WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A lease has been approved for a severe winter weather shelter in Whatcom County.

The County Council voted to confirm the lease with Lutheran Community Services NW at their regular meeting on Tuesday night.

That lease will formally begin on Nov. 1 at 925 N Forest St., the same location as last year’s shelter, but operations aren’t expected to begin until Nov. 15.

But the shelter will only be open based on a number of factors, including forecasted temperatures.

My Bellingham Now previously reported that many advocates called for a higher temperature threshold to open the shelter space last winter, but current guidelines will remain in place this year.

The County will provide 48 hours’ notice before opening the shelter for up to 60 guests a night.

County Health and Community Services adds that they’re still hiring on-call shelter attendants, including lead positions.