Worried about becoming homeless? We may be able to help.

Opportunity Council helps people avoid homelessness through temporary rent subsidies and support securing housing for qualifying households. Services and eligibility may vary by county and are determined by various factors.

News Bulletin

City of Bellingham: Opportunity Council will open up screenings for the new City of Bellingham Rental Assistance program on Friday, December 1^st.

This program will provide case management and short-term rental assistance to seniors and families with children who make below 50% area median income, and pay 50% or more of their income for rent in Bellingham.

Households seeking services may complete a screening in one of three ways – online through Opportunity Council’s website, in-person at 1111 Cornwall Ave, or by calling the Homeless Prevention Screening Line at 360-746-3826. Screenings may be submitted from Dec 1, 2023 at 9:00am through Friday, Dec 8, 2023 at 4:00pm. Households whose screenings meet basic criteria will be randomly selected through a lottery system and contacted to be scheduled with an appointment.

How to get help

Eligibility for Opportunity Council Homelessness Prevention Services is determined by funding sources and may vary by county. Select your county of residence below for more information.

Help in City of Bellingham

Opportunity Council is open for initial screenings for the new City of Bellingham Rental Assistance program December 1, 2023 at 9:00am through Friday, December 8, 2023 at 4:00pm.

Households seeking services may complete a screening in one of three ways – online here through Opportunity Council’s website, in-person at 1111 Cornwall Ave, or by calling the Homeless Prevention Screening Line at 360-746-3826.

Screenings may be submitted from Dec 1, 2023 at 9:00am through Friday, Dec 8, 2023 at 4:00pm. Households whose screenings meet basic criteria will be randomly selected through a lottery system and contacted to be scheduled with an appointment.

Please note that households living outside the city of Bellingham limits are not eligible. To check your address, please click here or here (interactive) for a map of the city of Bellingham

COB Rental Assistance Screening Form

To translate this page, click your language in the white Translate bar at the top of the page.

PLEASE NOTE: This a basic screening form. Households who meet basic criteria will be randomly selected through a lottery system and contacted to be scheduled with an appointment.

Please make sure you have your income and rental information ready before completing this form.
Household Screening & Eligibility
Is there at lease one Senior (60+) OR at least one child (under 18) living in the household?*
- Yes, at least one Senior (60+)
- Yes, at least one child (under 18)
- No, there is no one in these age ranges in my household
Households must have a household member 60 years or over OR under 18 of age to be eligible for this program. Please contact the Homeless Prevention Screening Line at (360) 746-3826 for more information.
Do you live in a rental unit within Bellingham city limits?*
- Yes
- No
You appear not to live in a rental within Bellingham city limits. Households must be renting a unit within Bellingham city limits to be eligible. Please call (360) 746-3826 for more information.
To be eligible for the City of Bellingham Rental Assistance program, your household's monthly income must be at or below 50% of Area Median Income for your household size. Please review the chart below.

City of Bellingham Rental Assistance Income Limits

Household Size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Monthly Income (max) $2,800 $3,200 $3,600 $4,000 $4,320 $4,641 $4,962 $5,283
Is your household income at or below the income limit for your household size?*
- Yes
- No
You appear to be over income for the City of Bellingham Rental Assistance program. Households must be at or below the income guidelines to be eligible. Please call (360) 746-3826 for more information.
Is your household's monthly rent amount 50% or more of your net income? (Rent amount divided by monthly net income = % of rent burden; example: Monthly Rent Amount of $1200 / Monthly Net Income of $2000 = 60% Rent Burden)*
- Yes
- No
You appear to not be eligible for the City of Bellingham Rental Assistance program. Households must have a rent burden of 50% or more. Please call (360) 746-3826 for more information.
You appear to meet basic eligibility for the City of Bellingham Rental Assistance program. Please complete contact information below to be entered into the appointment lottery system. You will be contacted to schedule an appointment if you are randomly selected.
Contact Information
Name*
First Last
Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City ZIP / Postal Code
Phone
Email
Household Information
How many people live in your household?*
What is your household's gross monthly income?*
What is your household's net monthly income?*
What is your household's monthly rent amount?*

Household Size	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Monthly Income (max)	$2,800	$3,200	$3,600	$4,000	$4,320	$4,641	$4,962	$5,283

Help in Whatcom County

As of Monday, October 16^th, the Homeless Prevention program is full due to funding limitations. We are temporarily unable to provide screenings for intake appointments. Please check back in December for updates on screening and scheduling.

