With high winds and heavy rains predicted for tonight by the US National Weather Service, advocates across Humboldt County are working to provide the homeless with emergency shelter through the worst of the storm 

According to Robin Baker, the Regional Extreme Weather Shelter will be open tonight, Thursday, February 5, in Arcata. “Individuals in the McKinleyville area who would like to stay in the shelter should come to the Family Resource Center at 1450 Hiller Road no later than 3:30 to receive a bus pass to Arcata,” Baker said. “Individuals in the Arcata area wishing to stay in the shelter may check in at the Arcata House Annex next to the Arcata Transit Center on 9th Street between 1:00 and 4:00.”

Baker said, “The Arcata House Partnership is always accepting donations of blankets, towels, toiletries and food. For the Regional Extreme Weather Shelter, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, and towels are especially appreciated.”

In Southern Humboldt, the Vet’s Hall in Garberville will be open at 9 p.m. for those seeking shelter from the storm. (The Hall is rented earlier and not available until then.) Activist Debra Carey said the kitchen won’t be open to this time so the Extreme Weather Shelter will need food that doesn’t have to be refrigerated. Warm food that can “be eaten right away” would be helpful, she said. Blankets will also be needed. 

In Eureka, the Rescue Mission will be able to house the normal 65 single men as well as house women and children. But, if needed, the extreme weather conditions allow the opening of an additional shelter which can house another 25-30 men. Intake, however, is done at the Rescue Mission and individuals seeking shelter should go to 110 Second Street.

Charlotte McDonald, the Executive Director of Eureka Main Street said, “We can always use monetary donations.” Everything, she said, goes into covering the onsite facilitator and purchasing needed items such as cots. Donations can be sent to 525 Second St. Suite 105, Eureka.