Humboldt County Disaster Resource Guide: Where to Donate, Volunteer, Get Help

Thousands of Humboldt County residents continue recovery after floods and fires that have left some people displaced, homes damaged, and small businesses struggling. Immediate needs include shelter, food, cleanup assistance, and coordinated long-term support for workforce and business recovery. Knowing where to send money, how to volunteer safely, and who to call for urgent needs helps neighbors get aid quickly and equitably.

Humboldt COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) is coordinating local nonprofit response and service referrals across the county. Pay It Forward Humboldt is handling local relief distribution and donations, helping move funds and vetted goods to impacted households. The American Red Cross provides displacement assistance for people who lost housing or need temporary shelter. Food for People and its distribution partners are supplying food to food banks and community distribution points across the region.

For business relief, the Arcata Chamber of Commerce and Humboldt Made are running needs surveys and coordinating a business relief fund to target small-business recovery. Small business development and workforce support are available through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and county economic programs offering small grants and technical assistance to help reopen storefronts and retain employees.

Best practices for donors and volunteers: monetary donations to vetted local funds are the most effective way to meet immediate needs and reduce logistical burden. Volunteer through official signup portals to ensure background checks, assignment to trained teams, and coordinated safety oversight. Avoid soliciting unsolicited collection drives that may not match the needs of shelters or distribution centers; coordinate with Pay It Forward Humboldt or Humboldt COAD before organizing local drives.

Homeowners and renters should prioritize safety and documentation. If your property was impacted, check for downed power lines and gas smells before re-entry and follow instructions from utility companies and first responders. Photograph and video all damage before cleanup, preserve receipts for temporary repairs, and contact your insurance company promptly. For mold and structural debris, use licensed contractors for major work and consult professional remediation services for extensive mold growth; minimize exposure and use appropriate personal protective equipment for basic cleanup. County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and local family resource centers can help households with urgent needs, including assistance for seniors, families with young children, and people who face barriers to recovery.

Longer-term recovery will require sustained funding, workforce rebuilding, and targeted support for renters and underserved communities. Use official channels for donations and volunteering, follow county guidance for safety and insurance documentation, and reach out to Humboldt COAD, Pay It Forward Humboldt, Arcata Chamber/Humboldt Made, Food for People, SBDC, county DHHS, or your local family resource center for specific services. Recovery in Humboldt depends on coordinated, equitable action, neighbors helping neighbors, guided by organizations that can get resources where they are needed most.