Latest News
22 North Fire Update
Thank you to Our Community We are incredibly grateful to the city of Bellingham Fire Department, our dedicated staff, and the wonderful residents who came together so quickly to respond to the fire at 22 North on April 22. All our tenants were safely evacuated because of their swift and [...]
Staying Independent in Island County
Opportunity Council’s Volunteer Chore Program Expands to Whidbey Island Most of us can relate to the feeling of watching a parent or other loved one get older and wishing they had a little more help nearby. Maybe we’ve called a friend who’s having a harder time getting around [...]
Building Community Through Creativity
When life gets overwhelming, it’s hard to slow down, do something restorative for ourselves, and connect with others. But taking time for ourselves and the people in our lives – like by creating things – is a need everyone has, as much as we put it aside. At Opportunity [...]
Celebrating Skagit County Partnerships
Opportunity Council’s Center for Retention and Expansion of Child Care team was honored to be a part of the Powerful Partnerships event hosted by the Skagit County Population Health Trust earlier this month. The C-RECC team attended the event at Skagit Valley College along with fellow members of the [...]
Finding the Help They Need: Energy Assistance Programs
Winter can be stressful – the dark days, dropping temperatures, and increased expenses are no joke. Not only does the cold bite at people’s skin when they leave their homes, but it also makes them turn up the lights and heat, which means higher utility bills. Many families find themselves [...]
A Guide to OC Energy Assistance Programs: Finding the Help You Need
Many families and households struggle with the rising costs of utilities, and it can be overwhelming to balance these costs with everything else you need for your family. No one should have to choose between heating their homes and buying groceries. The good news is that help is available. At [...]
Welcome Back, Preschoolers!
Starting preschool for the year marks a new step in the development of kids 0-5 years old, whether they’re returning or just joining for their first year. Being in preschool means new learning adventures, social connections, and developmental milestones. It’s important to us that our youngest kids get all [...]
Residents Return to a Fresh Face on Dorothy Place
This month, we welcomed home the residents of Dorothy Place with fun, games, and a barbecue feast. The summertime barbecue bash celebrated the end of weeks' worth of updates and rehab on the apartments. The work—ranging from a fresh coat of exterior paint to preventative rehab work—required the residents [...]
Better Homes for Better Health
Bringing Fresh Air and Comfort to Homes: Weatherization Plus Health We like to think of home as our safe haven. A place that’s a cozy, comfortable safe shelter from the literal storms. We can all agree home shouldn’t be a place that makes you sick or your loved ones, and [...]
Thank you for supporting Basic Needs!
We "stuffed the bus" in Whatcom County on August 7th, and by "we," we mean our sponsors at KAFE 104.1 radio, our host Lakeway Fred Meyer, the businesses and organizations who hosted supply drives, and the people who donated stacks upon stacks of basic needs supplies! We also raised [...]
Ideal Option Clinic Brings Hope at the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center
The East Whatcom Regional Resource Center (EWRRC), an Opportunity Council Community Resource Center in rural East Whatcom County, has proudly opened its doors to a new and essential service: an Ideal Option clinic offering specialized outpatient treatment for addiction. The clinic will be open to new and returning patients on [...]
County to continue funding permanent supportive housing at 22 North
County to continue funding permanent supportive housing at 22 North MEDIA RELEASE Contact: Greg Winter, Opportunity Council executive director Contact Opportunity Council Leadership Phone: 360-734-5121 ext. 1346 Opportunity Council’s permanent supportive housing facility, 22 North, will continue to provide care and secure housing to 40 Whatcom County residents after a [...]
Harnessing the Power of Community: The Impact of Giving
At Opportunity Council, we believe in the transformative power of community to make sure everyone in Northwest Washington has what they need to thrive and contribute. Nowhere is the power of community more visible than in the generosity shown by our community during events like Dine Out for Maple Alley [...]
