BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The Bellingham City Council addressed the issue of homelessness at its Monday night meeting and took public comment.
“I join the community’s call to action, demanding the mayor and City of Bellingham use their powers to provide emergency shelter, permanent housing for all, starting with an absolute end to encampment sweeps,” said one commenter.
The Whatcom County Health Department presented the City’s and County’s efforts to serve the homeless community and reported shelter capacity has increased by 140 beds this winter to a total of 522.
Of these, 239 are low barrier beds that do not require enrolling in any programs.
Councilman Michael Lilliquist said there were two ordinance proposals introduced at the meeting, one simply that they stop sweeps, and another that they aren’t prepared to take action on.
Lilliquist said he can’t imagine passing an unreviewed ordinance makes any sense.
A city deadline for homeless campers to vacate the Geri Ball Fields at the Civic Complex came and went without action last Friday.
The Council will take the issue up again at its February 22nd meeting