BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham has cancelled its plans for a day shelter in the Roosevelt neighborhood.

According to the city’s project page, the program operator withdrew from contract negotiations on July 15.  The city says it couldn’t find another operator before the 90-day waiting period on the purchase agreement was up and had to cancel its acquisition of the day shelter property on Pacific Street.

My Bellingham Now previously reported the city agreed to purchase the property in May to create a drop-in day shelter for people experiencing homelessness.

The city had hoped the shelter could serve as an alternative to the Bellingham Central Library, where many unhoused people spend time. The library is set to close for nearly a year starting in late 2026 or early 2027.

Going forward, the city says it remains committed to creating a day shelter and will continue to pursue all available options.

According to Whatcom County’s 2025 Point-in-Time Count, there are about 815 people experiencing homelessness in the county, 82% of whom live in Bellingham.

The cancellation was first reported by Cascadia Daily News.