Bellingham residents in danger of losing homes due to resolution to defund 22 North housing
MEDIA RELEASE Contact: Greg Winter, Opportunity Council executive director Contact Opportunity Council Leadership Phone: 360-734-5121 ext. 1346 Opportunity Council is advocating for the security of 40 community members who live at 22 North, the agency’s affordable permanent supportive housing facility, after a Tuesday resolution from County Council member Ben Elenbaas [...]
July 9 2024 Statement Regarding 22 North
July 9 Statement Regarding 22 North From Greg Winter, executive director of Opportunity Council: We were dismayed to hear of Council Member Elenbaas' resolution seeking to cut off funding for 22 North, a crucial community lifeline to people who are fighting for their lives. 22 North welcomes people who have [...]
Food Help for Families This Summer
Summer is a time of joy for many families, but it can also bring challenges, especially for those who rely on school meal programs during the academic year. Across Northwest Washington , thousands of families are uncertain where their next meal will come from once school doors close for the summer. [...]
Unmasking Fraud & Scams: Highlights from the Annual Spring WABC Summit
On May 30, the Whatcom Asset Building Coalition (WABC) held its annual Spring Summit at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. The theme was "Unmasking Fraud & Scams: Detect, Prevent, Respond," and it was designed to help our community learn how to identify, prevent, and respond to financial scams. The WABC [...]
Supporting Whidbey Island’s Essential Needs: A Community Effort
Whether struggling with sudden increases in rent, emergency home repairs, or even funeral costs, people suddenly in need are finding a beacon of hope through the Whidbey Island Essential Needs Program. Spearheaded by Goosefoot Community Fund and the Whidbey Community Foundation, and administered by Opportunity Council, the Essential Needs [...]
Standing Down and Stepping Up for Veterans
It’s no secret; Veterans face many unique challenges. Opportunity Council is here to help Veterans encounter a variety of challenges, from health problems to employment issues, as well as a difficult-to-navigate bureaucracy that can make it hard to even know what help is available. At Opportunity Council, we [...]
Catherine Mahaffey Wellness Fair 2024
Bringing people together in a fun, collaborative environment, and with essential health services offered for free, the Catherine Mahaffey East Whatcom Wellness Fair is a crucial resource for the region it serves. Held every year at the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center (EWRRC) in Kendall, the fair is one [...]
“What you feel is community”
This week we had the chance to celebrate Laurel Forest Apartments with local, state, and national champions of affordable housing. The spirit of community was palpable at the ribbon-cutting ceremony we held on March 27, 2024, to mark the grand opening of Laurel Forest Apartments, a project we first [...]
Affordable housing to serve community, environment
With support from Puget Sound Energy, Opportunity Council’s next big effort to ensure everyone has access to a secure and healthy home will support the health of both its residents and environment. Laurel Forest, opening in April of 2024, will help meet two critical needs for the downtown Bellingham [...]
OC Responds to the Fentanyl Overdose Crisis
1/16/2024 OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL SUPPORTS COMMUNITY TO PREVENT AND RESPOND TO OVERDOSES As overdose and overdose deaths continue to rise across our community, Opportunity Council is committed to supporting our clients and residents in numerous ways. A recent report in Whatcom County confirmed what many service providers are experiencing across [...]
Money confidence possible because of mentors
We’re looking for financially savvy members of the community interested in mentoring others in one of our fastest-growing financial wellness programs. Helping individuals and families bolster their financial literacy and confidence makes mentors the backbone of EcSA (Economic Security for All). Interested in becoming a mentor? Please apply online. [...]
New project targets critical need for families & businesses
The lack of child care in our communities, including Skagit County, impacts families, employees and employers in a variety of ways such as missed work, lost wages and in some cases, employees exiting the workforce altogether. That’s why Opportunity Council’s Center for Retention & Expansion of Child Care (C-RECC) [...]
Design a mural with us!
The new Laurel Forest apartments are rolling out soon, giving downtown Bellingham a brand-new complex of affordable apartments for seniors with a co-located child care center. Local artists – maybe you? – will help make the space warm and welcoming through original artwork. We’d like you to tell us [...]
