are also completed by
the Homeless Outreach Team specialists at the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services
(DVSAS) safe shelters with Lydia Place staff, at Opportunity Council's East Whatcom Regional
Resource Center, and at the Lake Whatcom Residential and Treatment Center; and
WHEREAS, coordinated entry processes are intended to help increase the efficiency of local
crisis response systems and improve fairness and ease of access to resources; and
WHEREAS, anecdotally, many homeless individuals have had challenges navigating
Whatcom County's current coordinated entry system and receiving housing and services in a
comprehensive and timely manner; and
52
53 WHEREAS, an independent evaluation is needed to better understand and improve
54 Whatcom County's coordinated entry system and explore increasing capacity and collaboration to
55 better meet the needs of the homeless community; and
56
57 WHEREAS, the Homeless Strategies Workgroup (HSW) was established by Resolution
58 2017-055, and re -convened as per Resolution 2019-034, to identify opportunities for shelters to
59 meet the needs of Whatcom County's homeless community; and
60
61 WHEREAS, on May 4, 2021, the HSW presented to the Whatcom County Council a needs
62 assessment that included a shelter inventory, identified needs and gaps, recommendations, and an
63 accomplishments list (see AB2021-268); and
64
65 WHEREAS, overarching goals from the HSW recommendations are to:
66 1. clarify the extent of local government support,
67 2. prioritize most vulnerable populations,
68 3. consider strategies and actions appropriate for local governments to support,
69 4. build upon current resources where possible, and
70 5. invest in long-term permanent solutions over temporary crisis solutions when resources
71 are inadequate to do both; and
72
73 WHEREAS, on May 4, 2021, the Whatcom County Council approved Resolution 2021-018
74 concluding the work of the HSW and transferring responsibilities to the Whatcom County Housing
75 Advisory Committee; and
76
77 WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Coalition to End Homelessness (WCCEH) is a consortium
78 of public and private agencies and non -profits that collaborate to create a system of housing and
79 services, with the ultimate goal of moving homeless families and individuals to permanent housing
80 and self-sufficiency; and
81
82 WHEREAS, the WCCEH's 2023 Annual Report provides a deeper understanding of Whatcom
83 County residents experiencing homelessness with information from the annual Point -in -Time (PIT)
84 survey and public -school students and their families; and
85
86 WHEREAS, the PIT count is a voluntary survey of people experiencing homelessness on a
87 single day each year that does not fully represent the true extent of homelessness in Whatcom
88 County; and
89
90 WHEREAS, the 2023 PIT survey, conducted January 26, 2023, counted 1,059 individuals
91 from 850 different households experiencing homelessness in Whatcom County; and
92
93 WHEREAS, according to the PIT count, between 2022 and 2023, there was a 27% increase
94 in persons experiencing homelessness and a 33% increase in households experiencing
95 homelessness; and
96
97 WHEREAS, according to the PIT count, the numbers of both homeless individuals and
98 households counted in 2023 are the highest reported since counting began in 2008; and
99
100 WHEREAS, according to the PIT count, of the 1,059 persons counted in the 2023 PIT
101 survey, 711 slept in shelters or transitional housing facilities and 348 were unsheltered; and
102
103 WHEREAS, between the 2022 and 2023 PIT counts, there was a 9% increase in sheltered
104 individuals counted and an 8% increase in the number of sheltered households; and
105
106 WHEREAS, between the 2022 and 2023 PIT counts, there was a 91% increase in
107 unsheltered individuals counted and a 110% increase of unsheltered households; and
108
109 WHEREAS, the WCCEH's 2023 Annual Report also states that people sleeping in interim
110 housing facilities (transitional housing or emergency shelters) have better access to opportunities
111 that can lead to long-term health improvement and housing stability when compared to households
112 that are unsheltered; and
113
114 WHEREAS, the WCCEH's 2023 Annual Report identifies resources in shelters including
115 hygiene facilities, healthy food and clean drinking water, connections to medical care, and often a
116 place to safely store belongings; and
117
118 WHEREAS, as noted in WCCEH's 2023 Annual Report, outreach professionals concur that
