Being mayor is a job that balances compassion and passion. Can you describe your contributions to Eureka through volunteer work that you have done. How long have you volunteered in Eureka?

— HumboldtJoeytyeKangaroo

Responses

Anil Dwivedi

My service to Eureka has not always come with the title of “volunteer,” but it has come through action.

Long before I ever asked the people of Eureka for their vote, I was investing my time, resources, my own money and energy into helping people in this community. Through my own apartment building, I have provided housing to more than 40 extremely low-income individuals and families, many of whom came to us after experiencing homelessness or serious housing instability. They have been able to live in private renovated studios and one-bedroom apartments with their average out of pocket cost approximately $300 per month, including most utilities and services and have a safe, stable place to call home. 

I did this before I was a candidate, before I held public office, and without expecting recognition or votes in return.

To me, compassion is more than talking about helping the less fortunate. It is taking action when you have the ability to help.

That is the same philosophy I would bring to the Mayor’s office: compassion with action, accountability, and real results.

~Anil Dwivedi

Kim Bergel

Being mayor is a job that balances compassion and passion. Can you describe your contributions to Eureka through volunteer work that you have done. How long have you volunteered in Eureka.

I believe all individuals in our community have value and i demonstrate that through my actions. Going back to my first council term, as we were preparing to clear Palco Marsh for the new trail and health hazard, I spent a lot of time making connections and supporting folks with what they needed. Sometimes that was just being seen and heard, sometimes it was socks or rain boots other times it was food or a ride to the emergency room. During that time I developed friendships with many folks out there and maintain many of those relationships today. I am so proud of the willingness of many to get clean and sober, to accept services, and to join mainstream life. I think we sometimes forget the courage it takes to step out of what we know, housed or unhoused.

The year of the closure I was down in Palco Marsh nearly every day, with many other community members to support folks through the change. Grateful for that time. Since that time continue to show up for people. I spend a good amount of

time at St. Vincent De’Paul wiping tables and connecting with folks. I go on clean ups out on the trail with PacOut Green Team when I can for nearly 10 years now.

I work with Betty Chinn when there is opportunity, generally holiday meals, Pathways to Payday, and anything she calls me about.

I have showed up for over 10 years as an elf/Mrs. Clause with various Santa’s to give out presents to children at the Rescue Mission, Free Meal, and Uplift Eureka and even once as the Easter Bunny 

I support Uplift Eureka, CSET, and CARE teams by my actions and go out with CSET at least once a year to learn more about this critical service in our community.

I have created a Mental Health Initiative and a team and have hosted 7 educational town halls on various related topics to help us better understand each other. 

I do various other activities as well. I have participated in the Perilous Plunge (a fundraiser for the Discovery Museum)for nearly 17 years.

I have been in many dunk tanks for various causes, volunteered for managing traffic at events, volunteered at packet pick up for the Humboldt Bay Marathon for 10 years, and even participated as a guest this year at the Galentine’s Burlesque, a performance and fundraiser to supportinf  the Breast Health Project. (To clarify no clothes removed not even the gloves :) )

I continue to reach out to folks and do what I can to get them connected to what they need.

I was taught to never ask anyone to do something I’m not willing to do myself and believe strongly that a healthy community lifts each other up. All people in our community have value. Whether I am out in the greenbelt. at a gala or at my day job I practice modeling the behavior I want to see.

I show up. I am kind. And I love our community! 

 

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