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Eureka plans citywide expansion of "Stewards" volunteer program
Summary
City staff presented plans to expand the Old Town Stewards pilot into a citywide Community Stewards program. Staff reported 15 trained volunteers, 78 service hours in November across 42 shifts, outreach activities and a pending Clean California grant application that could fund stipends.
City staff told the council Dec. 2 that the Old Town Stewards pilot is moving into a broader, citywide "Community Stewards" program that will use volunteers to support beautification, outreach, resource navigation and local-history promotion.
Social Services Coordinator Hannah (Uplift) described the program’s mission and operations: volunteers run regular cleanups and “deep cleans,” staff informational tables at community events, lead free historical walking tours in Old Town and organize monthly Unity Day outreach and services at Saint Vinnie’s. Hannah said the program launched in July 2024 and has grown to a committed core of volunteers.
Hannah reported current program metrics and expectations: a team of 15 trained volunteers, 78 hours of service during November across 42 shifts, and a suggested commitment of roughly 5 hours per month from volunteers. Councilmembers praised the program and asked about outreach to local schools and whether stipends might be provided to people with lived experience. Staff said the city and Uplift applied for a Clean California grant (approximately $200,000) and that nearly half of the requested funds would support stipends and positions for people with lived experience if awarded. Staff also said job-skills training would continue with or without stipend funding.
Councilmembers encouraged connections with Eureka schools and with other neighborhood hubs as the program expands beyond Old Town. Staff said the program intends to remain supportive of existing agencies rather than supplant them, building partnerships with the Clark Museum, Daguru Louie Cultural Center, Keep Eureka Beautiful and local service providers.
The council did not take formal action on the program at the Dec. 2 meeting but endorsed continuing outreach and the next steps toward citywide expansion.