119 the likely reason for the increase in unsheltered individuals is that homelessness is increasing, and
120 available shelters are near or at capacity, or do not offer the services in a way that will meet the
121 individuals' needs; and
122
123 WHEREAS, the WCCEH's 2023 Annual Report suggests that homelessness
124 disproportionately affects Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC); and
125
126 WHEREAS, according to the WCCEH's 2023 Annual Report and the 2021 U.S. Census,
127 people identifying as Hispanic or Latino accounted for 10% of Whatcom County's population and
128 14% of respondents in the 2023 PIT count; people identifying as Black, African American, or
129 African accounted for 1% of Whatcom County's population and 4% of respondents in the 2023 PIT
130 count; and people identifying as Native American or Alaska Native accounted for 3% of Whatcom
131 County's population and 10% of respondents in the 2023 PIT count; and
132
133 WHEREAS, few surveys were conducted across Lummi Nation, and surveys were not
134 conducted on site with the Nooksack Tribe in 2023, which suggests an undercount of Native
135 Americans experiencing homelessness; and
136
137 WHEREAS, previous WCCEH annual reports note that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
138 and queer (LGBTQ+) homeless youth make up a disproportionate number of the overall homeless
139 youth population across Whatcom County and the nation; and
140
141 WHEREAS, according to the WCCEH's 2023 Annual Report, of the 836 respondents
142 surveyed for disability, 558 or 67% reported having one or more disabilities, including mental
143 illness (490/6), chronic substance use (34%), chronic illness (33%), permanent physical (28%), and
144 developmental (13%); and
145
146 WHEREAS, according to the WCCEH's 2022 and 2023 annual reports, veteran
147 homelessness increased from 46 homeless veteran households in 2022 to 60 homeless veteran
148 households in 2023; and
149
150 WHEREAS, according to the WCCEH's 2023 Annual Report, children under 10 years old
151 accounted for 8% of all identified homeless individuals, and another 7% of individuals were
152 between 10 and 17 years old;
153
154 WHEREAS, according to the WCCEH's 2023 Annual Report, 159 homeless children under
155 the age of 18 were counted, making up 15% of the total individuals or around 1 in 7 of the
156 respondents; and
157
158 WHEREAS, in 2004, the U.S. Department of Education began requiring states to report
159 data on homeless students in local school districts as part of their Consolidated State Performance
160 Report; and
161
162 WHEREAS, in contrast to the PIT count, these reports include cumulative data over the
163 course of a school year and count students that are homeless as well as students living with
164 another family to avoid homelessness and households residing in a hotel or motel that is paid with
165 private funding; and
166
167 WHEREAS, in the 2021-2022 school year, 1,223 students, or 4.3% of the total student
168 population, experienced homelessness in Whatcom County; and
169
170 WHEREAS, 56% of students experiencing homelessness in Whatcom County are students
171 of color; and
172
173 WHEREAS, 65% of students experiencing homelessness were doubled -up with another
174 family, 11% stayed in hotels or motels, 14% slept in shelters, and 9% were unsheltered; and
175
176 WHEREAS, students who are housed in Whatcom County have over double proficiency
177 rates in English Language Arts and Mathematics and a 30% greater graduation rate than students
178 that are unhoused; and
179
180 WHEREAS, student homelessness exists across Whatcom County school districts, and in the
181 2021-2022 school year:
182 0 Bellingham School District reported 523 homeless students (4.3% of student population)
183 • Lynden School District reported 88 homeless students (2.5% of student population)
184 0 Mount Baker School District reported 126 homeless students (6.9% of student population)
185 0 Nooksack Valley School District reported 240 homeless students (12.4% of student
186 population)
187 • Blaine School District reported 46 homeless students (2% of student population)
188 • Ferndale School District reported 151 homeless students (3.2% of student population)
189 • Meridian School District reported 49 homeless students (2.7% of student population); and
190
191 WHEREAS, according to the WCCEH's 2023 Annual Report, 7% of homeless individuals
192 were aged 18-24 (74 young adults) and 15% of homeless individuals were under the age of 18
