Severe Winter Storm Expected Tonight

Community activist makes special call for shelter space to house homeless

Humboldt Sentinel
12/12/08
By Sentinel Staff

ARCATA -- The relatively mild autumn of 2008 is about to give way to the first big winter storm of the season, according to the National Weather Service, causing concern among local government officials and activists alike.

Humboldt State University police officials have specifically warned students unaccustomed to North Coast winter weather to prepare for a severe winter storm beginning Friday night that could strike with black ice, hail and snow on local highways. Motorists are advised to reduce speeds and carry traction devices such as chains or cables.

Mountain passes on Highways 101, 299 and 36 are particularly expected to receive snow overnight; NWS reports that polar air over Alaska and northern Canada will envelop the Humboldt region through the middle of next week, with snow levels projected to drop to about 1,000 feet north of Cape Mendocino.

Local peace and justice activist Jack Nounnan of World Can’t Wait!, meanwhile, sent out a notice Thursday evening asking for community collaboration between churches, local government and ordinary residents to provide emergency shelter space for vulnerable populations of homeless in the Eureka area.

“It's essentially impossible to understand without experiencing it, not to have a place, night coming on, not knowing where to go for safety or rest, facing excessive cold and/or the rain, lack of any personal shelter like a tent, possibly not enough sleeping gear or even warm enough clothes, without the simplest access to restrooms,” Nounnan stated. “One also faces possible hostilities, harassment by police, in their consistent policy of turning one away from wherever found, often destroying whatever warm gear they might have, thus folks forced to wander until morning.”

“The accumulative effects of sleeplessness and all is quick and de-stabilizing, with loss of clarity and abilities to function well, find means to prep for jobs or even appear reasonable enough to obtain work, even for those still able and wanting,” he went on to state. “The worst of all this is the long term effects on those many who are already suffering from sicknesses or disabilities, especially our returning vets.”

Anyone able to provide shelter space is asked to call World Can’t Wait! At 707-442-8733. Nounnan particularly hoped the holiday spirit would be forthcoming in this time of need.

“We're prepared to help make the very best arrangements in placing folks in good situations with the best chances for accommodating yours and those you help,” he stated.

University officials are asking everyone on campus to consult the National Weather Service regularly at 707-443-7062 or www.wrh.noaa.gov/eka. Road conditions are available at 800-427-7623 or www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roads.cgi.