Bellingham's shelter moves to every night; nearby places choose every night or cold nights only
Connection 12 · HousingNov. 2The connection: Places that shelter people in winter use one of two models: open every night all season, or open only when the forecast turns cold.
Bellingham is moving from the second model to the first this winter.
A cold-night shelter opens when a set temperature is forecast, so staff are called in on short notice.
Whatcom County's review of last winter called that hiring its biggest problem.
- BellinghamLast winter, cold nights only, 25 nights. This winter, every night from December through February, 60 beds.
- Skagit County3 shelters open every night, Nov. 24, 2025, to mid-March 2026. One more, in Concrete, opens only in severe weather.
- Snohomish County7 shelters open when the forecast is 34 degrees or colder. They gave 6,468 nights of shelter in winter 2024-25.
- SpokaneCity law opens warming shelters when the wind chill is 32 degrees or colder.
What's next: the Bellingham shelter opens in December. County health staff presented winter plans to a City Council committee Nov. 2, for information, with no vote.
Built from: Whatcom County, Winter 2025-2026 Severe Weather Shelter After Action Report · Whatcom County, Winter Shelters page · KGMI, Oct. 13, 2026 · Skagit County, Nov. 20, 2025 notice · Snohomish County, Nov. 26, 2025 news release · City of Spokane, inclement weather sheltering presentation, June 2026 · City of Bellingham, Nov. 2 committee agenda (item 25122) · City of Bellingham, Nov. 2 Council Action Summary (item 25122)