Who We Are

Beautiful House, Women Shelter, YWCA Bellingham

The YWCA Bellingham is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

In spring of 2025, we expanded our reach with the opening of a second shelter at 315 Lakeway Drive. This new space offers additional shelter units and wraparound support services for single women and their young children—meeting a critical and growing need in our region.

As part of the nationwide YWCA movement, we continue to act every day to advance racial and gender justice—offering housing, advocating for equity, and working alongside our community to create a world where dignity truly begins with shelter.

Since 1906, we’ve been a place of refuge and resilience for women experiencing housing insecurity in Whatcom County—providing not just shelter, but the support, stability, and community needed to rebuild.

Our historic home at 1026 N Forest Street has been at the heart of this mission since 1915. A gift from philanthropist Mrs. Charles X. Larrabee and her daughter Mary, the Georgian Revival building was the first YWCA-owned property in Bellingham, Seattle, or Portland. With its spacious rooms, original architectural features, and century-old legacy of women supporting women, it remains a symbol of enduring care and community.

Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women and Promoting Peace, Justice, Freedom and Dignity for all.

YWCA BELLINGHAM MISSION

Our Values

A Compassionate Community

Group of Smiling People, Senior Shelter, YWCA Bellingham

Respect

Honesty and Integrity

Non-Violence

Justice and Fairness

Collaboration

The Dignity of All People

YWCA Facility, Emergency Shelter, YWCA Bellingham

Our Team

Meet other members of our team

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is a diverse group of women leaders using their passion, insights, and connections in the community, to create real impact for YWCA Bellingham.

2025 Officers

Cathy Lehman (she/her)
Co-Chair

Liz Guthridge (she/her)
Co-Chair

Samatha Roeder (she/her)
Secretary

Amelia Campbell (she/her)
Treasurer

Directors

Carrie Danielson (she/her) — Member

Karen “Trinn” Murray (she/her) — Member

Elizabeth Boyle (she/her) — Member

Taryn Redfern (she/her) — Member

Elizabeth Boyle (she/her) — Member

Vanessa Blackburn (she/her) — Member

Gabriela Cardona (she/her) — Member

Key Dates in YWCA USA History

  • 1858

    The first association in the U.S., Ladies Christian Association, formed in New York City

  • 1946

    Interracial Charter adopted, starting the process of desegregation

  • 1960s

    Membership and leadership positions opened to non-Christians

  • 1963

    Direct Action Program begun to ensure full desegregation in community YWCAs

  • 1970

    The One Imperative (“To thrust our collective power towards the elimination of racism, wherever it exists, by any means necessary.”) adopted

  • 2015

    Corporate name changed from “Young Women’s Christian Association of the United States of America, Inc.” to “YWCA USA, Inc.”

FAQs

  • YWCA Bellingham offers three different housing programs for women experiencing homelessness:

    • Emergency Shelter

    • Senior housing (specifically for women ages 55+)

    • Supported rental housing

    These programs provide women with a safe home with intensive case management services to help them get the skills and services they need to live a fulfilling, independent life.

  • YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities. We are one of the oldest and largest women’s organizations in the nation, serving over 2 million women, girls, and their families. Through advocacy and local programming, we create real change for women, families, and communities.

  • 1026 North Forest Street, Bellingham, WA.

    Please contact us at (360) 734-4820.

  • YWCA Bellingham's residents are always in need of monetary donations. If you have quality women’s clothing, you can bring it to our Y’s Buys Thrift Store at 1224 N State Street. Or you can see our Amazon wishlist here.