Purpose

The Homeless Strategies Workgroup was originally established by Resolution 2017-055 to identify alternative solutions to living unsheltered in Whatcom County, with priority given to solutions to prevent people from having no other option than to sleep outside as the weather gets cold.

On July 23, 2019, the County Council approved Resolution 2019-034 amending the membership and purpose of the Workgroup. The amended purpose of the Homeless Strategies Workgroup is to identify additional temporary winter shelters and added capacity for year round shelters. Additionally, the workgroup will identify ways to address the needs of the county’s homeless population and prevent people from having no other option than to sleep outside.