BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham officials will be fielding questions on a proposed day shelter later this week.

The city of Bellingham sent a message to business owners and residents in the vicinity of 2020 Pacific St last week.

The notice details how the city intends to purchase the property just off of Iowa St and create a drop-in day shelter for unhoused individuals. In the letter, the city said they intend to open the center this fall with daily hours year-round.

People using the center will have to leave the property at the end of each day, and city staff will place a fenced area at the location. They also noted that most users will be transported to and from the shelter.

Those that live nearby to the proposed day shelter can hear from city officials on Wednesday this week at Bellingham Public Works’ building on Pacific St from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

City spokesperson Melissa Morin noted that this meeting is not a public hearing, and the invitation is not open to the public, though no one will be turned away.

Whatcom County doesn’t currently operate a consistent shelter space for homeless individuals, despite the long-term lease at Lutheran Community Services on Forest St.