City of BellinghamCommunity and Economic Development Committee AgendaMay 24, 2021, 1:00 PM

Mayor Seth FleetwoodCouncil Members, Hollie Huthman, ChairPinky Vargas, Michael Lilliquist

Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org www.cob.org/council All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted.

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Call to Order

Council Standing Committee Meetings:Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote in the order shown below:

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Community and Economic DevelopmentHollie Huthman, ChairPinky Vargas, Michael Lilliquist

23000 1. Consideration of Interim Housing Strategies (i.e. Shelter) for Those Experiencing Homelessness

Adjournment

Agenda Information:Council Committee and Regular Meeting agendas and agenda packets, which contain the supporting documentation for agenda items, are available to the public Wednesday afternoon prior to the meeting. They are posted at https://meetings.cob.org/. Meetings are streamed live on the internet as they occur.

Accessibility:The Council Chambers is fully accessible. Elevator access to the second floor is available at City Hall’s west entrance. Hearing assistance is available, and a receiver may be checked out through the Deputy City Clerk prior to the evening session. For additional accommodations, contact the Legislative Assistant at 778-8200 in advance of the meeting. Thank you.

Next City Council Committee MeetingsMonday, June 7, 2021

Deadline to submit material for any public hearing for inclusion in the published agenda packet is 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday prior to the meeting.

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23000

Bill NumberSubject: Consideration of Interim Housing Strategies (i.e. Shelter) for Those Experiencing Homelessness

Summary Statement: Staff from the City of Bellingham and County Human Services, with guidance from the County's Homeless Strategies Workgroup (HSW), completed a needs assessment that included an inventory of current shelter options operated throughout the county and available to people who are experiencing homelessness. Upon completion of the inventory of services and the identification of needs and gaps, a set of recommendations was created for the HSW's consideration. The HSW approved the recommendations at their April 16, 2021 meeting. The County Council accepted the recommendations at their May 4, 2021 meeting. Staff is seeking Council acceptance of these strategies as its short and long-term strategy.

Previous Council Action: 2021-2022 HUD Consolidated Action Plan

Fiscal Impact: Some strategies are included in the adopted Action Plan. Not all strategies are funded at this time. Council may be asked for additional budget authority at future City Council meetings.

Funding Source: REET, Housing Levy, and General FundAttachments: 1. STAFF MEMO

2. HSW RECOMMENDATONS3. SHELTER INVENTORY4. NEEDS AND GAPS ANALYSIS5. POINT IN TIME DATA

Meeting Activity Meeting Date Recommendation Presented By TimeCommittee Briefing - Vote Requested

5/24/2021 Vote to Approve Tara Sundin, PCDD, Anne Deacon, Whatcom County

Health Dept.

30 minutes

Recommended Motion:

Agenda Bill Contact:Tara Sundin, PCDD

Reviewed By Department Date

Council Committee: Community and Economic Development Committee

Rick M. Sepler Planning & Community Development 5/17/2021

Amy B. Kraham Legal 5/17/2021Council Action:

Seth M. Fleetwood Executive 5/17/2021

City Council Agenda Bill

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WHATCOM COUNTYHealth Department

Erika Lautenbach, Director Greg Stern, M.D., Health Officer

1500 North State StreetBellingham, WA 98225-4551360.778.6100 | FAX 360.778.6101www.whatcomcounty.us/health

509 Girard StreetBellingham, WA 98225-4005

360.778.6000 | FAX 360.778.6001WhatcomCountyHealth

WhatcomCoHealth

MemorandumTO: SATPAL SIDHU, COUNTY EXECUTIVE

FROM: Anne Deacon, Human Services Manager

DATE: APRIL 21, 2021

RE: HOMELESS STRATEGIES WORKGROUP RECOMMENDATIONS

During the May 4, 2021, County Council Committee of the Whole, staff will present recommendations from the Homeless Strategies Workgroup (HSW), approved at their April 16,2021 meeting.

