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Financial Assistance

Programs to assist with housing costs and other related expenses for renters and home owners

Housing Retention

Eligible Whatcom County residents may be able to receive rental assistance

  • Opportunity Council:

    As of Monday, October 16th, the Homeless Prevention program has reached capacity. We are temporarily unable to provide screenings for intake appointments. Please check back at the end of January for updates on screening and scheduling.

Opportunity Council can provide eviction prevention services to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who are renting in Whatcom County, have rent in arrears, and meet income eligibility criteria. Call the Community Resource Center for screening: 360-734-5121 ext. 3

Opportunity Council can provide eviction prevention and housing support to Whatcom County residents who have been approved by DSHS for Housing and Essential Needs (HEN)/Aged Blind Disabled (ABD) benefits, have rent in arrears, and meet program eligibility criteria. Contact the Community Resource Center for screening: 360-734-5121 ext. 3

Utility Assistance

  • Opportunity Council Energy Assistance: the Opportunity Council offers bill assistance to eligible households for their home heating and energy bills. Households must be income eligible to receive assistance. Depending on the time of year, we may help with the electricity, natural gas, propane, heating oil, and wood bills. Schedule online, or by phone: 360-255-2192, Monday – Thursday 9am-12pm, 1pm-4pm
  • Salvation Army: assistance for Puget Sound Energy bills, by appointment only. To schedule, call (360) 733-1410 or email elizabeth.hicks@usw.salvationarmy.org

  • Affordable Connectivity Program: a federal benefit that provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households, and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
  • Comcast Internet Essentials: discounted internet service for $9.95/mo available to households participating in public assistance programs, such as the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, Food Stamps/SNAP, SSI, and others. Households that apply for Internet Essentials and the Affordable Connectivity Program can receive internet service for free.

  • Lifeline Wireless: free cell phone service for qualifying households. Eligibility determined by income, or participation in public assistance programs such as Medicaid, Food Stamps/SNAP or SSI. Apply for service through Assurance Wireless, SafeLink Wireless, or QLink Wireless

  • Ferndale Community Utilities Fund: temporary assistance with Ferndale City Utility bills (water/sewer/storm water) for households impacted by COVID-19
  • Water Bill Assistance: the Washington Water Assistance Program is now available through Opportunity Council. This program provides income-eligible customers one-time arrearage assistance for water or sewer bills that are at least one month behind. To see if you qualify, call (360) 255-2192 Monday – Thursday, 9am-12pm & 1-4pm.

Home Improvement

Deferred, low-interest loans may be provided to income-qualifying homeowners to address repairs that focus on: home foundation repair or installation, roof repair or replacement, plumbing, electrical, septic siding, floor, gutters or other repairs to help meet safety standards. Call 360-734-5121 option 5

Opportunity Council partners with the City of Bellingham to assist homeowners with limited repairs that can address health and safety, durability issues, and energy efficiency measures. Call 360-734-5121 option 5

Improves a home’s energy efficiency, durability, indoor air quality and addresses health and safety concerns. Available for both homeowners and renters with landlord permission. Call 360-734-5121 option 5

Learn more about Opportunity Council’s home and energy programs here