Bellingham plans a 35- to 40-unit tiny home village at 2140 Division St., operated by HomesNOW!, with construction possibly starting this winter. (Photo: City of Bellingham)
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Bellingham plans to build its third tiny home village on city-owned property in the Irongate neighborhood, expanding transitional shelter for people experiencing homelessness.
The city expects the community at 2140 Division St. to include 35 to 40 tiny homes. Construction could begin this winter, with the village scheduled to open in early 2027.
“Opening this new tiny house village is an important step in expanding housing opportunities of all kinds in Bellingham. This new village builds on what we’ve learned from our existing sites, and together with HomesNOW!, we’re creating a community that helps residents rebuild and move toward long-term housing.”
Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund
HomesNOW! Will Operate New Village
The city will partner with HomesNOW!, a Bellingham-based nonprofit, to operate the Division Street village. The city and other community partners will pay for construction and initial setup. Meanwhile, HomesNOW! will manage daily operations.
HomesNOW! also operates North Haven Tiny Home Village. Bellingham’s other existing community, Gardenview Tiny House Village, uses a different operator.
Residents of HomesNOW! communities help govern the villages and share responsibility for day-to-day decisions. The nonprofit says that model provides peer support while allowing residents to participate directly in their housing community.
“HomesNOW has proven what happens when people are given a safe place and the opportunity to directly take part in the housing and shelter solution,” HomesNOW! Chairman Doug Gustafson said. “We’re thrilled to partner with the City of Bellingham to open that door for more people, and to let them hold it open for the next person. Let’s do this! Warp speed ahead!”
Village Will Focus on Permanent Housing
The new village will provide temporary shelter while helping residents work toward stable, permanent housing.
City planners are now preparing electrical, water and sewer infrastructure for the property. Plans also call for the purchase of tiny homes and shared kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities.
“I am incredibly proud that City of Bellingham staff have worked tirelessly to answer my call to bring another village site onsite as quickly as possible and build upon the momentum of North Haven,” Lund said.
Project Carries $1.2 Million Initial Cost
Bellingham estimates that construction and initial setup will cost $1.2 million.
The city will use $500,000 from its Affordable Housing Levy and $400,000 from its portion of the Justice Project sales tax. Community partners will provide the remaining $300,000.
Tiny home villages operate as temporary shelters under rules in the Bellingham Municipal Code. Each village must obtain a two-year operating permit. The city may renew a permit when the village continues to meet all required conditions.
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