WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The county is considering shutting down a supportive housing facility in downtown Bellingham.

The Whatcom County Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to table its discussion over a resolution that would end all funding to 22 North. 22 North is run by the Opportunity Council and offers support for adults experiencing homelessness. The resolution proposes repurposing the 40-unit facility into a secure detox and treatment center, which could then start to receive funding again under its new objective.

Council member Ben Elenbaas introduced the resolution after he said the Opportunity Council failed to address a stream of dangerous activity around the facility.

“As [the Opportunity Council] promised to do better and get a tighter rein and have some expectations, all the things that we talked about, the outcome has not just been a little bit worse, it’s been exponentially worse,” Elenbaas said.

Community members have previously voiced their concerns over drug use, violence and vandalism occurring inside or near 22 North.

The resolution lists at least nine deaths that occurred in the housing facility since 2022, several of which that involved drugs. Among them was Kassaundra Booker, whose killer was sentenced earlier this month for her death in the stairwell in February 2022.

Opportunity Council Executive Director Greg Winter says he was dismayed to hear Elenbaas’ plan to cut funding to 22 North. He added that the Opportunity Council has increased welfare checks for residents at the facility in response to the opioid epidemic.

“22 North welcomes people who have experienced homelessness, who have invariably suffered great trauma and who are too often experiencing complex medical issues and disabilities,” Winter said in a statement. “Many of us are experiencing the results of the rising cost of living, the proliferation of highly lethal drugs, the lack of affordable homes, and a strained behavioral healthcare system—and each of these crises take a disproportionate toll on our most vulnerable community members.”

The council’s resolution will be discussed further during a work session on July 30.