Eureka Residents Voice Concerns over New Mental Health Facility
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humboldt County Supervisor Rex Bohn has been inundated with calls and texts as New Year’s Eve, a surge he describes as “an ungodly amount.” The source? A brightly colored flyer circulating in the Ridgewood Heights neighborhood, expressing alarm over a new residential mental health facility.
The flyer,a hot pink handbill titled “NEIGHBORHOOD ALERT!”,highlights the recent opening of “The Lighthouse,” a 16-bed residential facility located on Berry Lane,just a short distance from Ridgewood Elementary School. The facility, operated by the Yuba City-based Willow Glen Care Center, occupies a former senior living home.
Jack Breazeal, deputy director of humboldt County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Behavioral Health Branch, confirmed the facility’s opening and stated that, “This is a 16-bed facility, and DHHS Behavioral Health is contracted for all of them.” He also noted that six clients are scheduled to begin treatment soon.
The proximity to the elementary school is a key concern for many residents,fueling the wave of calls to Supervisor Bohn.While the facility aims to provide much-needed mental health services, the community’s anxieties highlight the ongoing national conversation surrounding the placement of such facilities and the importance of community engagement in planning and transparency.
the situation underscores the complexities of addressing mental health needs within communities, balancing the necessity for treatment facilities with residents’ concerns about safety and neighborhood impact. Further dialog between the facility, local officials, and residents is expected to address these concerns and foster a more informed understanding of The lighthouse’s role in the community.
Concerns Erupt over New Mental Health Facility in ridgewood Heights
A newly opened mental health facility in Ridgewood Heights, California, has ignited a firestorm of controversy among residents worried about safety and the potential impact on their property values. The Lighthouse, a transitional housing program, has been met with resistance following the distribution of flyers expressing concerns about the facility’s proximity to Ridgewood Elementary School.
Supervisor David Bohn, whose district includes Ridgewood Heights, admitted to being caught off guard by the facility’s opening. “I’m pretty frustrated, because I usually have my finger on things pretty good,” he said, adding, “I’m mad at myself as much as the whole situation.” Bohn, responding to numerous calls from concerned constituents, has scheduled a community meeting for Monday, January 6th, at 6 p.m. in the cutten Elementary School multipurpose room (4182 Walnut Drive) to address these concerns.
The flyers, distributed by ridgewood Heights resident Robin Stockton, allege that the facility poses a safety risk to children and will negatively impact property values. Stockton, who claims to have distributed 200 flyers and spoken with numerous neighbors, stated, “It’s just a recipe for disaster. Eventually, somebody is going to do something [harmful].” Her concerns, she explained, stem from personal experiences with mental illness and her past work operating a care home for individuals with severe mental health issues.
Stockton’s concerns are echoed in a Facebook message she sent: “this facility does not belong in this community. it not only puts us at risk for violence, burglary, theft and vandalism, but it also lowers the value of our homed [sic].” She also claims that the facility’s management cannot guarantee compliance with medication regimens,leading to fears of unsupervised residents in the neighborhood.
County officials, however, maintain that The Lighthouse operates within existing zoning regulations and that public notification wasn’t required. County Behavioral Health Director Dr. breazeal clarified that the facility primarily serves individuals under the California Lanterman-Petris-Short Act (LPS Act) who have demonstrated “a degree of stability and treatment compliance with medications and other mental health services.” He emphasized that the facility provides supervised housing with three staff members during the day and two at night,and that residents violating rules would be transferred to a higher level of care.
Dr. Breazeal further defended the facility’s location,stating,”facilities like this exist so that people can live near their families in their own communities in placements that are appropriate for them.”
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between the need for community mental health services and the concerns of residents regarding safety and property values. The upcoming community meeting will be crucial in addressing these concerns and fostering dialogue between residents and county officials.