193 (159 youth) in 2023; and
194
195 WHEREAS, Northwest Youth Services served 1,205 youth in Whatcom and Skagit counties
196 in 2023 in an effort to help young people learn and practice the tools that will help them get and
197 stay out of the cycle of homelessness; and
198
199 WHEREAS, Point Source Youth (PSY), a national nonprofit organization committed to youth
200 interventions to end the youth homelessness crisis, deploys solutions including rapid re -housing,
201 host homes, direct cast transfers, and family and kinship strengthening programs, all of which are
202 grounded in youth choice, independence, supportive wrap -around services, and the housing -first
203 principle; and
204
4
205 WHEREAS, in February 2022, A Way Home Washington and Washington State Department
206 of Commerce, with the help of many contributors that included young people with lived
207 experiences, released "Yes to Yes" Washington State: Unaccompanied Youth and Young Adult
208 Homelessness Landscape Scan; and
209
210 WHEREAS, the "Yes to Yes" report found that there has been increased action on
211 preventing youth and young adult (YYA) homelessness including flexible fund diversion programs in
212 ten counties, a statewide prevention strategy created by young people with lived experience, the
213 Office of Homeless Youth, and partners, and investments in preventing exits from public systems of
214 care into homelessness; and
215
216 WHEREAS, the "Yes to Yes" report also identified gaps that still exist including
217 disproportionality of homeless youth that are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, or disabled, lack of resources for
218 pregnant/parenting individuals and individuals struggling with mental health and substance use,
219 lack of access to basic needs including transportation, food, and YYA-specific shelter and housing,
220 and insufficient government funding, equity strategies, and real-time data; and
221
222 WHEREAS, based on the WCCEH's 2023 Annual Report, of the 850 households experiencing
223 homelessness counted, 752 (88%) were unaccompanied (single) persons, 87 (10%) were families
224 with children, and 11 (1%) were family households without children; and
225
226 WHEREAS, the WCCEH's 2023 Annual Report states it is probable that the 87 households
227 with children represents a significant undercount because Housing Pool data indicates many eligible
228 families were waiting for services in January, though they were unreachable when surveys were
229 conducted; and
230
231 WHEREAS, according to the WCCEH's 2023 Annual Report, 6% of single parent households,
232 13% of two parent households, 36% of adult -only households, and 42% of unaccompanied persons
233 remain unsheltered; and
234
235 WHEREAS, according to the WCCEH's 2023 Annual Report, 164 seniors over the age of 60
236 were surveyed in the 2023 PIT, representing 15% of total respondents; and
237
238 WHEREAS, according to the WCCEH's 2023 Annual Report, since 2019 senior homelessness
239 measured in the PIT counts has increased by 141% and the percentage of seniors among those
240 surveyed increased by 50%; and
241
242 WHEREAS, as noted in the WCCEH's 2023 Annual Report, individuals experiencing
243 homelessness over the age of 50 are more frequently experiencing health complications normally
244 found in populations over the age of 70 due to the difficult conditions they endure while unhoused;
245 and
246
247 WHEREAS, the 2024 PIT count was completed on January 26, 2024, and results are
248 expected to be released in summer 2024 in WCCEH's 2024 Annual Report; and
249
250 WHEREAS, in 2023, the Big Lift was drafted by a coalition of concerned community
251 leaders advocating for cooperation between the community and local governments to assess and
252 address the homelessness crisis through a holistic sheltering, services, and transitional housing
253 program leveraged heavily on the value of tiny home villages and promotion of supportive
254 legislation; and
255
256 WHEREAS, over the last few years, the Whatcom County Council has passed multiple
257 ordinances and resolutions supporting policies that aim to improve housing availability and
258 affordability, reduce risk of homelessness, and provide services to those most in need; and
259
260 WHEREAS, on May 22, 2018, The Whatcom County Council adopted Ordinance 2018-030
261 establishing the Whatcom County Business and Commerce Advisory Committee to advise the
262 County Council and Executive on critical issues impacting the business community; and
263
