12-19-2018
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The City of Bellingham approved a temporary tent encampment downtown.
Government officials issued a permit to HomesNOW! to operate the temporary encampment called Winter Haven behind City Hall after the Bellingham City Council voted unanimously to support it.
Winter Haven will provide daily services to up to forty homeless people with bathrooms, showers, drinking water, an outdoor kitchen, garbage and recycling containers, and human and social services.
If there is no appeal, occupancy may begin on January 3 and the permit has an end date of April 2.
Many provisions come with the permit, including a requirement of 24-hour supervision, a warrant check for all guests, and a prohibition of sex offenders.