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Help with Rent2025-06-16T10:11:29-07:00

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

Whatcom County:

June 13, 2025 4pm – The Opportunity Council is no longer accepting applications for the general Homeless Prevention program.

Members of the Opportunity Council team will be contacting the households selected to join our program as soon as they are able.

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 Whatcom County

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

What should I do if I get a busy signal when I call?2023-11-28T16:48:27-08:00

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?2023-08-10T16:57:03-07:00

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?2023-08-10T17:08:28-07:00

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?2024-12-30T13:59:24-08:00

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

Monday – Thursday : 9:00 am – 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm – 4:oo 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:

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.

Click here for up to date information on eviction law.

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.

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

Washington State Attorney Generals website

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

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.

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Title VI / ADA Statement

It is Opportunity Council policy to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise discriminated against under any of its federally funded programs and activities.

Opportunity Council complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with Federal laws, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, and U.S. Department of the Treasury policy, Opportunity Council is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

This website is supported in part by Grant Number 2401WACOSR from the Office of Community Services within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Community Services.

For Telecommunication Relay Services, call 7-1-1 on your phone. For information or to request accommodation, please contact the Human Resources department.

Learn more about Opportunity Council and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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