We have wonderful news to share - this week, We Are Up received unanimous approval from the Humboldt County Planning Commission for our development permits! Read more about this exciting news in the Times Standard and the Lost Coast Outpost.

It takes a community that cares for its most vulnerable to have the support We Are Up has seen since the beginning. So many of you have contributed in one way or another and we want to pause before we begin our building phase to thank you all for any and all contributions you have made!

From writing letters to speaking before the Planning Commission, from your generous donations of time and financial support to your tireless advocacy for our project and those it will serve, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support over the past 3 1/2 years!

Here are a few of those who came out to to speak on behalf of the project (from top left): Sierra Braggs (Board Member, formerly with Redwood Coast Regional Center), Wesley Chesbro (former CA state Senator), Malorie McCurdy (Board Member/Treasurer), Kash Boodjeh (Architect), Tory Star (CEO, Open Door Community Health Centers), Colby Smart (Deputy Superintendent, Humboldt County Office of Education). Board President Mary Keehn explained that the project is not just housing, but will be an "ecosystem of care" where people of all income levels, ages and abilities will live together and care for one another. Because of the thoughtful reredesign of the project, this time around, no opposition to the project was submitted, and all members of the Planning Commission voted in support of the project.

In anticipation of this approval, We Are Up received clear title to our 15+ acre site, gained site control of 3 additional parcels on Central Avenue, and readied the land for future building by removing 5 dangerous structures.

Our Board has fundraised, and we have banked enough funds - with your contributions to the Spooktacular and from so many community organizations - to build our greenhouse. Within a year, and with the help of a recent grant of $60,000 from the R.I.S.E. Leadership Committee for the design of programing at We Are Up's greenhouse, we plan to start offering programs to local Regional Center clients. 

Another recent development is the addition of a 150-foot-long raised bed in the apple orchard. Community members donated the materials, soil, flowers and veggies to plant, and volunteered their time to plant. We are almost ready to begin donating this year’s harvest to local non-profits to brighten the lives of our neighbors!

With Gratitude,

Mary Keehn and the We Are Up Board of Directors