264 WHEREAS, studies show that in order to end homelessness, individuals need to be
265 connected to services such as employment and trade skills; and
266
267 WHEREAS, the business and labor community can play a pivotal role in assisting
268 unhoused individuals by offering employment, training, and apprenticeships; and
269
270 WHEREAS, in November 2022, Proposition 5, the Healthy Children's Fund, was approved
271 by voters in Whatcom County and established a dedicated property tax for 10 years as outlined in
272 Ordinance 2022-045; and
273
274 WHEREAS, on March 21, 2023, the Whatcom County Council passed Resolution 2023-007
275 approving the Healthy Children's Fund Implementation Plan, which outlines goals and strategies
276 to increase early childhood well-being with one focus area being preventing and reducing the
277 trauma of homelessness; and
278
279 WHEREAS, the Healthy Children's Fund is a critical local funding source for supporting
280 children and families at risk of or experiencing homelessness and providing more safe housing
281 options; and
282
283 WHEREAS, investing in shelter and housing for families with children can help prevent
284 adverse childhood experiences and end generational homelessness; and
285
286 WHEREAS, on July 11, 2023, the Whatcom County Council approved Ordinance 2023-039
287 providing for submission of a proposition to the qualified electors of Whatcom County pursuant to
288 RCW 82.14.450 authorizing the collection of a local sales and use tax of two -tenths of one percent
289 for the purpose of providing funds for costs associated with public health, safety and justice
290 facilities and services, including behavioral health, supportive housing, public safety, and criminal
291 justice facilities and programs; and
292
293 WHEREAS, Ordinance 2023-039 adopted the Justice Project Needs Assessment
294 Implementation Plan, which identifies five strategies and 15 projects for transforming the criminal
295 legal and behavioral health systems in Whatcom County and ensuring the provision of adequate
296 facilities, staffing, resources, and services at all points of contact between the community and
297 these systems; and
298
299 WHEREAS, the Justice Project Needs Assessment Implementation Plan acknowledged a
300 lack of adequate housing for people with behavioral health issues as a problem in Whatcom
301 County; and
302
303 WHEREAS, Project 12 in the Justice Project Needs Assessment Implementation Plan is to
304 maintain and expand supportive housing programs for people with behavioral health issues and a
305 history of incarceration, as clinical support and intensive case management services have been
306 shown to increase housing stability, reduce involvement with the criminal legal system, and
307 decrease use of emergency medical services; and
308
309 WHEREAS, among the identified key next steps is to provide capital and operating funding
310 for small recovery/supportive housing and shelters; and
311
312 WHEREAS, on August 8, 2023, the Whatcom County Council approved Resolution 2023-
313 020 declaring affordable housing and homelessness a public health crisis; and
314
315 WHEREAS, Resolution 2023-020 also requests that the Executive and county staff from all
316 relevant departments take a more holistic, system -wide approach to addressing homelessness and
317 housing affordability and availability at all income levels, and bring forward ideas for how the
318 County can take more proactive, effective, and decisive action; and
319
320 WHEREAS, Resolution 2023-020 also requests that Whatcom County increase its
321 coordination, collaboration, and advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels to prioritize
322 addressing the housing affordability and homelessness crisis; and
323
324 WHEREAS, Resolution 2023-020 also requests that the Housing Advisory Committee of
325 Whatcom County and/or county staff provide a progress report to Council before the end of 2023
326 on the status of the HSW recommendations; and
327
328 WHEREAS, Whatcom County is currently undergoing an update to its Comprehensive Plan
329 due by December 2025; and
330
331 WHEREAS, on August 9, 2022, the Whatcom County Council approved Resolution 2022-036
332 establishing priorities for Whatcom County's 2025 Comprehensive Plan update; and
333
334 WHEREAS, one of the priorities outlined in the Resolution is to collaboratively work toward
335 economic security and affordable housing without sacrificing environmental health and public
336 safety; and
337
