Community Update for Spring
March 25, 2025
Ah, Spring in So Hum . As I started to write this community update on March 15 it was COLD - now on the 25th it is quite lovely and WARM reminding us that this bipolar weather is part of the challenges living in our beautiful community. I say that from the perspective of helping our unhoused community. Otherwise, bring it on, right?
Our Engineering team has drafted the renovation of the grange blueprint. It is needed to make a bid package that we will offer to local contractors, shortly. We are fine tuning the design to enable us to have sustainability down the road by using the building for other community services. This includes emergency shelter in the event of an earthquake, fire and whatever else may come our way to allow a space for people to come for shelter / food assistance.
As we move forward with our transitional housing program we do so being flexible in how we proceed. In the meanwhile, we brought in folks from identified encampments we specified on the grant to motel rooms. We are happy to report that we have moved 3 into housing with another 2 close behind. The best birthday present I got was seeing these nice people have a place to live and their willingness to be active in doing what was needed to get housing. Redwoods Rural Community Services has begun outreach services helping those we place in housing go forward with their new life. Christy Watson, SHO Outreach is working closely with them. Our new Administrative Assistant, Camaris Faircloth is getting us on track with our social media and all office duties. Lisa Lee is working interim part time keeping our site and office in top form. Under volunteer Deborah Orlando our garden beds are being developed to plant as soon as the weather allows.
SHO Fundraising Committee meets weekly. We are considering providing dinner for the October 11, 2025 Avenue of the Giants marathon. Working on the details now. Also looking at doing a shared fundraiser with Community Cornerstone on personalized pavers. Of course, we have our very cool t-shirts designed by an amazing Bay Area artist, Joel Kirchenbaum (AKA Joel Cherrytree), who has generously donated his design. Joel’s designs for “Get Out the Vote” were given the green light by Grateful Dead to recreate and customize their art. Locally printed by Keith Arnoul of Mattole River Studios, we are proud to work with our local community. We will offer a free t-shirt for a donation of $50.00. Otherwise they sell for $30. We will post on Facebook when available.
Lastly, on fundraising, we will shuttle for upcoming events in our community. We will advertise in advance. The Grant people like to see fundraising efforts showing community support. We welcome community involvement.
The concept of a safe camp is moving forward. We have identified the property that offers both homes and acreage to create a campground/ micro house village for those who have needs outside of conventional housing. It is a secured area and will have proper oversight. Through my years of observation and working with our unhoused community I feel most of those left in the encampments would fare much better in a safe camp rather than typical housing.
Looking forward to our Real Spring and new beginnings!
With continued gratitude for our community support,
Patte Rae, President
SoHum Housing Opportunities