Public safety isn't just about incident reports and police data. It also means knowing where to turn when you or someone you know needs help. This is a curated guide to Bellingham's most important social service organizations, covering everything from crisis support to food assistance.
This is not the complete list. For the full searchable directory, visit the Bellingham Community Resources page.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For mental health crisis support, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7). For the Whatcom County Crisis Line, call (360) 676-2222.
Crisis and Mental Health
Resources for immediate crisis support and ongoing mental health services.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — Free, confidential 24/7 support for anyone in emotional distress. Call or text 988.
Whatcom County Crisis Line — Local crisis support, available 24/7. Phone: (360) 676-2222.
Compass Health — Outpatient mental health and substance use services in Whatcom County. Sliding scale fees available.
Sea Mar Community Health Centers — Behavioral health services including counseling and psychiatric care. Multiple Bellingham locations.
Housing and Shelter
Resources for emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rental assistance.
Lighthouse Mission Ministries — Emergency shelter, meals, and long-term recovery programs. 24/7 drop-in shelter available.
Opportunity Council — Housing assistance, energy assistance, weatherization, and homelessness prevention. Serves all of Whatcom County.
Lydia Place — Transitional and permanent supportive housing for families experiencing homelessness.
Substance Use and Recovery
Treatment, harm reduction, and recovery support.
Whatcom County Health Department — Substance Use Services — Treatment referrals, harm reduction supplies, and overdose prevention resources.
Pioneer Human Services — Residential substance use treatment and reentry support.
AA / NA Meetings in Bellingham — Multiple weekly meeting locations across Bellingham. Free and open to anyone.
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Confidential support, shelter, and advocacy.
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) — 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and support groups. Crisis line: (360) 715-1563.
National Domestic Violence Hotline — 24/7 confidential support. Call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
DVSAS provides free and confidential services regardless of immigration status, gender identity, or ability to pay.
Legal Aid
Free and low-cost legal services.
LAW Advocates — Free civil legal aid for low-income Whatcom County residents. Covers housing, family law, consumer issues, and public benefits.
Northwest Justice Project — Statewide legal aid serving low-income individuals. Handles housing, employment, and public benefits cases.
Youth and Family Services
Support for at-risk youth and families.
Whatcom YMCA — Youth programs, childcare, family support, and community wellness programs.
Brigid Collins Family Support Center — Child abuse prevention, parent education, supervised visitation, and family counseling.
Food and Basic Needs
Food banks, meal programs, and essential supplies.
Bellingham Food Bank — Free groceries for anyone in need. No ID or proof of income required.
Whatcom County Food Bank Network — Multiple locations throughout the county with varied hours. [verify URL]
Healthcare
Low-cost and free healthcare services.
Sea Mar Community Health Centers — Primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy. Sliding scale fees available.
Unity Care NW — Federally qualified health center providing primary care, dental, and pharmacy services regardless of ability to pay.
This is a curated selection of Bellingham's most essential services. For the complete, searchable directory with category filters, hours, and additional organizations, visit the full Bellingham resources page.
If you know of an organization that should be listed, or if any of this information needs updating, please let us know through the contact page.
For an introduction to Civic Informer and what we do beyond data, read Welcome to Civic Informer, Bellingham.