338 WHEREAS, in alignment with changes to the Growth Management Act (GMA) instituted by
339 House Bill 1220, Resolution 2022-036 requests that the 2025 Comprehensive Plan update include a
340 goal that everyone, at every income level, has access to affordable housing, as defined by a
341 household spending 30% of less of its income on housing costs; and
342
343 WHEREAS, possible implementation strategies and actions that could help accomplish the
344 housing priorities listed in this resolution include, but are not limited to:
345 • Specific goals and policies to ensure housing development meets current and future
346 housing, equity, climate, and economic needs;
347 0 Ensure adequate housing and services for seniors and people with disabilities - services to
348 include housing support, assistance with daily living, transportation, recreation, accessing
349 healthcare, and assistance at a person -centered level;
350 0 Provide a full range of affordable housing types ranging from multifamily apartments,
351 condos, and duplexes to detached single family homes, ADU's, and tiny homes; and
352
353 WHEREAS, 2025 Comprehensive Plan should include more specific consideration of
354 recommendations addressing homelessness and shelter capacity and related zoning and land use
355 policies and regulations; and
356
357 WHEREAS, the City of Bellingham estimates that less than 30% of Whatcom County
358 housing is affordable to a household earning the median family income; and
359
360 WHEREAS, in 2023 Washington State Department of Commerce projected Whatcom County
361 will need to build 34,377 new homes by the year 2044, 18,053 of which need to be affordable to
362 households earning less than 50% of Area Median Income; and
363
364 WHEREAS, on October 24, 2023, the Whatcom County Council approved Resolution 2023-
365 043 supporting the use of Economic Development Investment (EDI) funds for affordable housing;
366 and
367 WHEREAS, on April 9, 2024, the Whatcom County Council approved Resolution 2024-017
368 recognizing the fentanyl crisis as an emergency in Whatcom County and identifying approaches to
369 the emergency; and
370
371 WHEREAS, Resolution 2024-017 recognizes that involuntary displacement of people
372 experiencing homelessness is estimated to worsen overdose and hospitalizations, decrease
373 initiations of medications for opioid use disorder, and contribute to deaths among people
374 experiencing homelessness; and
375
376 WHEREAS, on April 10, 2024, the Whatcom County Executive issued Executive Order
377 2024-02 addressing fentanyl in Whatcom County; and
378
379 WHEREAS, Executive Order 2024-02 requests WCHCS prepare and submit to the
380 Executive, in coordination with the Department of Emergency Management, a 24-month
381 emergency response plan, staffing requests, and budget proposal to operationalize the order's
382 actions to address the Prevention, Intervention, Treatment, and Aftercare/Recovery (PITA) needs
383 of the Whatcom County community; and
384
385 WHEREAS, on May 30, 2024, WCHCS completed the Operations Plan for Fentanyl Executive
386 Order; and
387
388 WHEREAS, strategy le of this Operations Plan is to implement strategies to reduce the
389 number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness and mitigate the individual and public
390 health impacts of encampments; and
391
392 WHEREAS, shelter is often an initial entry point for the homeless community to gain access
393 to services including treatment for chronic substance use, mental illness, and other health issues;
394 and
395 WHEREAS, in discussion of the Operations Plan and councilmember priorities during a
396 Council Committee of the Whole meeting on June 18, 2024, multiple councilmembers expressed
397 interest in supporting recovery shelter and housing; and
398
399 WHEREAS, Whatcom County often partners with the City of Bellingham, City of Ferndale,
400 and other local jurisdictions and agencies to fund and support homeless shelters; and
401
402 WHEREAS, on October 24, 2023, Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham entered into
403 an interlocal agreement to jointly fund a winter shelter located at 1355 Civic Field Way in
404 Bellingham from December 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024 operated by Road2Home, a
405 nonprofit serving community members experiencing homelessness; and
406
407 WHEREAS, Whatcom County agreed to pay half of the costs of the Road2Home winter
408 shelter, not to exceed $250,000, with funds provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA); and
409
