Press release from North Edge:

Households in Humboldt County spend an average of 43% of their income on child care for two children, far above the California average of 30% and the national average of 27%. A recent survey also found that 75% of parents report missing work or relying on household members for care due to high costs, limited availability, and scheduling challenges.

To address this urgent need, families in Humboldt County now have additional support through the Humboldt Child Care Stabilization Fund Parent Subsidy.

The program provides one-time payments of $600 for part-time care and $1,200 for full-time care for parents with children under the age of five who are enrolled in child care or preschool. The payments are made directly to licensed child care providers, ensuring funds go toward covering the cost of care. Providers also receive a small administrative stipend. Because the subsidy is paid to providers rather than families, the assistance does not count as income and will not affect eligibility for other income-tested programs.

Parents who live or work in Humboldt County are eligible if their household income is at or below 105% of the threshold required for existing child care subsidies. To date, about $400,000 has already been distributed to parents. A total of $1.5 million has been set aside for these parent subsidies, which will continue until October 2026 or until funds are depleted.

In spring 2022, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors allocated $4.86 million of State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) to support the county’s child care industry. The Parent Subsidy Program is one part of that investment.

“This program provides immediate relief for families while also strengthening our child care system,” said North Edge Program Director, Susan Seaman. “Access to affordable, quality care supports parents, children, and our local economy.”

Applications can be completed online at this link. The application requires information from both the parent and the child care provider. Completed applications can be emailed to Child Care Stabilization Administrator, Kelly McGowan at kelly@northedgefinancing.org, mailed, or dropped off at North Edge, 707 K Street, Eureka, CA 95501. The program will remain open until October 2026 or until all funds are distributed.

North Edge, the administrator for this program, is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) committed to delivering responsible, affordable lending to help economically disadvantaged people and communities join the economic mainstream. North Edge provides loans and support to entrepreneurial, innovative business and community endeavors, such as the Humboldt Child Care Stabilization Fund. Head to www.humboldtchildcare.org to learn more about the financial aid available to Humboldt Child Care providers and families, or contact Kelly McGowan at kelly@northedgefinancing.org with any questions.