Affordable housing addresses range of needs for older adults
Opportunity Council’s next big effort to ensure everyone has access to a secure and healthy home is now a few steps closer to becoming a reality. Staff recently had the opportunity to tour the soon-to-open Laurel Forest —an apartment complex with 56 affordable new homes for older adults that will [...]
Extend-a-Hand 2023 Kicks Off
Extend-a-Hand donations allow local organizations to make big differences in small ways for Whatcom County residents who need immediate help with housing and health care all year long. Unity Care NW uses Extend-a-Hand funds for prescription costs, vaccinations and other health-related items, while the Opportunity Council, which administers the [...]
Operating with efficiency: Weatherization Day 2023
47 years ago, the U.S. Dept. of Energy created the Weatherization program which focuses on improving efficiency, durability and health and safety of homes. Services include installing insulation, reducing drafts, ventilation improvements and heating system maintenance. Today, the average Weatherization project provides $25,000 worth of work at no cost [...]
The history of Head Start
by David Webster, director of Opportunity Council Early Learning and Family Services Just as President Lynden B. Johnson’s signature on the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 created Community Action Agencies, like Opportunity Council, it also created a landmark “social development” program known as Head Start. October is Head Start [...]
San Juan rebates for going green
Now is a great time to take advantage of energy-saving measures for your home or business. Learn all about all the local, state, utility, and federal incentives and rebates available to you here. If you find it confusing to know what’s available and how to take advantage, a Community Energy [...]
Improving and grooving in your home
Getting Warmer Using less fossil fuels doesn’t have to make your life harder. This is especially true as we go into the colder months, when heating costs can become astronomical for some folks. For example, electric heat pumps are efficient enough to reduce your home energy costs while keeping [...]
Governor visits us in East Whatcom
Governor Jay Inslee paid a visit to our East Whatcom Regional Resource Center (EWRRC) on Tuesday, September 12th to hear about early learning, sustainability, and food insecurity. Gov. Inslee visited the center’s preschool facility and learned from childhood experts about the needs of preschool providers. Jessica Bee, manager of [...]
Graduating in their confidence
Eight Whatcom County families graduated August 31st from our free financial literacy course that teaches money management skills and offers monetary incentives. Enrollees who successfully completed our Economic Security for All (EcSA) program celebrated their new confidence and opportunities at the program’s first-ever graduation ceremony. Each year-long course combines [...]
New Camas Flats affordable housing in Oak Harbor
Oak Harbor will soon be the home of our new affordable housing project, adding to our rapidly growing list. Camas Flats will give options to Oak Harbor residents and families with a mix of low and moderate incomes, as well as other populations that need support the most. The [...]
Breaking ground in community health
On Friday, August 18th, public officials and community leaders gathered at 1500 N. State Street to take the next step in a project that will provide Bellingham residents with sorely needed health and hygiene services. The Way Station is a [...]
So Fresh & So Clean: New Partnership Starts Free Shower Program
The means to maintain personal hygiene is an essential component of personal dignity and something the OC is proud to help provide thanks to a new partnership getting off the ground in Bellingham. Working with the Lighthouse Mission, and Salvation Army, the Homeless Outreach Team is now a part [...]
What preschool means to children and families
Head Start enrollment is open for the 2023-2024 school year! Our Early Learning department is enrolling young students now, getting ready to support their healthy brain development while offering families child care, connection, and support. Our Early Learning programs offer tuition-free preschool education to children 3 to 5 years [...]
New service for those who served
Veterans in Island County will now have help with the financial costs of securing a new job, thanks to our new partnership with Whidbey Community Foundation. After Veterans serve in the military, the costs associated with entering the workforce process can prove to be yet another challenge. The Whidbey Veteran’s [...]
“Poop Patrol”: Keeping People Healthy
While many of us see those systems as what protect us from unpleasant sights and smells, without them we would also be susceptible to deadly diseases like Hepatitis A, cholera, and dysentery. Those without permanent housing often lack reliable access to water and sewage systems. But many of our [...]
2023 Point in Time Count
The 2023 annual Point in Time (PIT) Count of people experiencing homelessness in Whatcom County showed the highest one-night count since the survey began in 2008. According to the 2023 Point in Time Count Report, released June 12, there was a roughly 27% increase in people counted, from 832 people [...]