410 WHEREAS, the City of Bellingham agreed to pay Road2Home $500,000 (of which $306,000
411 are federal funds) to operate the Road2Home winter shelter (see Contract C2301393); and
412
413 WHEREAS, the Road2Home winter shelter at Civic Field Way operated every day from 7:00
414 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. and provided space for up to 45 guests, with the possibility for additional
415 capacity during severe weather; and
416
417 WHEREAS, in summer 2023, Whatcom County staff published a request for proposals
418 seeking a qualified provider to run a temperature dependent severe weather shelter for the 2023-
419 24 winter season; and
420
421 WHEREAS, Ferndale Community Services was the only respondent interested in operating a
422 temperature dependent shelter and entered into a contract with Whatcom County to operate a
423 severe weather shelter for the 2023-24 winter season with funding from ARPA; and
424
425 WHEREAS, Road2Home and YWCA responded to provide nightly winter shelter and entered
426 into a contract with Whatcom County to operate nightly with funding from ARPA; and
427
428 WHEREAS, no other applications were received and Whatcom County was unable to identify
429 a willing and available partner to provide a severe weather shelter service within Bellingham city
430 limits; and
431
432 WHEREAS, WCHCS staff recognized the need for additional capacity for shelter over the
433 2023-24 winter season, so they took on the responsibility of planning and operating a severe
434 weather shelter funded by Whatcom County; and
435
436 WHEREAS, WCHCS staff:
437 0 Located, acquired, and equipped a location to operate a shelter from November 1, 2023
438 through March 14, 2024,
439 • Recruited and trained on -call volunteers and temporary paid staff to support operations, and
440 • Operated overnight (5pm to 8am) when forecasted conditions met previously established
441 Severe Weather Shelters Guiding Assumptions (s 28°F) and sufficient staffing was available;
442 and
443
444 WHEREAS, the WCHCS' Winter 2023-24 Severe Weather Shelter After Action Report was
445 published on May 23, 2024 and presented to Council on June 4, 2024; and
446
447 WHEREAS, the county -run severe weather shelter, located at 810 N. State Street in
448 Bellingham, was open for a total of 20 nights and served 197 clients for a total of 947 bed nights,
449 averaging 47 people per night; and
450
451 WHEREAS, the planned capacity of the county -run severe weather shelter was 45, but
452 during particularly cold nights, the shelter exceeded that capacity, with the highest number of
453 clients served in one night totaling 69; and
454
455 WHEREAS, the nightly winter low barrier shelter operated by Road2Home reached or
456 exceeded capacity (45 people) 87% of the nights they operated this winter, and reported guests
457 would begin lining up outside in hopes of acquiring a space for the night as many as 3-4 hours prior
458 to opening; and
459
460 WHEREAS, Road2Home counted an average of 25 to 30 guests who were turned away on
461 nights when Whatcom County's severe weather shelter was closed compared with an average of 8
462 guests on nights when the severe weather shelter was open; and
463
464 WHEREAS, these numbers likely represent an undercounting of individuals seeking
465 overnight sheltering, as severe weather shelter guests shared anecdotally that word spread quickly
466 among the unsheltered population as to when the line queuing at Road2Home's nightly shelter had
467 reached capacity; and
468
469 WHEREAS, the After Action Report identified strengths and areas for improvement for five
470 main objectives:
471
. Operationalize a facility to serve as a Severe Weather Shelter (SWS)
472
0 Recruit, train, and schedule staff to safely operate the SWS
473
• Activate the SWS based on established temperature and weather -based criteria
474
• Communicate SWS operational status to partner agencies and public at least 48
475
hours before activation
476
0 Ensure safety and wellbeing of staff, volunteers, and guests; and
477
478 WHEREAS, among the identified strengths were that the Response System Division staff
479 (including Ground Response and Coordinated Entry, Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion, and
480 Alternative Response Team) were able to make prolonged connections with regular clientele during
481 severe weather shelter operations; and
482
483 WHEREAS, the After Action Report included four main recommendations moving forward:
484 1. Prioritize additional nightly sheltering capacity during the coldest months instead of
