Submitted by Unity Care NW
On August 18, a coalition of nonprofit organizations committed to addressing homelessness and improving public health held a groundbreaking ceremony for The Way Station, a state-of-the-art health and hygiene facility dedicated to serving individuals experiencing homelessness in Bellingham. Unity Care NW, Opportunity Council, PeaceHealth, and the Whatcom County Health Department have joined together on this unique project to provide for some of the community’s basic needs and help address some of the most foundational issues that create barriers to housing.
The groundbreaking event marks a significant step forward in enhancing the well-being and dignity of Bellingham’s most vulnerable population. Jodi Joyce, CEO of Unity Care NW, spoke on behalf of The Way Station partners.

“The people in our hearts today are those who are experiencing homelessness in Whatcom County,” said Jodi Joyce, CEO of Unity Care NW. “This facility will assist people with many of the challenges they face. We will be able to help the family who is living in their car to do their laundry and the person recovering after a surgery will have a place to rest and someone helping them take their medications. A person who has fallen on hard times can come shower and shave before a job interview and while they’re there, they can work with housing case managers to find a place to live.”
Key Highlights of The Way Station
Hygiene amenities: The Way Station will make essential hygiene services more widely available and will be equipped with state-of-the-art showers, clean and safe restroom facilities, and laundry services to promote personal hygiene and restore a sense of dignity to those in need.

Comprehensive health services: The new facility will offer a range of essential health services tailored to the needs of people experiencing homelessness. Patients experiencing homelessness who are discharged from the hospital but require space where they can recuperate, will be referred to The Way Station’s medical respite program to heal on a temporary basis.
Community collaboration: The center’s unique partnership between local health care providers and social services will lend itself to better disrupt cycles that keep people from accessing available housing. Visitors to The Way Station will find case management and other services to assist their transition to sustainable housing.
Public Investment
Whatcom County owns the building at 1500 N. State Street where renovations have begun and have contributed $4 million to the project. Senator Sharon Shewmake made the funding request from the state capital budget that allocated an additional $4 million and $2 million was included in the federal Omnibus Spending Package after a request was made by Representative Rick Larsen and Senator Maria Cantwell.

Thanks to the support of elected officials as well as foundations and individual donors, all capital funds and most of the first year of operational funds have been secured. The partners are currently seeking additional support to cover the cost of start-up items, supplies, and equipment for the site as well as ongoing operational expenses. To see the full list of supporters, see the Way Station page on the Unity Care NW website.
“We have a problem that has been decades in the making and there is not just one solution but many solutions needed to address homelessness. This project is a win, win, win — caring for community, saving money, and helping to get people better and in housing,” said State Rep. Sharon Shewmake, in her remarks.

“Part of being healthy is having access to a restroom, a shower and clean clothing and everyone deserves the dignity that comes with these things. Thank you all for your work on bringing The Way Station to our community. We look forward to seeing you all again next year when we can celebrate our grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony,” said Joyce.
While renovations have begun, the partnering organizations continue operations planning for The Way Station and are looking forward to hosting a ribbon cutting with the community to officially open the center next year.