Staff from the city of Bellingham and County Human Services, with guidance from the HSW, completed a needs assessment that included an inventory of current shelter options operated throughout the county and available to people who are experiencing homelessness. Quantitative and qualitative data on unmet needs and gaps was then collected and analyzed. This work included reviewing current trends, the recent Point-in-Time count data, and multiple interviews with stakeholders which included people with lived experience.

Upon completion of the inventory of services and the identification of needs and gaps, a set of recommendations was created. These recommendations were based upon the prior work noted as well as research of best or promising practices, with consideration of potential resources available.

Whatcom County Resolution 2017-055 established the Homeless Strategies Workgroup, and was amended in July 2019. Both resolutions resolved in part, “…The workgroup shall determine its own meeting schedule, but shall attempt to complete its work as expeditiously as possible.” The COVID pandemic may have slowed the work of the HSW due to unexpected challenges, but the recommendations to County Council are now complete and ready for review. The HSW has met its obligations as set forth in resolution(s), and submits these recommendations for approval and subsequent action by the county.

In order to assure continued accountability of progress in these recommendations, the Whatcom County Housing Advisory Committee (WCHAC) can assume that responsibility as it aligns with their current role, and already provides that oversight. The WCHAC was established by an Interlocal Agreement between the county and all seven cities, and includes membership from homeless advocates, small cities, city of Bellingham, Tribal Nation, housing developers, and homeless housing providers. Regular reports on progress of the HSW recommendations will be provided to the County Council and upon request.

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Recommendations for Consideration by the Homeless Strategies Workgroup

OVERARCHING GOALS

Proposed Recommendation

Action Steps & Potential Funding Sources SHORT TERM Provide motel stays for families with children • Consider up to $100,000/month to serve 50 families during the months of November through March (and possibly more during

pandemic).

• Research what COVID Recovery monies may be available to support these stays

Establish Overflow Winter Shelter to offer individuals when Base Camp is full

• Expand time span to include November and March

• Plan for 30 additional spots, and consider whether it is a possible option for an identified special population

Establish Severe Weather Shelters to offer individuals who typically don’t utilize shelters when Base Camp and

Overflow Winter Shelter capacity has been reached

• Utilize previously agreed upon guidelines for opening these temporary shelters

• Recruit volunteer organizations to operate

• Ask potential operators what they need from local government in order to operate a Shelter

Establish a data collection process to assist in ongoing analysis and planning

• Focus initially on night-by-night shelters to determine utilization trends and needs

• Consider needs of most vulnerable populations:

a. Families with children

b. Needs of individuals aged 18–24-years may require an investment in separate shelter location, or designated space within

current shelters

i. Explore actual need/potential utilization of a young adult location (previous utilization was low)

ii. Determine how a young-adult shelter aligns with the current Ground Floor program

c. Needs of elders, people living with serious mental illness, LGBTQ, and BIPOC

i. Follow YWCA efforts in process, Sun House, other options

d. Continue to support the Homeless Outreach Team and review their qualitative data on needs of the people they are serving

Support continuation of current Specialty Shelters • Reference Shelter Inventory

Support continuation of current Tiny Home Villages as well as the pending village contracted by City of

Bellingham

• No further investments in the number of taxpayer-supported tiny home encampment sites without in-depth research to ensure

the need exists (vs. wants), and that the response is the best practice for the situation

• Ensure Tiny Home encampments supported by government qualify as “Shelters”

• Review other options for singles and couples that provide in-unit access to plumbing, heat, and meal preparation

Encourage local elected officials to work with Skagit and Island counties to increase shelter capacity for

their residents

Prioritize most vulnerable populations Consider strategies and actions appropriate for local governments to support

Build upon current resources where possible

Clarify extent of local government support

Invest in long-term permanent solutions over temporary crisis solutions when resources are inadequate to do both

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Recommendations for Consideration by the Homeless Strategies Workgroup

LONG TERM Interim housing units for families with children

as an alternative to motel stays

• Explore long-term solution to replace the need for such a significant investment in motel stays and provide a better alternative for

children and parents.

