Officials address homelessness

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EUREKA, Ca. (KIEM) The City of Eureka and Humboldt County are supporting members of the community actively experiencing homelessness.

“It goes without saying it’s difficult to shelter in place when you do not have access to shelter. That is not only a social concern but it is also a public consideration,” the City of Eureka’s Mayor Susan Seaman said.

A strong message from the City of Eureka’s mayor and also a concern for many residents.

The city is taking steps to support those most vulnerable and exposed right now, according to Seaman.

“In addition to deploying our front line services we’ve taken a number of other important actions,” she said.

The City Community Safety Engagement Team or C-SET, is coordinating a new protocol to house community members released from jail.

“Inmates who were in jail for at least 14 days, symptom-free are now given the option to be picked up by staff from the Eureka Rescue Mission for immediate shelter,” Seaman said.  

There is now a new covid-19 screening and assessment protocol. 

“Homeless community members can be assessed by a primary healthcare physician from Open Door or the emergency room and transported to a medical facility 24/7,” Seaman said.  

The City of Eureka is working closely with Humboldt County.

“We developed some algorithms to help move those individuals towards testing if they are symptomatic,” said County Health Director, Dr. Teresa Frankovich.

If necessary transportation to a local motel for quarantine or isolation in a sheltered location is also provided.

“While we are awaiting test results,” she said. “And if someone is positive, to provide on-going shelter until they are no longer infectious.”

The county is also looking at plans and implementing some new measures to protect those in high-risk groups.

“I’m sure everyone’s been noticing hand washing stations and Porta-Potties,” Frankovich. “It’s a work in progress, but I think that we got a lot of key pieces already in place. We will be constantly expanding that.”

And doing everything in their power to keep everyone safe.