The City of Arcata is seeking opportunities to provide housing to community members experiencing homelessness.
As part of this effort, the City of Arcata is informing the public about two meetings taking place on Wednesday, December 1 to discuss potential projects being proposed to the City by Danco Properties and Arcata House Partnership. These projects have the potential to bring funds to Arcata to rapidly create housing opportunities for residents experiencing homelessness.
If given approval by the Arcata City Council, the Community Development Department will apply for state Homekey funds administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development to help pay for the proposed projects. The City would be submitting the grant application as the lead agency with Arcata House Partnership and Danco as project proponents. Homekey funds provide the opportunity for state, regional, Tribal, and local public entities to develop a broad range of housing types for those experiencing homelessness, who are more likely to be impacted by COVID-19 and other communicable diseases. Housing types include, but are not limited to hotels, motels, hostels, single-family homes and multifamily apartments, and the opportunity to convert commercial properties and other existing buildings to interim or permanent housing.
Danco Properties and Arcata House Partnership have identified two locations in Arcata’s Valley West neighborhood with potential to provide rapid housing. These sites would provide approximately 130 rooms for individuals experiencing homelessness with 24-hour access to services and security, seven days a week. The site locations include the Red Roof Inn, located at 4975 Valley West Boulevard and the Days Inn, located at 4701 Valley West Boulevard.
Danco and Arcata House Partnership will host two neighborhood meetings to discuss the proposed projects on Wednesday, December 1. Representatives from both agencies will share information about the projects they are proposing, including how each facility would be structured and what amenities they will provide.
The first meeting is specifically for residents experiencing homelessness. The meeting will take place at noon in the parking lot outside of Arcata House Partnership, located at 4677 Valley West Boulevard. If it is raining, pop-up shelters will be in place, and food, childcare and Spanish translation will be provided. Attendees must follow all COVID-19 protocols in place including wearing facial coverings and physical distancing.
The second meeting will provide the opportunity for neighborhood residents, businesses and property owners to learn more about the project. The meeting will take place at 2 PM on Zoom, and those who live, work or own a business in the Valley West neighborhood are especially encouraged to attend. Please click here to access the Zoom link.
The Community Development Department will request approval to submit the Homekey grant application from the Arcata City Council at their meeting scheduled on Wednesday, December 15. A public notice will be sent to neighborhood residents prior to the City Council meeting, and public comment will be accepted at the City Council meeting.
For more information, please email sdiehlmccarthy@cityofarcata.org or call 707-825-2168.
For more information on Homekey, please visit homekey.hcd.ca.gov. For more information on Community Development projects and plans, please click here.