Humboldt & Del Norte Counties

United Way is working to advance the common good in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties by focusing on education, income and health - the building blocks to a good quality life. The following programs and initatives has been the focus of United Way's work within the two counties, along with our partners.

Schools of Hope / Decade of Difference Early Literacy Tutoring Program
According to the 2011 California STAR assessment, 55% of third grade students living in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties are not reading at grade level. Studies show students who score below reading proficiency by the end of third grade have a 75% increased risk for becoming a high school drop out. United Way and the Decade of Difference: 2020 Initiative have worked together to implement Schools of Hope, which brings tutors into the classrooms to provide one-on-one tutoring with those children struggling with their reading. In its second year, Schools of Hope is already showing success in helping struggling students gain confidence in their reading abilities and in school.

Humboldt Children’s Health Initiative
United Way is working to increase awareness and advocacy efforts around the importance of affordable children’s health insurance through this initative as well as working with FIRST 5 Humboldt to provide resource referrals for parents with young children through the United Way Community Switchboard.

FamilyWize
By using the FamilyWize discount card, an average of 30% is saved on prescriptions from participating pharmacies. The card can be used by anyone with, or without, insurance. There is no enrollment, activation process or fees associated with the card. 

Humboldt Community Switchboard (moving towards a 2-1-1 Call Center)
The Community Switchboard is a free, confidential information and referral center providing trained specialists who listen and connect callers to community resources. United Way is working with a 2-1-1 Community Network of professionals who are committed to establishing a 2-1-1 Call Center in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. January 2012 was the kick-off month for the 2-1-1 Certification Process for Humboldt County. Read more about the kick-off by clicking here. Learn more about the Humboldt Community Switchboard and the many resources it provides.

Community Partnerships

• Decade of Difference – 2020 Initiative
• Child Spree – a back to school clothes drive for kids in need
• Humboldt Housing & Homeless Coalition
• Children’s Health Initiative
• Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD)
• RICHES Coalition
• Host of Community Copier for local non-profit use
• Funders Network
• Safety Net Funders Network
• Backpacks for Kids workgroup with Food for People
• Mobility Management Coalition
• Food Stamp Task Force
• Health Start Schools & Community Partnerships

•  Day of Caring in Humboldt County is co-sponsored by United Way and Humboldt State University. It has been a day for hundreds of volunteers to come together at one time to give back to the community. It is also a way for Humboldt State University students to feel more connected to the community by  taking a break from studying and rolling up their sleeves to complete community service projects. Projects have included painting, gardening, fence repair and emergency food box preparation.
• Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) for Humboldt County: United Way is the administrator for FEMA funds coming through the EFSP program from United Way Worldwide, through an annual grant earmarked to directly support local organizations with food and shelter services. Thirteen local non-profits who received EFSP funds in 2011 to further support their efforts in providing food and shelter services for the community.
• VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Assisting in Disaster): United Way works closely with the American Red Cross, the Office of the Emergency Services, RCAA and the County of Humboldt to help facilitate regular VOAD meetings comprised of public and non-profit organizations who commit to be actively engaged in helping during a disaster. The Humboldt County Disaster Relief Fund is managed by United Way.

Regional Advisory Council

United Way Contact
Gabrielle Parkinson
Regional Manager
707.443.8637