BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A new resource for people experiencing homelessness in Bellingham is seeing far more demand than expected.

Unity Care Northwest recently released their annual report for 2025, detailing the impacts of the Way Station downtown.

According to the report, the facility served 1,395 people over its first year. The original goal for its first year was to serve 750 people, which it surpassed within six months of opening.

The Way Station opened on N State Street in November 2024, offering basic health care services, laundry, showers and case management to people experiencing homelessness.

It expanded within the first six months to add substance use disorder counseling and a respite center offering short-term care for people who were recently discharged from the hospital with no safe place to recover.

The facility was financed using a mix of federal, state and local funds from Whatcom County, along with community donations.

Unity Care NW said it expects to serve even more people now in year two as demand for housing and health services rises.