In the rolling hills of Mendocino County, a passionate group of activists, social workers, and community leaders are waging a fierce war against homelessness - and they’re not taking “no” for an answer.

Breaking the Silence on Homelessness

At a recent meeting in Redwood Valley, local agencies gathered to tackle the complex challenge of supporting their unhoused neighbors, armed with nothing more than determination and a strategic plan. Priest Martinez from the Northern Circle Indian Housing Authority cut straight to the heart of the matter: “We’re not here to point fingers, we’re here to find solutions”.

Beyond the Stereotypes

Workers like Makayla Caldwell and Frank Ortiz from Redwood Community Services are fighting against deeply entrenched misconceptions. “There’s so much misinformation about who homeless people really are,” Caldwell explained. Their work at Building Bridges isn’t just about providing shelter - it’s about restoring dignity and creating pathways to stability.

A Community United

County Supervisor Maureen Mulheren emphasized the critical need for community engagement. “We can’t solve this alone,” she stressed. The message is clear: ending homelessness requires collective action, compassion, and a willingness to listen and understand.

As Mendocino County rewrites its strategic plan, one thing becomes abundantly clear - change is possible when people come together with open hearts and practical solutions.