Housing Comments and Thoughts

Shared with HCAOG, RCAA, City of Eureka Planning.

After glancing through the methodology of your Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), I am now more confused, which is okay.

In general, I believe that the RHNA allocates needed housing towards concentrated areas, and in many ways is to restrictive in where the majority of allocations are located. I feel that the allocation plan is too restrictive addressing housing needs mainly for the larger populated areas here on the coast. This to me only places a stronger burden on already over-extended services the cities of Arcata, Eureka, Fortuna, and Rio Dell. Yes, there are cities incorporated and unincorporated addressed in the RHNA, but it just seems the only community being addressed in addition to those I noted is McKinleyville.

I also believe that the program does not address the true needs of the County for the very, very low income to have an opportunity to find permanent housing. Housing should be targeting this group in all communities. Individuals should not be forced to move from a very rural community to a community here on the coast, such as Eureka or Arcata. The fact that the County's Housing Authority has a waiting list demonstrates the need for additional housing for the group mentioned.

In addressing the very, very low income, I am also pointing out the needs of the homeless. First, one must admit that there are homeless that will never want to change their situation, this is a given. But we do have a large homeless contingency living in motels that need assistance in changing their situation, not only for the adults, but for the children that are involved and connected to the family.

I believe the County needs to do more outreach to provide for the homeless and their transition into permanent housing. There are areas in Willow Creek, Blue Lake, Redway and Orick that could be developed for very, very low income housing but do not seem to be considered (Of course, I realize that these areas are limited and the development can not only be provided for the very, very low income; development would have to be a mixture of income levels.).

Development of housing in some areas outside of the coast seems more difficult than here on the coast and this should not be an issue. Using Willow Creek as an example, there are a couple individuals in the area who would have liked to add 20 housing units, but because of the restrictions, they dropped the plans. But, I wonder if this same situation was to considered here in McKinleyville or Ridgewood, if the same issues would be brought up? Of course, we shall never know because the actual issues are not known except for the frustration shared to do business with County Planning and so forth.

Returning to the homeless issue, I feel it is wrong that to receive assistance is all located here in the larger cities, but such is life. There are opportunities to assist homeless in the outer communities, yet the resources are very restrictive or limited.

The City of Eureka, Humboldt County and Redwood Community Action Agency worked towards the Multiple Assistance Center (MAC) to serve the so-called needy and homeless and because of funding issues, it has been limited; and, where it is located, even more limited to who is served.

Still, here in the larger cities are where the resources are located and it needs to be utilized much better in serving the County overall. In leaning this way, I believe the Downtowner Motel location would be an location for a "Transitional Housing Program" for the low-income and homeless.

This Transitional Housing Program would address needs such as saving for permanent housing by taking a portion of their limited income and placing it into a kitty for saving up to gain enough to get the first and last month's rent and the deposit usually required. Why here under this program, job training and education will be provided - this will be provided in the form of counseling and if funding is provided on-site.

Use of a Transitional Housing Program and the Downtowner Motel modified would lessen the number of families and individuals living in motels paying nearly 95% of their monthly income. It would promote pride and respect into individuals that are looking to improve their lives - Strict rules for this facility would need to be in place regarding drugs and alcohol, but this is natural for those truly wishing to change.

Just a few thoughts I had.