On Friday, the Humboldt Area Center for Harm Reduction (HACHR) announced it will not be providing any syringe services out of its new Arcata Valley West location.
"Our new Valley West location will be used as an administrative office, a storage space, a place to host volunteers, and participant support services. We are excited to continue offering linkage to low-barrier treatment via telehealth - the Valley West office will make this important treatment available to Arcata participants," HACHR said in a press release.
North Coast News was the first news outlet to report that HACHR will be moving to 5000 Valley West Blvd, Unit 17/18 in Arcata. The organization confirmed the new location in the press release Friday.
HACHR said they plan to reopen to the public in four to six weeks once they settle in and adjust to the new space. The organization was based out of its previous location on Eureka's 3rd Street for the past five years.
"The work we’ve been able to provide has played a role in saving hundreds of lives. We’ve been able to build a strong community for people who use drugs, who are otherwise marginalized and often under-resourced. Our drop-in center has served as a place where people could go to feel safe while being treated with dignity and respect."
Nearby Eureka resident Lucas Martinez lives around the corner from the former Eureka location and said he believes Arcata's Valley West location is a better opinion for them.
"I think the shopping center would be a very good place for them. I just feel like they need a spot where it's not so much residential," Martinez said.
Another nearby Eureka resident Gary Lewis is a member of the organization "Eureka Kids Before Needles". He's hopeful for what it means for his Eureka neighborhood but also concerned for Arcata.
"I understand that they're not handing out syringes at that location, which did worry me very much, but at the same time, I know it is going to bring in a certain element that they're probably not accustomed to there," Lewis said. As for his Eureka neighborhood, Lewis went on to say, "This is not going to be a hub for the former clients of HACHR anymore. And that could really improve things."
According to HACHR, Eureka participants will still be able to access their mobile services in Eureka, in accordance with the Eureka City Council's mobile-only syringe exchange program ordinance established in 2020.
Over in Arcata, Councilmember Meredith Matthews told North Coast News in a statement, " I am proud of the strides that Valley West is making with help from CUNA and all of the VW inhabitants that are committed to beautification, and I would like to see that area continue on a positive trajectory. I look forward to hearing how HACHR plans to add to that. I hope that it involves assistance with much-needed clean-ups."
As for the new location, the organization says its case managers and harm reduction specialists will support participants with various needs such as navigating the healthcare system, obtaining bus tickets, gas cards, clothing, food, water and other basic amenities to stay healthy and safe while engaging with our program.
Watch the full story from Thursday about the new location:
Read the full press release from HACHR below:
Humboldt Area Center for Harm Reduction (The Center) has moved to 5000 Valley West Blvd Unit 17/18 in Arcata. We will reopen to the public in 4-6 weeks, once we settle in and adjust to the new space. For the last 5 years, The Center has been incredibly lucky to have a secure and central location to serve our participants in Eureka. The work we’ve been able to provide has played a role in saving hundreds of lives. We’ve been able to build a strong community for people who use drugs, who are otherwise marginalized and often under-resourced. Our drop in center has served as a place where people could go to feel safe while being treated with dignity and respect. Our Eureka participants will still be able to access our mobile services in Eureka, established in 2020 in accordance with the Eureka City Council’s mobile-only SEP ordinance. Although leaving Eureka is a difficult adjustment, we are excited about the opportunities and future collaborations to come in the Valley West and broader Arcata community. Please reach out to us directly if you have questions! We’d love to talk with you. Rumors and misinformation creates harmful narratives about the people we serve and our organization.
The Center will NOT be providing any syringe services out of our new Valley West location. Arcatasyringe services have long been available through mobile-only outreach, and these services will continue, separate from our office space.. Our new Valley West location will be used as an administrative office, a storage space, a place to host volunteers, and participant support services. We are excited to continue offering linkage to low-barrier treatment via telehealth - the Valley West office will make this important treatment available to Arcata participants.. Our case managers and harm reduction specialists will be available to support participants with a variety of needs like navigating the healthcare system, obtaining bus tickets, gas cards, clothing, food, water and other basic amenities to stay healthy and safe while engaging with our program.
We are eager to connect with our new community partners, neighboring businesses and programs! Below you can find all the ways to contact us. The Center’s staff are a group of welcoming individuals dedicated to advocating for and serving people who use drugs in our community. While the move is bittersweet for us, it presents itself with many opportunities for growth and new access points to vital, life-saving services in the community.
Thank you for any future collaboration and communication,
Jasmine Guerra
Executive Director