Healthy Homes Month
Home is about more than a place to sleep at night. Home is about safety and security, and is essential to health and well-being for each of us. Each June, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recognizes National Healthy Homes month to raise awareness on the importance of [...]
Juneteenth 2023
All Opportunity Council offices are closed Monday, June 19th for Juneteenth. The day celebrates and commemorates the day enslaved Black people in the Confederate state of Texas who weren’t immediately freed after the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1st, 1863, learned about the Proclamation which legally ended slavery. June 19th [...]
The gift of independence
This blog post is written by our guest contributor, Talvi. Talvi stands with Ellie, her good friend and Chore program volunteer with the Volunteer Center of Whatcom County. My name is Talvi, and I’m different from most Opportunity Council clients – I’m a [...]
Improving Homes for 38 Families
A recent Opportunity Council project improved energy efficiency and air quality for a multi-family property, meaning more comfort and lower energy bills for 38 families. Opportunity Council’s Weatherization Team typically works on single-family homes owned or rented by income-qualified community members. However, the team wanted to share the energy [...]
Community Energy Challenge
Looking to save on your utility costs and environmental impact? Unlike most Opportunity Council services, our Community Energy Challenge (CEC) partnership with Sustainable Connections is available to anyone, regardless of income. This fee-for-service program has helped homeowners with energy efficiency improvements since 2010 in Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and San [...]
East Whatcom Early Learning gets electric school bus
In remote East Whatcom communities served by our East Whatcom Regional Resource Center, children in the center’s Early Learning programs will be transported emission-free to receive their educations. This is thanks to EWRRC Head Start’s new electric school bus, unveiled on March 20th at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The bus [...]
Provider Appreciation Day 2023
Today marks an opportunity to honor the essential role of child care providers in our communities: National Provider Appreciation Day. These child care professionals, teachers and educators of young children are the reason kids get the support they need for early development. To highlight why these providers need to be [...]
Community Action Month
May is Community Action Month. While you may have never heard of it, celebrating this month is meaningful to all the Community Action Agencies like Opportunity Council, which are part of a national network making communities stronger so that families and individuals can thrive. Opportunity Council, along with many [...]
Catherine Mahaffey East Whatcom Wellness Fair 2023
Come stop by the second annual Catherine Mahaffey East Whatcom Wellness Fair on May 20! Free services and resources will be offered by local health providers. The fair will also offer entertainment, a free handcrafted lunch from the Common Threads Food Truck, snacks, and activities for all stages of [...]
Dine Out, invest in Whatcom
The arrival of May means Whatcom County residents can support our volunteer-driven Maple Alley Inn program that’s been fighting hunger since 1987, just by celebrating local restaurants. During this monthlong event, anyone can participate by checking out the Dine Out for Maple Alley Inn website, or scrolling below, and choosing a [...]
Dining in Community
As we approach our Dine Out for Maple Alley Inn fundraiser in May, it’s a great opportunity to highlight the good that Maple Alley Inn does in Whatcom County. What is Maple Alley Inn? Maple Alley Inn is Opportunity Council’s hot meals program, which offers the benefits of a [...]
Breaking Barriers: Access ID Clinic
JR* arrived at the first Access ID clinic certain he'd be told he was out of luck. His landlord had unceremoniously and illegally evicted him and, worse, thrown away all of his belongings including his ID and birth certificate. An experienced welder, he'd been eager to start work, but having [...]
Tax Help in Whatcom County
Earned Income Tax Credit and Working Families Tax Credit: What’s the Deal? What you need to know and where to get hassle-free help Tax season is overwhelming for everyone, but you don’t have to weather it alone. Free, easy services open to all can help you with your [...]
Tax Help in Island County
Earned Income Tax Credit and Working Families Tax Credit: What’s the Deal? What you need to know and where to get hassle-free help Tax season is overwhelming for everyone, but you don’t have to weather it alone. Free, easy services open to all can help you with your [...]
