David asks Gordon Clatworthy…

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Healthcare, Housing, and Homelessness

Healthcare and housing seem to be the biggest problems facing Humboldt county, How would you address those problems? What do you think about the homeless drug users all over the streets?  

— David

Response

Gordon Clatworthy

Homelessness, housing, and healthcare appear to be interconnected, with housing emerging as a central issue. Addressing housing concerns can serve as a means to alleviate homelessness, offering families a refuge from the streets and providing accommodations for healthcare workers who want to move here but can’t. Additionally, tackling housing and shelter challenges can contribute to easing the strain on our healthcare system by preventing recurring infections and injuries associated with street living.

While some may argue that homelessness is a choice, the reality in Humboldt reveals limitations in shelter options, mental health treatment, and rehabilitation facilities. Homelessness, therefore, appears as a symptom of a more profound issue, primarily related to shelter availability and healthcare.

During the recent Eureka town hall meeting addressing the drug epidemic, I was disheartened to discover that single parents seeking entry into a drug treatment program would be required to surrender their child to the state if alternative caregiving arrangements couldn’t be secured for the treatment duration. At this juncture, I believe we should explore all possible solutions without excluding any options. Ignoring these problems or impeding development in the region will only exacerbate our challenges in the long term.

Some of the solutions I’ve proposed are county owned non-market housing, relaxing legal requirements for building temporary shelters, and working with state and federal grant programs to build housing.  To promote healthcare, I do want us to not only work to promote the region specifically to healthcare workers and doctors, but also speed up the recruiting process. Currently, we have budgeted positions and healthcare systems in place, but we’re facing a shortage and can’t compete with the speed of other agencies to fill those positions.