Opportunity Council buying downtown property for senior housing, childcare

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The local nonprofit Opportunity Council will be acquiring property in downtown Bellingham to create affordable housing for seniors and a facility for childcare.

The property at North Forest Street and East Laurel is currently a Whatcom County annex.

A community needs assessment done by the Opportunity Council’s Prosperity Project this year finds a big increase in the need for affordable housing.

The County Council voted in favor of transferring the property at its September 28th meeting.

The facility is expected to open in 2023.