Eureka expands Uplift Stewards program citywide, seeks Clean California grant funds for stipends

The City of Eureka will expand its Old Town Stewards pilot project citywide after staff presented results and next steps to the council on Dec. 2. Social Services Coordinator Hannah Ozanian described the volunteer-driven program—s three focus areas—city beautification, outreach and resource navigation, and promotion of local history—and said the city hopes to unite volunteers into a single community-stewards pool serving multiple neighborhoods.

Ozanian said the pilot launched in July 2024, that 15 volunteers are now trained, and that the program logged 78 service hours across 42 shifts in November. The stewards perform tasks ranging from trash pickup and deep cleans to staffed outreach at events, historical walking tours and a weekly Connections Club that provides meals and arts activities in partnership with Saint Vinnie's and Providence—s resource center.

Councilmembers asked about volunteer demographics, outreach to schools and whether stipends could be paid to people with lived experience. Staff said the city applied for a Clean California grant (approximately $200,000) and that roughly half of the requested funds would be proposed for stipends and positions for people with lived experience; the staff liaison said job-skills training will continue even if stipends are not secured. City staff emphasized the program is meant to support—not supplant—existing services and to coordinate with organizations such as Keep Eureka Beautiful, the Clark Museum and the Eureka Heritage Society.

Council members thanked staff and volunteers and asked staff to return with implementation details as the program scales. Staff said additional hubs and outreach activities (including Waterfront Trail bike outreach) are planned and invited schools and community partners to participate.