Cold-weather shelter in Langley won’t open this year

With emergency shelter Haven open every night in Oak Harbor, the need wasn’t the same as prior years.

  • By Wire Service
  • Sunday, November 26, 2017 1:30am
  • Northwest

South Whidbey Record

LANGLEY — The Whidbey Homeless Coalition has no plans to run a warming center in Langley this winter because the Haven, an emergency shelter in Oak Harbor, is now open every night.

The past two winters, the coalition and Langley United Methodist Church worked together to provide overnight shelter from the cold for the homeless. Doors opened to its fellowship hall when temperatures dipped to 35 degrees or below.

That happened 44 times from November 2016 through March, almost stretching the volunteer effort beyond its limits.

“There have been conversations with the Langley United Methodist Church and we have come to a mutual conclusion to not open the cold-weather shelter, particularly as Haven is available to all,” said Faith Wilder, board director of the nonprofit organization that operates the Haven and transitional housing in Langley called House of Hope.

Between six to a dozen people would sleep at Langley’s warming center in a setting that included cots, bedding, food and bathrooms. Volunteers admitted the clients by 6 p.m. They had to agree to certain rules and clean their sleeping area before leaving by 7 a.m.

Last winter, many of Langley’s warming center regulars spent their days at Oak Harbor’s SPIN Cafe, a drop-in center. Then, they boarded free Island Transit buses to travel to Langley and spend the night.

However, that routine wasn’t possible on weekends when there’s no bus service, which is still the case.

“We do have a transportation concern for south enders seeking shelter on weekends,” Wilder said.

While the coalition continues looking for a permanent site for the Haven, the shelter rotates among churches in 90-day segments and depends on congregations, service organizations and volunteers.

The Haven opened April 13 at Oak Harbor’s Christian Reformed Church. It’s now at First United Methodist Church, 1050 S.E. Ireland St.

“It’s surprisingly calm and peaceful,” said Pastor David Parker, who’s been a Haven overnight volunteer.

“Occasionally there will be someone off their meds or someone who’s snuck in alcohol and has to be booted,” he added. “But by and large, people are really tired when they arrive. Many are in their cots by 8 p.m. and asleep by 9 o’clock.”

The Haven is open to men, women and children and has a capacity of 30 people. A small paid staff manages operations while two volunteers act as overnight hosts.

Since cold and wet weather arrived in late October, the Haven’s been running at “full tilt,” Wilder said.

“Most nights are full although it is still variable from night to night. We still have a good mix of women and men and the occasional child,” she said. “About 90 percent of those served are islanders or have island connections.”

People have been turned away but usually because they don’t want to comply with rules, such as no drinking, drugs, weapons or loud behavior, according to Wilder.

Intensive counseling is provided for those using the Haven, in hopes of finding them alternative places to live.

The Haven serves a variety of people, including those who’ve been homeless for years, often suffering from mental health or substance abuse issues, and those who’ve recently lost their housing.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Northwest

Beginning on July 1, 2026, those living in Washington who qualify can begin accessing the long-term care benefit, which has a lifetime cap of $36,500, adjusted over time for inflation. Eligible beneficiaries living out of state can tap into benefits starting July 1, 2030. (Washington State Department of Social & Health Services)
Washington’s long-term care program nears liftoff

It’s been criticized, revised and survived a ballot box challenge. Now, the first-in-nation benefit is on track for a 2026 rollout.

File photo 
State auditors are beginning investigations into whether police departments are properly reporting officer misconduct.
WA looks to tighten compliance under police accountability law

Washington state auditors have started investigating whether local police departments are properly… Continue reading

Jake Goldstein-Street / Washington State Standard 
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, center, speaks to reporters alongside Solicitor General Noah Purcell, left, and Northwest Immigrant Rights Project Legal Director Matt Adams, right, outside a Seattle courthouse where federal appeals court judges heard arguments over President Donald Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship on Wednesday.
Trump’s birthright citizenship order lands in Seattle appeals court

The U.S. Supreme Court, meanwhile, hasn’t ruled whether a decision from one judge can block a president’s executive order from taking effect nationwide.

Travis Decker is suspected of killing his 3 daughters Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia. (Courtesy GoFundMe)
Manhunt expands for state dad accused of killing his 3 daughters

The bodies of the three Wenatchee girls were found June 2 near the father’s abandoned pickup.

Court fight pits religious group that doesn’t want LGBTQ+ employees against WA law

The Union Gospel Mission of Yakima argues it can’t be forced to hire workers that don’t align with its biblical values. The case may end up before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Attorney General Nick Brown, center, speaks to reporters alongside California Attorney General Rob Bonta, right, and Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, left, before an event at Town Hall Seattle on Monday, June 2, 2025. (Photo by Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard)
Washington’s attorney general sees no signs of legal battles with Trump letting up

Nick Brown described a “crisis” surrounding the president’s use of executive power and said he expects to file more lawsuits against the administration, in addition to 20 brought so far.

An employee bags groceries for a customer at a checkout counter inside a grocery store in 2017. (Bloomberg photo by Luke Sharrett)
Thousands in WA at risk of losing food benefits under GOP bill in Congress

Tens of thousands of low-income Washingtonians could lose federal food assistance if… Continue reading

Gov. Bob Ferguson, at podium, goes to shake hands with state Sen. Noel Frame, D-Seattle, at the signing of a bill to make clergy mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect, on May 2, 2025 in Olympia. At center is Mary Dispenza, a founding member of the Catholic Accountability Project. (Photo by Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard)
Bishops sue to overturn new WA law requiring clergy to report child abuse

They argue it is unconstitutional to force Catholic priests to divulge information learned in confession.

This is a sample of the special license plate to become available in Washington state starting in late 2025. The Washington State Beekeepers Association will use proceeds to support research and public education on pollinators. (Image courtesy of Washington State Beekeepers Association)
Smokey Bear, pickleball, and pollinator license plates on the way in WA

The state’s latest round of specialty plates also includes two throwback options.

A damaged vehicle is seen in the aftermath of a June 2024 crash in Thurston County, in which the driver of another vehicle was suspected of speeding and driving under the influence. (Photo courtesy of Thurston County Sheriff Office)
Washington traffic deaths down after record year

But with crashes still leaving more than 700 people dead, officials say they have more work to do.

The Washington state Capitol on April 18. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
‘I’m pretty upset’: WA lawmaker wants to override governor’s veto of his bill

State lawmakers delivered 423 bills to Gov. Bob Ferguson this year and… Continue reading

Jake Goldstein-Street / Washington State Standard
Gov. Bob Ferguson slams President Donald Trump’s tariffs in a press conference alongside union leaders, lawyers, elected officials and others at the Port of Seattle on Wednesday.
Stop Trump’s tariffs, WA leaders beg court

Local ports are facing instability as shippers grapple with shifting trade policy.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.