• Develop need, scope and feasibility for an interim housing complex:

a. Some families may return to shared living post pandemic.

• Seek and procure community partner for operations

• Identify long-term operational funding

• Consider whether proposed state budget for capital support for shelters should/can be used to develop this interim solution

Establish shelter and services for people who are medically fragile

• Support Unity Care and Peace Health’s partnership to build and operate Way Station, which is in planning, design and funding stage. a. Way Station would serve up to 20 individuals b. Co-locate medical services c. Co-locate hygiene services d. Co-locate support services/case management

Relocation of Base Camp to permanent home • Identify funding sources to support construction costs, where appropriate

• Encourage section(s) dedicated to vulnerable populations and encourage coordination with other partner agencies

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WHATCOM COUNTY SHELTER/INTERIM HOUSING INVENTORY

Provider Agency

Program Name

Description Nightly units or beds available

Population served/ Barrier Level?

Drop-in or scheduled admission

Location City/ County Funding

DVSAS Shelter Program

Large communal-living house & apartments

17 units (37 individuals max)

Survivors of DV; Low Barrier

Drop-In Bellingham Yes

Engedi Refuge

Engedi House

Privately funded and faith-based. Shared home for

survivors of sexual exploitation

6 beds Survivors of sex trafficking; medium

barrier

Referrals from network

Lynden No

Homes NOW Unity Village & Swift Haven

Tiny home encampments with shared kitchen and porta-potties

45 beds Single adults; medium barrier

Application required;

intake screening

Fairhaven and

Bellingham

In-kind donation

(land)

Interfaith Coalition

Family Promise / Emergency Shelter

Houses for families experiencing homelessness

4 family units Families with Children; Low

Barrier

Coordinated Entry

Bellingham, Ferndale

Yes

Interfaith Coalition

Transitional Housing

Transitional family housing 1 family unit Families with Children; Low-

Barrier

Coordinated Entry

Various Yes

LMM Agape Program

Private bedrooms for moms with kids and double rooms for single women; shared kitchen &

bathroom; meals provided; 1 medical respite bed

8 units for moms w/ children and 22

beds for single women (60 beds

total)

Single moms w/ kids; single women

without kids; medium barrier

Application Required;

intake screening

F & Holly St. No

LMM Base Camp Large night-by-night facility for adults; men’s and women’s

sleeping areas, shared bathrooms & laundry service;

meals provided

190 Beds Adults; Low Barrier Drop-In Cornwall Ave.

Yes

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WHATCOM COUNTY SHELTER/INTERIM HOUSING INVENTORY

LMM Ascent Program

Shelter and services for people in recovery from SUDs; a

specialized care dorm for people with behavioral health needs; 1

medical respite bed; meals provided

43 beds Adult men; medium barrier

Application required;

intake screening

F & Holly St. No

CTK Winter Overflow

Overnight shelter during the winter months at former Drop-

in Center location

30 beds Singles typically; Depends on

operator

Drop-In Holly Street Yes

Lummi Stepping Stones

Emergency Shelter

Program uses a pair of large homes with bunk beds

Tribal adults and families with children; low

barrier

Drop-In Lummi Nation

No

Lummi Victims of Crime

Emergency Shelter

? Tribal survivors of DV, including children; low

barrier

Drop-In Lummi Nation

No

Lydia Place Gladstone Campus

Transitional housing for up to 18 individuals (women w/ children)

who are members of 5 households.

5 units (maximum of 18 people)

