Housing
Schedule an Appointment
If you have questions or would like additional support, please contact Gina Ebbeling to make an appointment.
Housing and Rent Assistance
Housing insecurity can be defined as the inability to pay rent or utilities, need to move frequently, residing in a place where personal health and safety is compromised as well as couch surfing or living in your car. 3 out of 10 students (34.2%) experienced housing insecurity in the last 12 months, according to a survey across WA State 39 colleges and universities in 2022.
Housing Resources
On Campus
Western offers students short-term (2-3 weeks) emergency housing at no cost on campus. Students who are homeless (couch surfing, living in car), on the verge of homelessness, facing eviction, living in an unsafe living environment or facing unforeseen circumstances and do not have the financial means to relocate can utilize this program. Contact the Basic Needs Resource Navigator, Gina Ebbeling, to complete an intake, ebbelig@wwu.edu. Students can typically move in the same day, Monday-Friday.
Students who are or have experienced homelessness - funding support
If you are unaccompanied, at risk of homelessness, and self-supporting, you are also considered an independent student on your financial aid application. Make an appointment with financial (scroll to the bottom of the appointment page) and click on "Homeless." You can get help amending your FASFA and learn about financial support that you may qualify for.
If you are unaccompanied, at risk of homelessness, and self-supporting, you are also considered an independent student on your financial aid application. Make an appointment with financial (scroll to the bottom of the appointment page) and click on "Homeless." You can get help amending your FASFA and learn about financial support that you may qualify for.
Connect to rooms for rent, find roommates, rentals and subleases in Bellingham. Also, this office can help you understand lease terms, educate on tenant rights and advocacy. Their office is located in the Basic Needs Hub, VU 420.
Off Campus
Apply to see if you are eligible for housing assistance
Connect to homeless shelters and housing program in Whatcom County.
Mediation, conflict coaching, and phone conciliation services to community members facing housing-related conflict such as tenant/landlord disputes, roommate conflicts, and neighbor conflicts.
Free legal advice to low-income Whatcom residents.
Serving young adults under 25, NWYS offers housing programs (typically a waitlist), case management, also behavioral health, Queer youth services, and clothing closet. Make an appointment for intake at the ground floor, located at 2500 E Street in Bellingham to get started.
Living off campus? Lower energy bills through this income based program.
We help connect individuals to county housing programs.