County health meeting reviewed benefits changes, winter shelter planning, veteran services

Humboldt County stakeholders gathered for the HHHC General Meeting on November 13 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. The agenda, posted to the County Agenda Center on November 10, focused on policy changes and operational planning that carry direct consequences for low income residents, people experiencing homelessness, and local veterans.

The session opened with a presentation on upcoming CalFresh and Medi Cal changes delivered by Nelia Green Goodwin, the county Department of Health and Human Services outreach liaison. The presentation was scheduled to cover eligibility adjustments, enrollment procedures, and outreach strategies designed to help residents maintain and access benefits during a period of state level policy change. For Humboldt County this work is central to ensuring food security and continuity of health coverage, especially for households with unstable housing or limited transportation.

A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to winter weather shelter services and planning for winter shelter operations. County and community providers discussed coordination of space, staffing, transportation and outreach to reach people who are unsheltered. Planning for severe weather shelter is a recurring public health priority in Humboldt County, where coastal storms and cold snaps increase the risk of hypothermia and illness among unhoused residents. The meeting agenda stressed the need for equitable access to shelters, including outreach to people in rural and frontier parts of the county.

Legislative updates were presented by the county DHHS legislative and policy manager. Those updates provided local context about state and federal legislation that shapes funding streams and program rules for benefits and shelter services. Understanding legislative timelines and likely policy shifts helps local agencies align their planning and advocacy, and supports community partners who rely on predictable funding.

The meeting also included a presentation about the California Veterans Health Initiative grant program from Nation’s Finest, a CVHI grantee. The grant work aims to improve health access for veterans, a population with higher rates of housing instability and complex health needs. Local veterans service organizations and health providers may be able to leverage the grant to expand outreach and care coordination.

Time was allotted for public comment and questions and answers, and the single page agenda provided a Zoom connection and the HHHC vision and mission. For community members, the meeting underscored how state and local policy changes intersect with on the ground services, and highlighted opportunities for public input. Moving forward, residents and service providers should watch for follow up materials and implementation details from the county to understand how the discussed changes will be put into practice.