WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – New housing options are coming to Whatcom County for residents in need of a hand-up.

Whatcom County announced on Tuesday that $3.6 million of grant funding from the Trueblood Diversion Workgroup will go toward expanding supportive housing for residents with behavioral health needs.

The funding aims to add 37 new housing units including eleven specifically for people who experience delays in restoration services after a criminal charge.

The new housing will be part of Lake Whatcom Center’s new Lincoln Street development.

“The County appreciates our representation in Olympia and specifically Senator Sharon Shewmake for her efforts to secure funding for this project,” said Whatcom County Executive Satpal Singh Sidhu. “By expanding access to permanent supportive housing, Whatcom County is taking a step toward building a more effective, compassionate, and sustainable justice and behavioral health system.”

The funding also involves investments from the City of Bellingham, the state Department of Commerce, and directly from the state legislature.