January 25, 2021
President Mindy called the meeting to order at noon and we broke into small groups for some table talk time. 26 members were in attendance.
Klark Swan gave the inspirational moment. “No one has ever become poor by giving.” Quote from Ann Frank. Klark talked about what that meant to her.
President Mindy introduced our guest speaker, Nezzie Wade from AHHA.
Rotarian Dr. Scott Sattler Rotary Club of Eureka member from 1985 – 2003, passed away recently. Dennis Hunter shared some memories and noted that Scott we’ll be missed.
Arny King produced a video on past president, Frank McGee who owned the Eureka Woolen Mills. He was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Eureka. He died young living from 1883 to 1931. His company was very successful. He had a lot of government contracts for wool products. At that time 1/3 of the available land in Humboldt was devoted to sheep grazing. Eureka Woolen Mills had 225 employees. He was very involved in his community. He eventually married but unfortunately died two years later at the age of 46. He rests at the Sunset Memorial Park in Eureka. He is now a founding member Paul Harris Fellow.
Nezzie Wade is with Affordable Homeless Housing Alternatives (AHHA). www.ahha-humco.org. AHHA was established in 2014 and is a non-profit. They provide information, education, advocacy and policy development for affordable housing with the homeless in Humboldt County. Their mission is to develop alternatives to homelessness. They have a shower Care-A-Van and give homeless people showers and care packages including soap, etc. clothing, food, haircuts, cell phone charging, etc. So they provide multi-faceted services.
They are currently working on plans for a tiny home village as a sustainable housing project. They also participate in a lot of legislation advocacy.
They survive with the help of volunteers. They are currently funded to provide services 2 days a week. Tuesdays they are in Eureka and can provide about 20 showers and other services to about 40 to 45 people. They are in Arcata on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays. McKinleyville, 1st and 3rd Saturdays. Once a month they are in the Garberville/Redway area. They are usually in need of men’s clothing, especially smaller pant sizes. Hygiene products are always needed as are larger men’s shoes. They are always in need of volunteers and donations. It costs about $250+ each time they take the shower Care-A-Van out.