News Bulletin
Whatcom County:
May 28, 2025 – Opportunity Council will begin accepting applications for the general Homeless Prevention program Monday, June 9th at 9am through Friday, June 13th at 4pm. No applications will be accepted before or after these dates.
Households who meet basic criteria will be randomly selected from the lottery to complete a basic eligibility screening to be scheduled for an intake appointments.
Households seeking services may complete applications in one of three ways – online through Opportunity Council’s website, in-person at Opportunity Council – 1111 Cornwall Ave or at the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center (EWRRC), or by calling the Homeless Prevention Screening Line at 360-746-3826.
Please note – we are also opening up eligibility to applicants who have vouchers or are in subsidized housing programs. The households who are selected and screen in could receive one-time financial assistance to cover rental arrears.
We will be opening submissions for the Homeless Prevention program lottery on Monday, June 9th, 2025. This program provides case management and short-term rental assistance to households at risk of homelessness in Whatcom County. Households whose submissions meet basic criteria will be randomly selected through a lottery system and contacted for an eligibility screening and scheduled for an intake. Please note – we are opening up eligibility to applicants who have vouchers or are in subsidized housing programs. These households who are selected and screen in could receive one-time financial assistance to cover rental arrears.
Households seeking services may complete a screening in one of three ways –
- Online through Opportunity Council’s website https://www.oppco.org/
- In-person at 1111 Cornwall Ave Lobby or at East Whatcom Community Resource Center during open hours.
- By calling the Homeless Prevention Screening Line at 360-746-3826 during live hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-12pm, and Monday/Wednesday afternoons 2-4pm.
Screenings will become available on Monday, June 9th at 9am, and be accessible through Friday, June 13th at 4pm.
If you are in need of assistance, please call 360-746-3826 Monday-Thursday between the hours of 9:00 am to 11:00 am as well as Monday & Wednesday between the hours of 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Please check back regularly for updates. You can also email hpscreeningline@oppco.org, please allow up to 3 business days for response.
While this program is at capacity, there may be other options available now for households that include Veterans or 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 to check for help from 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
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.
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.
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.