South Whidbey Homeless Coalition

The South Whidbey Homeless Coalition is a U.S. nonprofit organization focused on providing housing and shelter services to individuals facing homelessness on Whidbey Island, specifically in Island County, Washington. Formed in 2014 and officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2015, the coalition aims to make homelessness a brief and rare experience in the community.

Mission and History

The organization was established following community discussions regarding the need for shelter for the unhoused on South Whidbey Island. This initiative led to the creation of the South Whidbey Homeless Coalition, with the first Point in Time Count serving as a pivotal moment in its formation. The coalition merged with the Whidbey Homeless Coalition to expand its services.

Services

The Whidbey Homeless Coalition, now encompassing the South Whidbey Homeless Coalition, offers two primary shelters:

• House of Hope: Located in Langley, it serves as a 90-day transitional shelter for families and single adults at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Residents work towards finding employment, connecting with social services, and settling into permanent housing.
• The Haven: Initially opened in 2017 as a pop-up shelter, it now operates as a permanent low-barrier emergency shelter in Oak Harbor, providing assistance to individuals with varying needs, including the chronically homeless. Priority is given to vulnerable seniors, families with children, persons with disabilities, and survivors of domestic violence.

Community Efforts and Advocacy

In addition to shelter services, the organization engages in community education and outreach to raise awareness and mobilize community action against homelessness. These efforts include participating in the annual Point in Time Count, a federally mandated census of people experiencing homelessness, which helps determine funding for related services.

Impact

The coalition's work has been instrumental in addressing homelessness on Whidbey Island by providing comprehensive support and advocating for policy changes. It relies heavily on community donations and volunteer efforts to sustain its operations and continue making a positive impact in the lives of those it serves.

[1] https://www.wagives.org/organization/WhidbeyHomelessCoalition [2] https://thisiswhidbey.com/2025/02/02/point-in-time-count-2025/ [3] https://www.whidbeyhomeless.org [4] https://www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit/b7bb523876a54b6e8732e179ad63b3d9-south-whidbey-homeless-coalition-oak-harbor [5] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/46-5588852