“Safe Warm and Dry First!”
Vision Statement: Everyone has a human right to a safe and legal place to live.
Mission Statement: AHHA provides information, education, advocacy and policy development for affordable housing with the homeless in Humboldt County. AHHA will facilitate the implementation of these alternative housing models by networking with private groups, nonprofits, public agencies, faith-based organizations, individual volunteers, and by partnering with the cities, county and others to ensure development and capacity building.
Guiding Principles:
Everyone has the right to Safe, Legal Shelter with Dignity and Respect.
Being “Safe, Warm and Dry First!” is a required condition to achieve a healthy, productive life.
The whole community benefits when everyone feels safe and respected.
A healthy community provides opportunities for those less fortunate and shares its resources.
The lack of affordable housing is the main cause of homelessness.
The definition of affordable housing needs to change to reflect the needs of the houseless and unsheltered.
Alternative affordable housing options give houseless people choices and create less impact on Humboldt County.
County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) could be more effectively distributed by implementing a variety of housing options proven to be successful in other areas.
Participants in these alternative options would be more self-sufficient.
AHHA continues to declare a 'Shelter Crisis.' “Declaration of a shelter crisis" means a significant number of persons are without shelter, resulting in a threat to their health and safety.” [CAGovtCode§8698(d)]. In January, 2016 the City of Eureka declared a shelter crisis. In February of 2018 the County of Humboldt declared a shelter crisis. Humboldt County has a shelter crisis!
Goals include developing a variety of affordable homeless housing alternatives:
Resident and Nonprofit Co-Managed Micro Housing Villages with community kitchens, gardens, restrooms, showers and microbusinesses.
Campgrounds throughout the county, located near to services.
Camp sanctuaries for cars, tents, RVs, open tent camping, and bike and ride.
Church camping in tents, cars, and RVs.
Zoning variances to allow residential camping and micro housing on residential, city, and county properties. Foreclosures and land trust opportunities.
Rest Areas, places for legal, safe, sleep, open 24/7.
Locations in County and City parks, schools, vacant buildings, and private property.
Hygiene Stations: showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, water, waste disposal and lockers.
Youth Camps, Farm-Worker Housing and Nomadic campgrounds.
Active engagement of our community and organizations to build strong, collaborative Working Groups, and successful community coalitions that create housing/shelter alternatives for homeless and maximize affordable housing options.