Eureka’s Lighthouse: Addressing community Concerns About new Sober Living Facility
A new sober living facility in Eureka,California,has been the subject of community discussion. The Lighthouse, a 16-bed adult residential care facility (ARF) operated by Willow Glen Care Center, opened its doors recently at 6253 Berry Lane, a location previously occupied by Cutten Care Home for over 30 years.To address concerns and dispel misinformation, the facility’s leadership has proactively engaged with neighbors and provided clarification on its operations.
Program director david Gilbert explained that an open house was held on December 18th, attracting approximately 25-30 attendees.Though, recognizing that many neighbors couldn’t attend, Gilbert shared a letter directly addressing community concerns. “We certainly know there are a lot of neighbors who were unable to attend and who might have questions,” he stated in a follow-up email.
The letter, reproduced below, details the facility’s licensing, staffing, and client selection process. It emphasizes that The Lighthouse is a sober-living surroundings, not a drug or alcohol treatment center. “The Lighthouse is licensed as a co-ed adult residential care facility (ARF) and will serve dependent adults and elders who are connected to Humboldt County Behavioral Health,” Gilbert wrote. “Most clients served at The Lighthouse will have a Humboldt County Case Manager and will also have a guardian assigned by the Humboldt County Public Guardian’s office.”
New Care Home in Town
Hello Neighbors,
My name is David Gilbert and I’m the administrator of a new 16-bed care home here in Eureka, “The Lighthouse”. Prior to our moving into 6253 Berry Lane, the building was home to another care home (Cutten Care Home) for the last 30+ years.When the owners/operators of that facility decided to retire, our non-profit organization, Willow Glen care center, started the process of moving in. Like Cutten Care Home, The Lighthouse is licensed by the Community Care Licensing Division of the California Department of Social Services.
recently I was speaking to a few neighbors who had received some misinformation about our facility: words were used that we feel misrepresent the good people in Humboldt County who are working to improve their mental health and are seeking treatment.So, I thought I would try to get the correct facts out there:
The Lighthouse is licensed as a co-ed adult residential care facility (ARF) and will serve dependent adults and elders who are connected to Humboldt County Behavioral Health. Most clients served at The Lighthouse will have a Humboldt County Case Manager and will also have a guardian assigned by the Humboldt County Public Guardian’s office. Though the Lighthouse is a new facility, Willow Glen Care Center has been working with Humboldt County since 1996. Willow glen operates a total of 10 licensed facilities in northern California, including a second facility right here in Eureka.
the Lighthouse employs an Administrator (that’s me), a House Manager, a House Supervisor, a Medication Technician, and about 12 Mental Health Aides and Mental Health Workers. Staff are awake and onsite 24-hours per day and 7-days per week. in addition to the 24/7 awake staff, the premises are also monitored inside and out via a newly installed HD camera system.
All clients referred to The Lighthouse will be assessed by a clinical and interdisciplinary team prior to acceptance. If that team feels that the client is not a good fit for The Lighthouse, that referral would be denied and the client may then be referred to a different level of care. Potential clients who might not be a good fit in this neighborhood, for instance, would not be admitted to this program.
Though we are not a drug/alcohol treatment facility, we recognise that some of our clients will have a history of addiction issues and we’ll work with each client on their individual goals. The Lighthouse is a sober-living environment. Potential clients who are actively using drugs or alcohol would not be admitted to The Lighthouse,and clients who relapse while residing with…
The letter further clarifies that a rigorous assessment process is in place to ensure clients are appropriate for the facility and the neighborhood. The Lighthouse employs a full-time staff, including mental health professionals, and utilizes a extensive security system. While acknowledging that some residents may have a history of addiction, the facility emphasizes its commitment to a sober-living environment and individual goal-oriented care.
County officials are also available to address any remaining community concerns. Further information can be obtained by contacting Willow Glen Care Center directly.
