A holiday resource list: Free food, hot meals and winter necessities

For many local residents, the holiday season can be a lonely or expensive experience. We have compiled a list of different holiday resources for those who might be by themselves or in need this year.

Eureka Rescue Mission
110 Second St, Eureka
(707) 443-4551

The Eureka Rescue Mission is giving out hot meals on Saturday, December 23 for anyone. They are also giving out a box filled with traditional holiday food starting now. They will be serving ham this meal starting at noon until supplies last. They will also be providing a box filled with traditional holiday food for people to take home and cook. 

“On Saturday, we will be holding our annual Christmas meal looking to serve anywhere from 200 to 300 meals,” said Bryan Hall Senior, the Executive Director of the Eureka Rescue Mission. 

Food for People
307 W 14th St, Eureka
(707) 445-3166

Food for People will be open for walk-ins for their Eureka Choice Pantry tomorrow, Friday, December 21 and after Christmas on December 27. Depending on your family or household size folks can receive a turkey or chicken for this holiday season. 

“We do have a couple of distribution days around the holidays,” said David Reed, the Development Director for Food for People. “We have one tomorrow, Friday on the 22 and we still have some time for walk-ins available from 1:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. We also have one last distribution after Christmas on Wednesday the 27 and we’ve got appointments available from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on that day and then walk-ins again from 1:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

St. Vincent de Paul
35 W Third St, Eureka
(707) 445-9588

This organization will be hosting a no-sign-up hot meal on Christmas Day. Santa will also be there passing out toys. Everything starts at 11 a.m. 

Humboldt Center For Harm Reduction
(707) 407-6013

For people looking for free warm clothes, blankets, coats, and other winter gear, the Humboldt Center For Harm Reduction is hosting a memorial and warm clothing drive on Friday, December 22 starting at 11 a.m. at the Arcata Plaza.