Mortgage Assistance Available
The Island County Community Resource Center will pay mortgage arrears only for qualifying households. This service is valid for no more than 6 consecutive months. Households will have to meet this initial screening criteria: Current income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income Has documented financial need (loss [...]
Tax Help for Working Families
Washington State individuals and families can now apply for a new benefit on their tax returns called the Working Families Tax Credit. Whether stopping short of applying because of the overwhelming amount of information to sift through, or finding this credit to be completely new, these individuals and families may [...]
Laurel Forest Groundbreaking & Project Update
Over the next several weeks, the following updates are taking place at the Laurel Forest Project. Underground utilities, such as sewer and water services, will be brought into the site. This means that sidewalks will continue to be closed off. Building foundations will begin to take shape. During the [...]
Embracing the spirit of service: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
As we celebrate the profound impact and accomplishments of Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, many events will give us the chance to do so in our own communities. The annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Conference put on by Whatcom Human Rights Task Force kicked off [...]
We’re hiring! Open Positions in Early Learning & Family Services
Love the idea of helping infants and children get the start in life they deserve? Consider joining the Early Learning & Family Services Team here at Opportunity Council! Bilingual Child Care Marketing & Recruitment Coordinator- Skagit County & Bilingual Child Care Marketing & Recruitment Coordinator- Whatcom County: Develop and [...]
Jump into service with AmeriCorps VISTA
Updated January 31 Are you interested in nonprofit work? Maybe you’re looking for more hands-on learning about nonprofit management than in a typical internship. You can find this by volunteering for the Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program with Opportunity Council. VISTA is part of AmeriCorps, a federal agency that [...]
Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day
Why we honor those who are too often forgotten On December 21, 2022, Opportunity Council and the Whatcom County Coalition to End Homelessness extend an invitation to their annual Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day. The event is put on each year to remind our community that people experiencing homelessness are a [...]
5 Ways to Give This #GivingTuesday
There's lots of ways to join Giving Tuesday and support Opportunity Council on this global day of giving. In no particular order, our top 5 ways to support Opportunity Council this year: Give Time Opportunity Council is a Community Action Agency, and there's no more potent community action than volunteering. [...]
Medicare Open Enrollment is Here and SHIBA can help
Opening October 15th and running through December, the Medicare open enrollment period can be an overwhelming time. Which plan to choose? Should you switch or stay? Thankfully, The Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program is available to help people navigate the system and make the choice that's best for [...]
Opportunity Council Celebrates Weatherization Day
October 30th marks the 46th annual celebration of National Weatherization Day—an event that highlights the impact of the Weatherization Assistance Program, one of the core programs administered by Opportunity Council. The critical services provided by Opportunity Council help improve the efficiency, durability, health, and safety of the places people call [...]
Local leaders partner to help children, adults and families find a place to call home.
On October 4th, Opportunity Council staff sat down with local officials and Senator Patty Murray for a roundtable discussion on a future Senator Murray and Greg Winter look on as Bellingham Mayor Seth Fleetwood and Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu discuss housing in Whatcom County. housing facility dedicated [...]
Every child deserves a great start
We can all agree that the most important thing we can do for children is to make sure they have what they need to thrive and learn. You can help that happen. Supporting the Back-2-Basics campaign this summer and fall. Make a financial gift online or mail your donation to [...]
Love, Grit, Hope & Strength: One Family’s Journey with Head Start
Wesley, a master at problem-solving and taking apart small appliances, is supported here by the author and partner. The following is from the parent of five graduates of Mt. Baker Head Start, one of the early learning programs managed by Opportunity Council. A version of this testimonial also [...]
Observing Juneteenth
Beginning in 2021, Juneteenth was established as both a state and federal holiday, but the history of Juneteenth starts more than 150 years ago. 2022 marks Opportunity Council’s first year of recognizing Juneteenth as a staff holiday (observed on June 20th). In honor of the holiday, we ask our staff, community, and [...]