New Residential Facility Aims to be a Beacon of Hope in Ridgewood
Willow Glen Care Center (WGCC), a Northern California-based organization, is addressing concerns from ridgewood residents regarding its new residential facility, The Lighthouse. The facility, slated to open soon, will provide care for individuals facing mental health challenges. David Gilbert, who has worked with WGCC for 15 years, acknowledged a delay in dialogue with neighbors and expressed his commitment to fostering a positive relationship with the community.
“I apologize for not reaching out to our neighbors earlier, and I hope that my negligence has not been interpreted as an attempt to deceive anyone,” Gilbert stated. “Many of our clients are at risk and have been mistreated or victimized in the past due to the stigma surrounding their diagnoses, so I often err on the side of discretion.”
The Lighthouse is designed to be a supportive environment for its residents. While not a locked facility, residents will participate in a structured program that includes earning passes for community outings. “Though The Lighthouse is not a locked facility, clients will have to earn passes before going out into the community (that’s one of our house rules),” Gilbert explained. “All pass times will be monitored, and any behaviors while ‘out and about’ will be considered when looking to continue/discontinue community passes. Clients will sign out and sign in for all passes, and client walks/outings will typically occur during normal daylight hours.”
WGCC operates ten facilities across Northern California and emphasizes its commitment to being a good neighbor. Gilbert highlighted the facility’s planned maintenance,landscaping,and ample employee parking (ten paved spots). He also stressed the importance of respectful interactions with the community. “The building will be well-maintained, and the yard and grounds will be kept in immaculate condition,” he said. “Our employees,clients,and visitors will be encouraged to be kind and respectful members of this neighborhood.”
Gilbert encourages residents to reach out with any questions or concerns. “Of course, if there are any questions that you may have I want you to feel free to reach out to me directly,” he said. “I will do my best to respond to any concerns, and the best way to reach me is via email: goodneighbors@wgcc.us.”
Gilbert concluded with a positive outlook for The Lighthouse’s impact on the community. “all with that in mind, I’m confident that The Lighthouse will become a point of pride for this neighborhood, and, as the name implies, a beacon of hope for the community members we serve.”
interactive Map of The Lighthouse Location
Analysis of the text:
This text provides informative reporting on the opening of The Lighthouse, a new sober living facility in Eureka, California, and the community reaction to it.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points and some analysis:
1.Community Concerns:
Residents of Eureka express anxieties about the facility’s proximity to their homes, citing concerns about safety, property values, and potential disruptions.
These concerns stem partly from misinformation and a lack of understanding about the nature of the facility and its residents.
2. WGCC’s Response:
WGCC, the organization operating The Lighthouse, actively seeks to address community concerns through:
Open house events to provide information and foster dialog.
Direct communication with neighbors via letters outlining the facility’s operations and safeguards.
Emphasizing the facility’s commitment to a sober-living habitat and rigorous client selection processes.
3. Facility Operations:
The Lighthouse is licensed as an Adult Residential Care Facility (ARF) and primarily serves dependent adults and elders connected with Humboldt County Behavioral Health.
Clients are assessed beforehand to ensure they are a good fit for the facility and community.
The facility employs a full-time staff, including mental health professionals, and maintains 24/7 supervision.
4. Importance of Communication and Openness:
The situation underscores the need for open communication and transparency between service providers and host communities.
Proactive engagement with residents and addressing their concerns can definitely help mitigate fear and build trust.
5. Addressing the Stigma:
The text highlights the challenges faced by individuals seeking mental health support and the stigma sometimes associated with facilities that serve them.
* WGCC’s efforts to clarify the nature of The lighthouse and its mission for providing quality care aims to combat these negative perceptions.
Overall:
This text presents a balanced account of the opening of a new residential facility and the community’s reaction. It showcases both the concerns raised by residents and the efforts made by the facility operator to address them.
The situation is a reminder of the complexities involved in providing essential community services while navigating community anxieties and ensuring the well-being of both residents and the surrounding neighborhood.
