Arcata House Partnership: about 73 seniors in Coordinated Entry System; South County reorganization underway

During agency updates at the April 22 HHHC Executive Committee meeting, Arcata House Partnership announced a senior-focused community talk and viewing scheduled for April 29 and reported that there are about 73 seniors currently in the Coordinated Entry System (CES), many of whom do not appear to be interacting with HMIS-participating programs and who often call 2-1-1 for assistance.

Arcata House Partnership framed the event as the start of a community conversation about supporting seniors who need homelessness services. The meeting record also indicates that RCAA has several staff who are SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) certified, though it was not specified which other local providers offer SOAR services. South County Homes For All reported organizational reorganization in Southern Humboldt around which organization will manage case management services and said it will meet with a representative about serving as a regular Executive Committee alternate.

Why it matters: The reported count of roughly 73 seniors in the CES highlights a potentially underserved client group and suggests gaps in benefit-access outreach and HMIS engagement. SOAR certification at RCAA could help with benefits access, but the Committee noted uncertainty about broader local capacity.

Details and next steps: The Committee noted the need to follow up on outreach to seniors and clarify who provides SOAR services across the CoC. Operational and staffing changes in Southern Humboldt will be tracked as South County Homes For All finalizes arrangements. Robert Ward (DHHS) will circulate a draft qualification agreement for Case Conference Committee admission at the next meeting, which may intersect with provider roles and access to CES.