OLLI Brown Bag Lunch Presentation 10/6/25: How Federal & State Funding Cuts Could Affect Housing

How Federal and State Funding Cuts Could Affect Housing in Humboldt County with Darlene Spoor, Executive Director, Arcata House Partnership:

There is much happening at the federal and state level that will have an effect on people's ability to remained housed and to access nutritious food. This hour will focus on what we know that has been affected, what might be coming our way, and the impact on those people who are most affected. The impacts will be far reaching -- beyond our seniors, our unemployed, and our neighbors who are unhoused. Certainly it will affect people who are low income; but also their friends, their landlords, and local businesses will be impacted if substantial federal support is no longer available.

Arcata House Partnership serves individuals and families experiencing homelessness and food insecurity providing service to over 900 individuals county wide in 2024. Over 10,000 shelter bed nights were provided to the most vulnerable. 38,341 meals were provided and 8,100 grocery bags of food support were distributed through our programs and food pantries. Our program gleaned 416,000 pounds of food from stores and restaurants that did not go the landfill. Rental support was provided to 121 individuals and families. And the agency contributed $8.6M in funds that went back into the community. To learn more or to volunteer go to arcatahouse.org

Since 2016, Dr. Darlene Spoor has served as the executive director of Arcata House Partnership. During her tenure, the organization has flourished providing a commitment to a sustainable organization that provides compassionate and effective services to thousands of unhoused, and low-income individuals each year. Dr. Spoor has over 30 years progressive experience in non-profit management and leadership as well as extensive experience creating programs.