Arcata Opens New Homeless Shelter with Room for 40 Adults and Pets, Funded by State’s Encampment Resolution Funds

Arcata’s latest initiative to combat homelessness has seen the opening of a new shelter, the “Ramp House,” which can accommodate 40 adults and some pets. This development marks a significant milestone for the Arcata House Partnership, a local homeless-services organization that has been working diligently to address housing insecurity.

The shelter, named in honor of local advocate Rudy Ramp, offers non-congregant housing, allowing residents to have private rooms with single or double beds. It is also the only ADA-accessible shelter on the North Coast, ensuring accessibility for all. The facility is staffed 24/7 by a team of 10-12 full-time employees, ready to support its residents.

Funding for the Ramp House came from the state’s Encampment Resolution funds, with the Arcata House Partnership receiving approximately $3.7 million in 2024. This funding not only facilitated the construction of the shelter but will also support its operations through June 2027. There is hope for continued funding to extend the shelter’s operation until 2031.

Despite this progress, challenges remain. Darlene Spoor, the executive director of the Arcata House Partnership, emphasized the ongoing struggle with affordable housing. For every individual housed, she estimates that three more become homeless. This cycle highlights the broader issue of housing insecurity, with nearly 3,000 people currently on the waiting list for affordable housing programs.

The shelter aims to provide temporary relief, with residents staying for up to 90 days. However, Spoor acknowledges the difficulty in ensuring a smooth transition to permanent housing due to the scarcity of affordable options. The Ramp House stands as a beacon of hope, embodying the spirit of community support and compassion, as reflected in the biblical call to care for the least among us, as seen in Matthew 25:35.

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