BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Whatcom County’s severe weather shelter is getting a lease extension.

The Whatcom County Council voted on Tuesday, March 24, to extend their lease at 925 N Forest St through the end of October.

The original lease for the space was due to expire on Tuesday. But the council decided to amend the lease agreement earlier this month so that the space can serve as a respite during extreme heat or poor air quality conditions.

The former church can hold up to 60 residents per night when the facility is open.

Whatcom County will pay $1000 per month to continue leasing the space, and will pay $2500 for every night the shelter is in operation.