Timeline of SWEEPS in Bellingham, WA
VIDEO- City Council meeting 5 YEARS ago to adopt a rent reform ordinance and public comment testimony of "Stop the Sweeps/ SleepOut for Homelessness" camp.
This video is a year after the first winter storm 2016 in which Bellingham exceeded capacity for sheltering homeless people. Mayor Linville requested use of the "Cafe" provided by Lighthouse Mission called the Drop-in Center (DIC). It was a small room with tables for persons experiencing homelessness to "drop-in" for a cup of coffee, friendly hello, and sense of connection. The DIC was quickly repurposed to host overflow of displaced people in the cold.
Campers in 2017 requested assistance from Bellingham and shared personal testimony and complaint that the emergency setting at DIC was not enough access to safe storage and 24/7 restroom access.
The DIC emergency ordinance was renewed for 3 consecutive years and homelessness population increased.
DIC exceeded capacity winter 2019. Local community arranged for overflow sheltering and transported homeless guests, distributed weather safety gear, and launched public complaint requesting government assistance. The first government operated temporary sites were opened by the City of Bellingham at Maritime Heritage Park and Whatcom County Garden Room. Expansion of emergency shelter was further organized at Civic Field and the Farmers Market plaza downtown per emergency need.
DIC was relocated to the Bellingham HS for temporary Covid19 shelter-in-place social distancing protocol in 2020. The Public Market building was leased for 3-4 years to serve as new emergency shelter site using CARES Act funds and is designated as emergency shelter called Base Camp. Base Camp is scheduled for relocation upon lease expiration and new construction for a permanent expanded shelter site.
Base Camp received harsh criticism from the public resulting in a protest for housing at City Hall winter 2021. A mass militarized sweep was inacted by Mayor Seth Fleetwood to disperse "Camp 210" campers who were receiving aid from the community.
City Sweeps Camp210 - Western Front News
#StopSweeps
#HousingNotHandcuffs
Follow Sara Rankin in Seattle, WA for more information on HRAP and the criminalization of homelessness.