485 sporadic, criteria -based severe weather sheltering
486 2. Expand both length of winter sheltering "season" and hours of operation
487 3. Utilize a dedicated, single purpose location with sufficient capacity, necessary
488 amenities, and within proximity to other community services
489 4. Identify a contracted provider OR establish dedicated WCHCS positions to operate
490 and manage a nightly winter shelter as described above in the above
491 recommendations; and
492
493 WHEREAS, the total cost for this severe weather shelter was $403,598, for an average of
494 $426 per guest served per night; and
495
496 WHEREAS, WCHCS' After Action Report presentation provides the following cost
497 comparison of various interventions:
498 • The average cost of an uninsured overnight hospital stay is $9,300, while an
499 uninsured daytime visit is $2,607
500 • The median annual cost of a motel/hotel room in Whatcom County is $48,000
501 • The average annual cost of a single bed in the Whatcom County jail is $45,000
502 • The average cost of a bed per year in 2022 at 22 North is $25,000
503 • The average estimated annual cost of one Tiny Home at Gardenview is $15,000
504 • The average annual cost for a bed in federal prison is $35,347
505 • The median annual PSH unit cost is $13,349.31, fluctuating depending on population
506 level and program size
507 • The median annual cost of a single night by night shelter bed in Washington State is
508 $13,421.05
509 • The estimated annual cost of a single bed in a county -run low barrier shelter is
510 $24,000; and
511
10
512 WHEREAS, shelter is a more cost-effective form of intervention compared to a night in a
513 hospital, motel, Whatcom County jail, and federal prison; and
514
515 WHEREAS, Whatcom County now has experience operating a shelter; and
516
517 WHEREAS, on April 8, 2024, Bellingham City Council approved the purchase of a property
518 at 3300 Northwest Avenue to be used as the new location for a tiny home village to replace two
519 existing villages, Swift Haven (25 beds) and Unity Village (23 beds) operated by HomesNOW!; and
520
521 WHEREAS, the new North Haven tiny home village will be operated by HomesNOW! and
522 could be ready for 48 guests by late 2024 pending Temporary Shelter Permit approval; and
523
524 WHEREAS, HomesNOW! has expressed interest and ability to expand tiny home shelter
525 capacity; and
526
527 WHEREAS, Lighthouse Mission Ministries operates Base Camp, a low barrier 24-hour
528 reservation -based shelter that provides a safe place for up to 200 adults to stay; and
529
530 WHEREAS, Lighthouse Mission Ministries reported that in a matter of a few weeks they had
531 to turn away 20+ families due to lack of capacity; and
532
533 WHEREAS, Lighthouse Mission Ministries will replace the current 200-bed Base Camp
534 shelter with a new 300-bed shelter later this year at 910 W. Holly Street with the potential for an
535 additional 100 beds during extreme weather; and
536
537 WHEREAS, Whatcom County also provides funding to support shelters with Domestic
538 Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County, Northwest Youth Services PAD Program,
539 Opportunity Council, Lydia Place Motel Program for families with children, YWCA, and Sun House;
540 and
541
542 WHEREAS, the hard work of dedicated staff from these shelters and others have prevented
543 hundreds of people from having no other option than to sleep outside; and
544
545 WHEREAS, the County and community partners have increased shelter beds over the last
546 few years, but demand continues to outpace the supply, and the need to expand year-round
547 shelter capacity continues to exist; and
548
549 WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Council acts as the Whatcom County Health Board to
550 enact local rules and regulations as are necessary to preserve, promote, and improve public health
551 and make recommendations to the Whatcom County Executive on matters affecting public health in
552 our community; and
553
554 WHEREAS, functional zero homelessness is a milestone that indicates a community has
555 measurably solved homelessness, meaning that when homelessness occurs it is rare and brief; and
556
557 WHEREAS, to achieve functional zero, the Whatcom County community must increase
558 whole system capacity and availability of shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive
559 housing, affordable housing, attainable market rate housing, behavioral health and substance use
560 treatment, and social services.