To speak with a screening specialist, please call 360-746-3826 Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

While this program is at capacity, there may be other options available for households that include Veterans, Seniors (age 60 and over), or families with children residing within the city of Bellingham. There may also be limited screenings available for households who are receiving Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) or Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) benefits through DSHS. Households should call 360-746-3826 during business hours for help accessing alternate programs.

In Whatcom County, Opportunity Council offers eligible households housing-focused case management and temporary rent subsidies. Eligibility for the program must be determined by a program screening specialist based on risk factors related to homelessness.

Enrollment in homeless prevention services requires an intake appointment to verify eligibility. Appointment availability is determined by program funding available.

Whatcom County Homeless Prevention FAQ

What should I do if I get a busy signal when I call?Katie Rose2023-11-28T16:48:27-08:00

What should I do if I get a busy signal when I call?

Due to the high need in our community and limited availability of intake appointments, the Homeless Prevention Screening Line call volume is extremely high. This is especially true Monday mornings around 9:00 am or anytime we are screening for programs. If you receive a busy signal, please hang up and call back.

How is this different from the Covid-19 Rental Assistance Program?Katie Rose2023-08-10T16:57:03-07:00

How is this different from the Covid-19 Rental Assistance Program?

During the Covid-19 Pandemic, Opportunity Council distributed funds from the Federal Covid Relief program. This program has since ended. The Homeless Prevention program uses different eligibility requirements based on funding restrictions and includes additional services in addition to temporary rent subsidies.

How do I know if I am eligible for help?Katie Rose2023-08-10T17:08:28-07:00

How do I know if I am eligible for help?

Eligibility for Homelessness Prevention Services is determined during an intake interview with a Housing Prevention Screening Specialist who will determine your eligibility for the program based on risk factors for becoming homeless, including income, housing stability and other criteria.

For other questions about Opportunity Council Services, please contact the Whatcom Community Resource Center.

When is the Homelessness Prevention screening line open?Katie Rose2023-09-21T14:26:02-07:00

When is the Homelessness Prevention screening line open?

The Homelessness Prevention Screening Line is open Monday through Friday during the following hours:

Monday – Thursday Hours:: 9:00 am – 12: 00 pm; 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Friday Hours:: 9:00 am – 12: 00 pm

Help in Island County

Those behind on their rent or at risk of becoming homeless in Island County should contact the Island County Housing Resource Center at 360-678-8284 or visit the Island County Housing Support Center.

Please visit the Island County Community Resource Center for more information on Opportunity Council services and programs in Island County.

Help in San Juan County

To find help securing housing and avoiding homelessness in San Juan County, please contact your local Community Resource Center:

Orcas Island: Orcas Community Resource Center
San Juan Island: Joyce L. Sobel Community Resource Center
Lopez Island: Lopez Island Family Resource Center

Legal Help

If you have questions regarding your rights as a tenant or if you have received an eviction notice and have questions, please contact legal aid or go online for information on your options.

Washington Law Help

Click here for up to date information on eviction law during COVID-19.

Northwest Justice Project

Call the Clear Line 1-888-201-1014, Mon-Fri 9:15 AM to 12:15 PM, or complete the online application for services here. Seniors (age 60 and over) can also call CLEAR*Sr at 1-888-387-7111.

LAW Advocates (Whatcom County only)

Call 360-671-6079 ex 15 for more information.

Washington State Attorney General

Washington State Attorney Generals website

Eviction Defense Screening Line

Eviction Defense Screening Line through the Northwest Justice Project: 1-855-657-8387

Washington State Department of Commerce

Legal Resources and FAQs from Washington State Department of Commerce for those receiving Emergency Rental Assistance (ERAP, TRAP) can be found here.

Se pueden encontrar recursos legales y preguntas frecuentes del Departamento de Comercio del Estado de Washington para aquellos que reciben Asistencia de emergencia para el alquiler (ERAP, TRAP) aquí.

Dispute Resolution

Dispute Resolution Centers may offer help to improve communication, increase understanding, negotiating payment or repayment plans, discuss deposits and move out timelines, address lease agreements and other related issues, and empower parties to determine their own solutions. Please click on your county below for the Dispute Resolution Center serving your county.

Homelessness Prevention