Dine Out for Maple Alley Inn returns with new format
After two years of pandemic restrictions and canceled public events, Dine Out for Maple Alley Inn returned in person to Whatcom County in May. With options for every meal and occasion, Opportunity Council supporters dined out to benefit the whole community. Dine Out for Maple Alley Inn is a signature [...]
Free Health Screenings and Other Services Available at East Whatcom Regional Resource Center Health and Wellness Fair
On Saturday, May 21, the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center in Maple Falls will be transformed into a healthcare center, offering free health, vision, and dental services at the Catherine Mahaffey East Whatcom Wellness Fair! Free services and resources will be offered by local providers including PeaceHealth, Sea Mar Community [...]
Finding Meaning by Giving to Others
Volunteer Spotlight: SHIBA Volunteer Scott Opsahl Whatcom County Volunteer Scott Opsahl recently took the time to answer our volunteer questionnaire. To learn more about volunteering through the Whatcom Volunteer Center, please visit their website. When did you decide to start volunteering? What attracted you to the SHIBA Program? [...]
2021 Flood Recovery
In November 2021, many of the communities we serve and live in were devastated by historic floods. While it's hard to know the full extent of the damage, we know our hearts were broken for our friends, families, colleagues, neighbors, and community as a whole. Our spirits were buoyed [...]
Extend-a-Hand: Raising funds for health, homes, and families
The Extend-a-Hand Campaign through the Bellingham Herald kicks off it's 5th decade raising funds to help individuals and families in Whatcom County. The local newspaper covers all administrative costs of the campaign, ensuring all funds raised go directly to helping others through Opportunity Council housing programs and Unity Care NW [...]
October is Head Start Awareness Month
Since 1965, Head Start has been a cornerstone in the fight against poverty, and one of the most effective tools our community has for ensuring every child has the start to life they deserve. First established by the Office of Economic Opportunity in the summer of 1965 as a flagship [...]
Foundations for New Housing & Childcare Space Taking Shape
Affordable Housing and Childcare. Two fundamental resources our community consistently tells us are in short supply, as evidenced once again in this year’s most recent Prosperity Project (Opportunity Council’s Community Needs Assessment). We strive to meet this need in a variety of ways from developing housing projects with partners like [...]
Helping make ends meet for Whidbey Island
Island County's Essential Needs Program helps Whidbey Island friends and neighbors with practical needs like housing set-up expenses, utilities, and one-time extraordinary expenses like car repairs. Created by the Goosefoot Community Fund and Whidbey Island Community Foundation to help members of the Whidbey Island community when no other existing assistance [...]
Board elects 2021-22 officers
The Opportunity Council's board of directors elected officers at their April 22 meeting in Bellingham. The 2021-22 board officers are: President: Mark Tompkins, San Juan County Health & Community Services Vice President: Rebecca Boonstra, East Whatcom Community Council Treasurer: Paul Stermer, Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery Secretary: Ozell Jackson, Homebridge [...]
Volunteers provide critical support
Local volunteers have played an important role since the beginning of the pandemic. The Opportunity Council’s Volunteer Center of Whatcom County helped recruit volunteers to deliver thousands of pounds of food weekly and Unified Command volunteers provided critical support during the first few months of the pandemic. Below are excerpts from [...]
New Island County director hired
The Opportunity Council announced today that Melissa Frasch-Brown has been hired as the director of the agency’s Island County service center. She began April 16 as the current director, Lisa Clark, steps down to provide administrative and technical support. Clark announced in February that she is stepping back from [...]
Clean energy projects will reduce energy burden for low-income households, nonprofit housing providers
Washington State Department of Commerce announced $3.7 million was awarded for solar installations benefitting low-income communities. The Opportunity Council's East Whatcom Regional Resource Center was among the recipients. Below are excerpts from the state press release. (February 25, 2021) -- The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced $3.7 million [...]
New venture strives to address child care shortage
Regional Center will work collaboratively with higher education, workforce development, local business associations and others. BELLINGHAM, Wash., -- Opportunity Council and the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce have joined forces to open the new Northwest Center for Child Care Retention & Expansion. The Center will provide business technical assistance, coaching, feasibility [...]