Homeless advocates urge Humboldt County Supervisors to declare a shelter crisis

EUREKA, CA. – After gathering a thousand signatures, a group of community members rallied in front of the Humboldt County Courthouse, before marching inside to petition the Board of Supervisors to declare a shelter crisis.

Led by members of AHHA, or Affordable Homeless Housing Alternatives, about a dozen people held signs, and about as many made their way to the podium on Tuesday morning to explain why they think a shelter crisis declaration should be prioritized.

Such a declaration would relax zoning and liability restrictions to make creating alternative living facilities, such as tiny home communities, a faster and easier process.

It would not, however, necessarily bring in funding.

With homelessness issues so extreme in the county, AHHA members continue to advocate for the declaration and believe it’s the best first step.

“Today we are here again, almost four years to date, asking for the Shelter Crisis Declaration to be put on to the agenda, so we can have a conversation,” said AHHA Vice President, Debra Carey.

“It’s going to improve the lives of people,” added AHHA President, Nezzie Wade, “And when we have productive members of community that can contribute, it’s good for the economy, it’s good for everything.”

Supervisors have yet comment on moving the shelter crisis discussion forward.

We will continue to update you on this issue.