Worried about becoming homeless? We may be able to help.

Opportunity Council helps people avoid homelessness through temporary rent subsidies and support securing housing for qualifying households. Services and eligibility may vary by county and are determined by various factors.

News Bulletin

Whatcom County: Applications for the Homeless Prevention Program are closed at this time. Please check back regularly for updates.

How to get help

Eligibility for Opportunity Council Homelessness Prevention Services is determined by funding sources and may vary by county. Select your county of residence below for more information.

Whatcom County

Island County

San Juan County

Help in Whatcom County

The Homeless Prevention program is currently closed to new applications. Please check back in May for a scheduling update.

To speak with a screening specialist, please call 360-746-3826 . The screening line is open Monday-Thursday 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Friday 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

While this program is at capacity, there may be other options available now for households that include Veterans or households who are receiving Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) or Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) benefits through DSHS. Households should call 360-746-3826 during business hours to check for help from alternate programs.

In Whatcom County, Opportunity Council offers eligible households housing-focused case management and temporary rent subsidies. Eligibility for the program must be determined by a program screening specialist based on risk factors related to homelessness.

Enrollment in homeless prevention services requires an intake appointment to verify eligibility. Appointment availability is determined by program funding available.

Whatcom County Homeless Prevention FAQ

What should I do if I get a busy signal when I call?Katie Rose2023-11-28T16:48:27-08:00

What should I do if I get a busy signal when I call?

Due to the high need in our community and limited availability of intake appointments, the Homeless Prevention Screening Line call volume is extremely high. This is especially true Monday mornings around 9:00 am or anytime we are screening for programs. If you receive a busy signal, please hang up and call back.

How is this different from the Covid-19 Rental Assistance Program?Katie Rose2023-08-10T16:57:03-07:00

How is this different from the Covid-19 Rental Assistance Program?

During the Covid-19 Pandemic, Opportunity Council distributed funds from the Federal Covid Relief program. This program has since ended. The Homeless Prevention program uses different eligibility requirements based on funding restrictions and includes additional services in addition to temporary rent subsidies.

How do I know if I am eligible for help?Katie Rose2023-08-10T17:08:28-07:00

How do I know if I am eligible for help?

Eligibility for Homelessness Prevention Services is determined during an intake interview with a Housing Prevention Screening Specialist who will determine your eligibility for the program based on risk factors for becoming homeless, including income, housing stability and other criteria.

For other questions about Opportunity Council Services, please contact the Whatcom Community Resource Center.

When is the Homelessness Prevention screening line open?Katie Rose2024-02-09T12:45:29-08:00

When is the Homelessness Prevention screening line open?

The Homelessness Prevention Screening Line is open Monday through Friday during the following hours:

Monday – Thursday Hours: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm – 4:oo pm

Friday Hours: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Help in Island County

Those behind on their rent or at risk of becoming homeless in Island County should contact the Island County Housing Resource Center at 360-678-8284 or visit the Island County Housing Support Center.

Please visit the Island County Community Resource Center for more information on Opportunity Council services and programs in Island County.

Help in San Juan County

To find help securing housing and avoiding homelessness in San Juan County, please contact your local Community Resource Center:

Orcas Island: Orcas Community Resource Center
San Juan Island: Joyce L. Sobel Community Resource Center
Lopez Island: Lopez Island Family Resource Center

Legal Help

If you have questions regarding your rights as a tenant or if you have received an eviction notice and have questions, please contact legal aid or go online for information on your options.

Washington Law Help

Click here for up to date information on eviction law.

Northwest Justice Project

Call the Clear Line 1-888-201-1014, Mon-Fri 9:15 AM to 12:15 PM, or complete the online application for services here. Seniors (age 60 and over) can also call CLEAR*Sr at 1-888-387-7111.

LAW Advocates (Whatcom County only)

Call 360-671-6079 ex 15 for more information.

Washington State Attorney General

Washington State Attorney Generals website

Eviction Defense Screening Line

Eviction Defense Screening Line through the Northwest Justice Project: 1-855-657-8387

Washington State Department of Commerce

Legal Resources and FAQs from Washington State Department of Commerce for those receiving Emergency Rental Assistance (ERAP, TRAP) can be found here.

Se pueden encontrar recursos legales y preguntas frecuentes del Departamento de Comercio del Estado de Washington para aquellos que reciben Asistencia de emergencia para el alquiler (ERAP, TRAP) aquí.

Dispute Resolution

Dispute Resolution Centers may offer help to improve communication, increase understanding, negotiating payment or repayment plans, discuss deposits and move out timelines, address lease agreements and other related issues, and empower parties to determine their own solutions. Please click on your county below for the Dispute Resolution Center serving your county.