BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A variety of changes made this winter’s severe weather shelter season a successful one.

That’s according to Whatcom County Health and Community Services, who released its annual After Action Report earlier Wednesday.

The shelter on N Forest Street was open for 26 nights between November and March, housing over 200 individuals when temperatures dipped below freezing. This most recent winter was warmer than the 2024-2025 season, with a 2.7 degree difference in average minimum temperature in Bellingham between the two seasons.

Chart showing percent of times minimum temperature fell at or below freezing threshold between the two winters. Data from NOAA Regional Climate Centers, collected at Bellingham International Airport.

Increased transportation was a major highlight for guests, especially to and from the City of Bellingham’s new winter weather day shelter.

Challenges still remain for shelter organizers, particularly with the amount of time it takes to train staff and unpredictable changes to the weather forecast.

Health and Community Services adds that this year, their operating costs ran $93,000 below their budget limit allocated by the County Council.

Emma Toscani contributed to this story.