561
562 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council declares a goal to
563 achieve and maintain functional zero homelessness within ten years; and
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565 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council supports the expansion of
566 year-round shelter capacity in our community, including but not limited to operating a county-
567 managed year-round shelter and supporting tiny home villages, especially for vulnerable and
568 overburdened communities at risk of housing insecurity and homelessness; and
569
570 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council recognizes the opportunity
571 to end youth and young adult homelessness in Whatcom County and supports the establishment of
572 shelter for families with children, unaccompanied minors, and young adults (18-25); and
573
574 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council requests the County
575 Executive to:
576 1. Prepare a proposal in consultation with the Whatcom County Housing Advisory Committee
577 to expand capacity for year-round shelters through a variety of methods and other
578 preferred approaches as recommended by the County Executive.
579 a. Consider different types of shelters including county -managed, congregate, tiny
580 homes, pallet shelters, urban camping zones, safe parking, and low barrier.
581 b. Consider population specific shelter including for families with children,
582 unaccompanied minors, and young adults (18-25).
583 c. Determine if a temperature dependent shelter or a nightly winter shelter is
584 operationally preferable. If recommendation is continuing to contract/operate a
585 temperature dependent severe weather shelter, evaluate the temperature threshold
586 required for opening the severe weather shelter.
587 d. Use the Homeless Strategies Workgroup recommendations and action steps to
588 inform proposal for expanding shelter capacity.
589 e. Include budget impact analysis that outlines costs, staff time, funding sources, and
590 other necessary considerations.
591 2. Explore options to coordinate, collaborate, and cost share increasing shelter capacity with all
592 seven cities in Whatcom County, other local, state, federal, and tribal jurisdictions, and
593 community partners.
594 3. Identify strategies to support building nonprofit provider capacity.
595 4. Explore Whatcom County owned properties and future land acquisitions for expanded
596 shelter and housing capacity.
597 5. Identify a provider who will ensure adequate winter sheltering for the 2024-25 winter
598 season. If no provider is available, then establish a plan for Whatcom County to operate.
599 6. Contract with an independent entity to conduct an evaluation of Whatcom County's
600 coordinated entry system in coordination with the WCHCS, other organizational homeless
601 and housing service providers, and community members with lived experience.
602 7. Provide a road map for how to achieve functional zero in ten years with annual progress
603 reports.
604 8. Create a plan to do community outreach to locations where unsheltered community
605 members reside.
606 9. Create a training and employment program supporting unhoused community members, in
607 partnership with the business and labor community; and
608
609 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the shelter options and budget impacts be provided to
610 the Whatcom County Council for review and consideration by September 30, 2024 to ensure
611 adequate time to include funding in the 2025-26 biennial budget; and
612
613 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council respectfully requests that
614 the Whatcom County Housing Advisory Committee (WCHAC):
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Create a short-term subcommittee that sunsets December 31, 2025 to issue shelter
recommendations with the following specifications:
• The subcommittee, led by the WCHAC Chair, shall include Housing Advisory
Committee member and nonmember participation including those with lived
experiences.
• Review and provide feedback on the County Executive's proposal for expanding
year-round shelter capacity, funding sources, staff needs, and possible locations
(including lands currently owned by county or those available for purchase).
• The subcommittee should recruit additional expertise, as needed, to meet the
deliverables and scope.
2. Provide recommendations to the Comprehensive Plan specifically addressing
homelessness and shelter capacity and related zoning and land use policies and
regulations.
3. Review and provide input and direction on the county's upcoming 2024 Plan to End
Homelessness; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council request council staff support
in exploring options for establishing an independent, quasi -governmental entity dedicated to
housing and homeless issues; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council supports any efforts by the
cities of Whatcom County, in addition to County activities, to increase shelter capacity, including
but not limited to the implementation of safe parking sites, relocation and expansion of tiny home
villages, and the operation of severe weather shelter.
�����et�6tP�iF?P ds
APp"°F , F tl6Ls� 3rc,, day of 3uly , 2024
ATTEST:
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Cathy H`alka, CCeYk o�, tlie' Council
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APPROVED AS TO FORM:
George Roche via email 7/16/2024
Civil Deputy Prosecutor
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, W&SHINGTON
Barry°BP(fhanari, Council Chair
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