60 YEARS OF NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
Opportunity Council Through the Decades

1964

  • As part of the Civil Rights Act, the U.S. Economic Opportunity Act creates locally led Community Action Agencies to ensure everyone has the same chance to thrive and participate in their community.

1965

  • The Whatcom County Board of Commissioners creates the Whatcom County Opportunity Council, launching with two staff members, borrowed office space, and one well-used typewriter.

  • The Council launches “Operation Grass Roots” to study the needs of the unique small towns and rural communities of Whatcom County.

1966

  • Community Action Agencies in Northwest Washington are recognized for “consistent, intelligent, and dedicated direction.”

  • The Whatcom County Opportunity Council sponsors projects focused on the aged, migrant workers, and Head Start programs.

Late 1960s - Early 1970s

  • Early OC services focus on serving migrant workers and families, primarily based in Lynden, Washington.

  • Programs include Americorps Vista, Head Start, and a community partnership to buy and renovate older homes.
  • Adequate Homes, Inc. sells homes to low- and moderate-income adults and families for a $200 down payment and a 1% interest rate.

1974

  • First winterization (weatherization) services launch in Whatcom County, expanding to Skagit, Island, and San Juan Counties by 1977.

1975

  • Information & Referral service begins (later known as the Community Resource Center), becoming the backbone of Opportunity Council.

1977

  • People’s Yellow Pages is published, cataloging community services. This project continues today as pocket resource guides in multiple languages.

1979

  • In response to the energy crisis, the Energy Crisis Assistance Program (ECAP) launches, later becoming LIHEAP—a cornerstone of OC energy assistance programs.

1981

  • The Bellingham Herald launches Lend-a-Hand, a holiday campaign for community donations to help families meet basic needs.

  • Renamed Extend-a-Hand in 2006; today jointly operated by The Bellingham Herald, Opportunity Council, and Unity Care NW.

1983

  • Minor home repair program begins to help seniors with home maintenance, keeping their homes safe and warm.

1986

  • Name officially changes from Whatcom County Opportunity Council to Opportunity Council.

1987

  • LAW Advocates founded with OC’s support; becomes independent in 1991.

  • Interfaith Community Health Center opens (later Unity Care NW), serving 1,250 in its first year; becomes independent in 2001.

1989

  • OC assumes operation of Maple Alley Inn, ensuring everyone has access to a hot meal.

1994

  • Island County Services Center opens in Oak Harbor.

1997

  • Building Performance Center (BPC) established to train energy-efficiency specialists and innovate home performance standards.

  • BPC later recognized statewide and helps develop Weatherization Plus Health.

1998

  • Dorothy Place opens as a result of a community-led effort to support survivors of domestic violence and their children.

2001

  • First Dine Out for Maple Alley Inn raises $6,000.

2003

  • Launch of PSE HELP (Home Energy Lifeline Program) in partnership with Puget Sound Energy.

2004

  • In partnership with Island County Housing Authority and CADA, OC breaks ground on Marjie’s House, transitional housing for survivors of domestic violence.

2006 - 2007

  • Lend-a-Hand renamed Extend-a-Hand (2006).

  • Building Performance Center recognized as a statewide training center.

2008 - 2009

  • Establishment of Whatcom Homeless Service Center (WHSC) as part of the county Plan to End Homelessness (June 2008).

  • BPC relocates to 3406 Redwood Avenue and expands training programs.

  • Launch of Community Energy Challenge (CEC) with Sustainable Connections.

2010 - 2011

  • Construction of East Whatcom Regional Resource Center (EWRRC) begins (2010); opens September 22, 2011.

2011 - 2013

  • Head Start classrooms expand into Bellingham School District elementary schools (2011).

2012

  • Child Care Aware of Northwest Washington, an Opportunity Council partnership with expands to five counties: Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island, and San Juan.

2014

  • Launch of Single Entry Access to Services (SEAS) in partnership with Whatcom Taking Action, helping families navigate resources for children with disabilities.

2018

  • 22 North opens to provide supportive housing for people most at risk of dying if they remain homeless.

2021

  • In partnership with Lifeline Connections and Whatcom County Drug Court, OC develops Recovery House, an inpatient treatment facility.

  • In response to the global pandemic, Opportunity Council becomes the distributing agency for federal resources, distributing more than $60 million in rental assistance from February 2021 to June 2023.

2024

  • Laurel Forest Apartments and Child Care Center opens in downtown Bellingham, combining housing for seniors with childcare.

  • Opportunity Council breaks ground on Camas Flats.