Housing First: To House 30 Homeless in 60 Days Is Goal of New Campaign

Press release from the Department of Health and Human Services:

Homeless man facing eviction from his camp

Homeless man facing eviction from his Palco March Camp earlier this year. [Photo by Bobby Kroeker]

The City of Eureka and County of Humboldt are launching a campaign that’s goal is to house 30 homeless people in 60 days.“We’ve been working on this for quite a few months,” said Eureka City Manager Greg Sparks. “We’re very excited to continue to partner with the county to help reduce the barriers for people who need housing.”

The 30-60 Housing First Campaign comes from a recommendation by Sacramento-based consulting firm Focus Strategies which specializes in helping communities develop a systems approach to end homelessness. The city and county commissioned the firm to assist in coming up with a plan for the Eureka area.

In March, the Eureka City Council and Humboldt County Board of Supervisors passed a joint resolution to collaborate on reducing homelessness and adopting a Housing First model.

Housing First is an approach to homeless assistance that prioritizes rapid placement and stabilization in permanent housing and does not have service participation requirements or preconditions such as sobriety or a minimum income threshold.

“Without a safe and clean place to live, it’s difficult for people to address barriers like substance abuse and mental health issues or to pursue employment,” said Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services Director Connie Beck. “Housing First is rooted in the belief that having a permanent place to live is a precondition for recovery.”

The event will take place on Monday, Aug. 8, from noon to 1 p.m. at Eureka City Hall, 531 K St. in Eureka. Refreshments will be provided.

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21 Comments
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Mogtx
Guest
7 years ago

Just another program tax payers are gonna pay for .I highly doubt that the homeless will be able to pay rent. Gotta get the dope first. He’ll with rent I gotta get high .section 8 will pay for it ,wishful thinking .

Saucy
Guest
Saucy
7 years ago

“does not have service participation requirements or preconditions such as sobriety or a minimum income threshold.” – oh great so now the tweakers will have a permanent location to tweek at and at the expensive of who? No seriously who is gonna pay for this?

Mogtx
Guest
7 years ago

I’ll tell you who’s gonna pay ! California law abiding tax paying citizen s.that who .

Saucy
Guest
Saucy
7 years ago
Reply to  Mogtx

Ya i figured as much. just wanted someone else to say it. Why is this tagged as ‘good news’ kym? Ya, it’s GREAT news for the homeless it sounds like.

Jaekelopterus
Guest
Jaekelopterus
7 years ago
Reply to  Saucy

You’re bitching about HOUSING THE HOMELESS? What could the city be doing more helpful for everyone than housing the homeless?

Saucy
Guest
Saucy
7 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

read that article kym, it says that ‘most’ of the expenses will be paid by the federal government. meaning tax payers? Not that I’m against helping homeless people but at the same time I’m very familiar with how not all, but most homeless people operate. Not a day goes by without driving thru garberville or redway without seeing at least 1 person holding a sign saying ‘hungry’. The problem I personally see is, most homeless people have ZERO drive and really don’t want to work, they would rather sit on the sidewalk holding there sign instead of walking into pretty much ANY business around here and saying they want to work. Granted some people have disabilitys or are just insane and thus nobody would hire them, plus theres the obvious hygene issue. Anyway back to the point, giving them really cheap housing in hopes they will be able to get there lifes together afterwards is a real shot in the dark if you ask me. Most of them are too far gone or have no desire to better themselves / get off the drugs. Thus I will be in serious shock if/ when this housing thing happens if it doesn’t just turn into the equivilent of that one motel on broadway that is twack central.

Saucy
Guest
Saucy
7 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

yes i did. it says because of ‘hospital visits or jail time’ whats stopping them from going to jail because they have a house?

Ernie Branscomb
Guest
Ernie Branscomb
7 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

As much as I love you Kym, I beg to differ on the arrests. I have never seen any of the many wacked-out people living on the streets of Garbervilla be arrested for anything. Not even shoplifting. Maybe you can cite me an example.

Anon Forrest
Guest
7 years ago
Reply to  Saucy

Saucy, you’re describing the symptom of a disease appearing throughout our nation. Take a bigger look; the homeless weren’t born there. af

SoHum
Guest
SoHum
7 years ago
Reply to  Mogtx

So, Outsiders will foot the bill?

TG
Guest
TG
7 years ago

Well said , thank you so much . Very intelligent, and heart felt . Also a huge percentage of homeless people today are families and teenagers.(young adults ) children. Who cares who’s going to pay right now. The problem is growing and so is crime. Somethings got to give. First step is proactive, which , looks like someone is trying a solution. The problem is not going to go away by sweeping under the rug , turning a blind eye, or complaining about cost. Do nothing and it will cost much more in the long run . Housing then in jail, i.e. Theft , serious crimes. Ect ect .

THC
Guest
THC
7 years ago
Reply to  TG

I know how you could help right away,go out on the street and invite a homeless person to move in with you.

MaryJo MoffattMaka
Guest
MaryJo MoffattMaka
7 years ago
Reply to  THC

Odd but love it I used to until…. I was homeless… but I still did it…took people home fed them assured safety,not always hot shower but bathing rest and clothing…then I got housing first and guess what I still do it….

Anon Forrest
Guest
7 years ago

Your post made an old Hippie’s heart feel good. Back in the day, doors were open to folks traveling up and down California. Hitch hiking was THE mode of transportation, and friendships were established lasting into today.
Folks picked up similarly appearing folks and gave them a ride as well as hospitality, and stay overs could evolve into employment or other opportunities. “Homeless” didn’t even figure. Good times. af

Hmmm
Guest
Hmmm
7 years ago
Reply to  THC

Ha! I was thinking the same thing! Let’s just see if that happens, seriously doubt it…big mouth on here but really shut up and do something already..

Mogtx
Guest
7 years ago

Can you answer any of your questions B boy ?

Hmmm
Guest
Hmmm
7 years ago

That’s it!!! I’m quitting my job and becoming a drug attic so I have an excuse to not Work, and then all you hard working suckers are going to pay for my home, food, medical and cell phone, and I’m going to aggressively demand you give me money when your walking into a restaurant and or grocery store, and when I’m high on my drug of choice I’m going to go rob your house you work so hard for, soooo sorry eureka you asked for it!!!!!

tugboat
Guest
7 years ago

I have dealt with the homeless thru the Mission on 2 street, most of the homeless , not all , most dont want to work, and they feel pity on us working people. They think and verbally say that we are sold out to the ” man ‘ they sneer at us for being uncool. work and responsibility to them is as far as the East is from the West
give them a house and they think you are the fool. I think your good works are fine, but they will not save you.