Women with children; low

barrier

Coordinated Entry

Bellingham Yes

New Way Ministries

Housing Program

Privately funded and faith based. Transitional Housing

23 families Screened by New Way; Medium

Barrier

Application through New

Way Ministries

Lynden No

NWYS PAD Shelter Private bedrooms with shared facilities

4 (during COVID) Minors (13-17 years old); low

barrier

Drop-In Bellingham Yes

NWYS Husly Shelter

4 bedroom home used for transitional housing

4 beds Young adults (18-24); low barrier

Bellingham Yes

Opportunity Council

Partnership House

2-unit duplex for transitional housing

2 units Families with children; low

barrier

Coordinated Entry

Bellingham Yes

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WHATCOM COUNTY SHELTER/INTERIM HOUSING INVENTORY

Sun Community Services

Sun House Emergency shelter in large house for adults with mental

illness and history of institutionalization

9 beds Single adults; low barrier

Coordinated Entry

Bellingham Yes

YWCA Transitional Housing

Medium-length stays; single adults have private bedrooms

and shared facilities

27 beds Single adult women; low

barrier

Coordinated Entry

Bellingham Yes

YWCA Emergency Housing

Short-length stays; single adults in “alcoves”; shared facilities

9 beds Single adult women; low

barrier

Coordinated Entry

Bellingham Yes

YWCA Senior Emergency Housing

Short-length stays; single adults in large room w/ dividers

5 beds Single women aged 55+; low barrier

Coordinated Entry

Bellingham Yes

TOTAL BEDS or “households” served

454 Household – up to 516 beds

depending upon family size

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IDENTIFIED SHELTER NEEDS AND GAPS

POPULATION/ISSUE SUPPORTING INFORMATION

1. Families with Children 65 – 85 FWC residing in motels currently is not conducive to long-term well-being of children

2. Young Adults (18-24) Young adults are more vulnerable living unsheltered. Last year approximately 20 young adults utilized a shelter dedicated to their age group.

3. Elderly women (55+) This population has experienced an increase in living unsheltered and tend to be more vulnerable.

4. Medically Fragile and/or cognitive decline (Alzheimer’s, dementia, etc.)

Medical care at an inpatient level is no longer needed, but exiting to homelessness may exacerbate one’s condition. Need a step-down facility to extend care at a lower level.

5. Special Populations at risk Some populations face higher risk of harassment and potential harm and would benefit from shelter opportunities that promote safety and security. (LGBTQ, BIPOC, Disabled)

6. Small Tent Encampments Approximately 80 – 90 small encampments are located throughout the county. Access to waste removal and toilet facilities is limited or non-existent. A number of people who are camping may not be interested in accepting other forms of shelters offered by government or private organizations.

7. Tiny Homes In order to qualify as “shelter” as defined by HUD/Commerce, the following criteria must be met: a) ability to adjust living structure to climate (heat, opening window, fan); b) semi-permanent structure to prepare or eat food; c) living structure must have four walls, ceiling and a door that closes (lockable?); d) must have reasonable access to sanitation facilities (less than 100 yards away, with ability to shower, with hot & cold running water, and toilets; e) electricity to the living unit.

8. Local Governments may not be able to provide every type of shelter desired

Need to identify humane responses to people living unsheltered who may not utilize shelter options that are available to them.

9. Under-utilization of available shelters

During the past winter as many as 80 beds on a given night were not utilized.

10. Methamphetamine Use Use of methamphetamine poses unique challenges to offering shelter and housing to people who use the drug. Symptoms of use include aggression, volatility, and contamination of living/shelter units.

11. Shelter availability in neighboring counties

Skagit County does not have a night-by-night/quick access shelter for its residents similar to Base Camp. (They have increased access to motel stays, created access to shelter for 12 FWC, purchased 80 tiny homes, and other efforts.) Skagit residents are referred to Whatcom resources at times.

12. Point in Time (PIT) Count 2021 count of people living unsheltered mirrored the 2020 count. 218 living unsheltered. (NOTE: ~80 vacancies in shelter spots during count). Had 171 more spots available in 2021. See Data.

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Point-in-Time Count Data

Where staying 2021 Households

2020 Households

2021 Persons

2020 Persons

ES 355 308 551 380

Transitional housing 79 71 93 109

Unsheltered 191 176 218 218

Grand Total 625 555 862 707

Where staying, including motel separate from ES 2021 Households

2020 Households

2021 Persons

2020 Persons

Emergency 267 300 299 356

Emergency - Motel 88 8 252 24

Transitional 79 71 93 109

Unsheltered 191 176 218 218

Grand Total 625 555 862 707

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