Resources in Humboldt County for undocumented community members
With Donald J. Trump’s election victory and his proposed mass deportation plans, concerns for undocumented community members have risen. Prominent Latine community members of Humboldt such as Executive Director for Centro del Pueblo Brenda Perez and Campus and Community Development Coordinator Fernando Paz have shared concerns and resources.
“I’m facing the reality of what’s coming and how to prepare for it, being really careful about what can be shared and what can’t,” Paz said.
In 2022 the number of undocumented immigrants grew to about 11 million in the United States according to the Pew research center. California estimated about 1.8 million undocumented immigrants in 2022 but current numbers in Humboldt County are still unknown. Now community members are preparing themselves for what might come when Trump takes office. Humboldt and California have a variety of resources that can help undocumented migrants and immigrants.
Resources for all undocumented community members in Humboldt
Comunidad Unidad del Norte de Arcata (CUNA)
CUNA is a bilingual resource primarily representing Valley West (North Arcata). They hold community training for natural disasters. One of the original founders of CUNA, Kimberly White affirmed that the Resilience Hub is open to all people in need of resources. In the event of a disaster they give out food, water and emergency supplies. Starting Dec. 1 they will be opening a Family Resource Center with an emphasis on Spanish speaking families.
“We want to see brown faces, we want to get people together to open up our doors and have those conversations in light of the new administration,” White said.
Contacts for CUNA:
English: (707) 633-3867
Spanish: (707) 633-8802
Centro del Pueblo (CdP)
Perez shared multiple resources and some future events. Currently, CdP has about four working programs, the Sanctuary Gardens, Hermana Flor, Know Your Rights and Seeds of Hope. Perez welcomes all people to join these programs.
- Sanctuary gardens in Arcata, Eureka and Fortuna. Plants are grown for food and medicinal purposes. This is also a space for gathering.
- Hermana Flor (sister flower) is a space for Indigenous women to talk about violence during migration and to help them find ways to heal. This program offers dance, embroidery therapy and talks about reproductive rights.
- Know your rights training are offered in person and are also listed in the CdP website.
- Seeds of Hope is a program created to spread awareness and prevent Latine youth suicide.
Along with these four programs, help is offered with deportation cases, bilingual services, interpretation and translation of legal documents for new migrants. CdP also offers jobs to migrant women, has a magazine called La Semilla published in Spanish and a radio show called Voces de la Raza. For questions for other services reach out to CdP via email cdpoutreach@cdpueblo.com.
English Express
English Express by Mary Ann Hytken will continue to offer free English and citizenship classes in Humboldt. For class information or to reach Hytken follow the Mary Ann Hytken Facebook page.
“Will be getting the news out there through social media,” Hytken said.
Immigrants Rising
Immigrants Rising, offers a multitude of services for both undocumented people and students. Some services offered are free therapy with an undocumented psychologist, mentorship programs for students, assistance with the DACA application and scholarships.
Resource for undocumented students and their families
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)
CHIRLA is a nationwide organization that offers free legal services to students, student’s families, college faculty and staff. Consultations are free and in most cases CHIRLA can find ways to help pay for filing expenses. They help with DACA renewal, neutralization and family based immigration.They offer in person workshops such as “know your rights” training and help immigrants find jobs. CHIRLA comes to Cal Poly Humboldt every semester and is planning to return for the spring semester. To get in contact with a representative from CHIRLA visit their website chirla.org. They can also help adults enroll in college in order to obtain these services. You don’t need to be a student to book a consultation. Services are available via phone and zoom.
“We try to be as accessible as possible,” Alexandra Estrella said, a legal assistant with CHIRLA.
Immigrant assistance hotline at: (888) 624-4752
For legal appointments call: (213)- 201- 3797
Academic Cal Poly Humboldt programs
Scholars Without Borders
Yaneyry Delfin Martinez, a dream fellow at Cal Poly Humboldt works with Scholars Without Borders to help undocumented students. This program can help offset financial burdens and find undocumented students job opportunities. Currently they are hiring students and the job is year round. Scholars Without Borders will also be collaborating with CdP to sponsor three students next semester.
College Corps
College Corps is another resource for undergrad students that helps offset financial need, is open to all students and can result in a fellowship. The fellowship application closes March 22, 2025. Application can be found on the Cal Poly Humboldt graduate studies page.
For more information call: 707-826-4961 or 707-826-4962
Email: collegecorps@humboldt.edu
Related events in December
Dec. 7 CdP, El Centro Humboldt, Cal Poly Humboldt and Social Justice Equity & Inclusion are hosting a free training for DACA renewal and Know Your Rights.
To register visit their Instagram: @centrodelpueblo
CPH Library 121 Computer Lab
1 Harpst St., Arcata
1 – 3 p.m.
Dec. 14 CdP is going to host a Know Your Rights event to learn how to defend migrants rights.
First Presbyterian Church
670 11th St, Arcata
1 – 5 p.m.
