Why is this important?

Access to safe, stable, and affordable housing is part of the foundation for health and wellbeing - an important social determinant of health. When an individual or family experiences barriers to housing, the ability live a healthy and productive life is severely impacted. 
Priority Area

Housing Instability & Homelessness

Housing instability and homelessness are complex problems nationally and in Humboldt County. Safe, stable and affordable housing is part of the foundation for health and well-being - an important social determinant of health. In Humboldt County, the number of people experiencing homelessness during the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count continues to remain high and the percentage of households cost-burdened by their rent or mortgage is higher than most other counties in California. 
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Compared to CA Counties, Humboldt has a value of 62.1% which is in the worst 25% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 53.1% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 55.8%. Compared to CA Counties, Humboldt has a value of 62.1% which is in the worst 25% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 53.1% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 55.8%.
Renters Spending 30% or More of Household Income on Rent
Compared to CA Counties, Humboldt has a value of 40.5% which is in the worst 25% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 37.2% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 39.9%. Compared to CA Counties, Humboldt has a value of 40.5% which is in the worst 25% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 37.2% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 39.9%.
Mortgaged Owners Spending 30% or More of Household Income on Housing
Compared to CA Counties, Humboldt has a value of 24.7% which is in the worst 25% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 21.8% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 24.1%. Compared to CA Counties, Humboldt has a value of 24.7% which is in the worst 25% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 21.8% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 24.1%.
Severe Housing Problems
Compared to CA Counties, Humboldt has a value of $386,000 which is in the 2nd worst quartile of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value higher than $423,800 while counties in the worst 25% have a value lower than $326,125. Compared to CA Counties, Humboldt has a value of $386,000 which is in the 2nd worst quartile of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value higher than $423,800 while counties in the worst 25% have a value lower than $326,125.
Median Housing Unit Value

County: Humboldt

(Compared to CA Counties)

Strategy Map
The CHIP strategy maps were developed in collaboration with community partners to create a snapshot of the good work happening in Humboldt County related to the priority areas. The maps do not represent the full spectrum of efforts and partners working to improve local population health but are intended to highlight some of the amazing work that already exists, support alignment and awareness of this work, build capacity for identifying and implementing new strategies and track collective progress toward our goals. The strategy maps are subject to change as community partners continue to do this work and learn more about the impact that COVID-19 has had on our community.
Graphic that shows strategies for health improvement

Windows on a white wall

 Progress: Housing Instability & Homelessness

Click on the bars below to learn about progress being made in each of these strategies. *Note: Since we are still adding information about our collective efforts, only some bars will expand. 

Goal 1: Increase access to safe, decent and affordable housing for all

*Increase the supply of safe and affordable housing (production and maintenance)


2025

*Increase access to diversion / problem-solving support


2024

*Increase access to interim housing


2025

*Increase access to rapid re-housing


2025

*Increase access to permanent housing


2025

*Increase access to permanent supportive housing


2025

*Increase availability of a variety of affordable and safe homeless housing alternatives


2025

Goal 2: Increase access to supportive services for people who experience or are at risk of experiencing homelessness

*Increase availability of supportive services for those unstably housed and experiencing homelessness


2024

*Promote strategies to increase housing equity


2025

*Increase access to respite and recuperative care for people experiencing homelessness


2025

Improve quality and use of data to inform planning and track progress (HMIS, Coordinated Entry System, etc.)


2024

  • Adopt new database that is more accessible to community partners who serve people experiencing homelessness

*Increase outreach and engagement with landlords and property managers


2024