First 5 Humboldt creates foundation, buys Eureka site for families

The Humboldt Children and Families Foundation is backing The Belonging Project, starting with a $500,000 donation from the Vesper Society, to help First 5 Humboldt move to a historic Eureka property and create a permanent home for the organization and a place families across the county can use.

The property will be more than office space. First 5 Humboldt has its public office at 325 Second Street, Suite 201, in Eureka, and already runs playgroups, parenting classes, supportive resources and community events. The new site will add a family-centered campus with room for playgroups, professional trainings, community gatherings and outdoor activity, including a large yard, mature fruit trees and plans for a sensory garden. The Humboldt Children and Families Foundation was filed with the California Secretary of State on July 17, 2025, and the nonprofit structure was in place months before the public push for the project.

First 5 Humboldt’s revenue has fallen 40% over four years because of the state tobacco-tax flavor-ban changes. First 5 Humboldt was approved by voter mandate in 1998 and its work is built around a more integrated network of care for children and families. The organization also funds local nonprofits, family resource centers, schools and cities to provide free playgroups for children ages 0 to 5 and their caregivers, along with developmental information, referrals and long-term connections.

In First 5 Humboldt’s 2024-25 local evaluation report, the annual playgroup survey drew 322 respondents. Of those, 85% knew the playgroup leader could refer them to a Family Support Navigator, and 68% had spoken with one. According to First 5 Humboldt, Humboldt is one of two California counties with the highest rate of residents reporting an ACE score of 4 or higher, and a Humboldt ACEs summary found about one-third of children experienced four or more adverse childhood experiences before age 18. Vesper Society, a San Francisco-based private foundation, backed the project to prevent adverse childhood experiences and build healthier communities, and it has previously backed First 5 Humboldt’s ACES and resilience work. The project grew out of First 5 Humboldt’s 2023 Counting on Community Symposium, which centered on belonging for Humboldt’s children and families.