The Eureka City Council meeting on November 5, 2024, commenced with a significant proclamation recognizing National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, which will take place from November 17 to November 23, 2024. Council Member Katie Moulton led the presentation, emphasizing the theme "Being homeless is not a crime; housing is a human right."

During the proclamation, Moulton highlighted the pressing issues of hunger and homelessness affecting many individuals and families in Eureka. She referenced a report from the California Center for Rural Policy, noting that over 31% of adults and 37% of households with children in Humboldt County experience food insecurity. The proclamation underscored the barriers that homelessness creates in accessing essential services, including healthcare, childcare, and education, and pointed out that the high costs of living contribute to these challenges.

The proclamation called for community collaboration to address these issues and encouraged support for organizations dedicated to providing shelter, food, and essential services to those in need. Moulton concluded by urging the community to work together to find meaningful solutions to hunger and homelessness.

Following the proclamation, Wintchel Dellenbeck, a representative from Affordable Homeless Housing Alternatives and a board member of Health Care for All California, expressed his gratitude for the recognition and the importance of addressing these critical issues in the community.

The meeting highlighted the city's commitment to raising awareness and fostering action against hunger and homelessness, setting a tone for community engagement in the upcoming week dedicated to these pressing social issues.