Humboldt Community Access and Resource Center
HCAR is a private non-profit agency, incorporated in 1955 by a group of dedicated parents seeking an alternative to institutionalization for their children with developmental disabilities. Today, HCAR serves local citizens with disabilities by promoting person-centered planning, community inclusion and family unity through an array of services and supports.
Mission
HCAR supports people within our communities who have disabilities by connecting them to opportunities, fostering inclusion, and creating programs for learning, living, and employment.
Vision
HCAR envisions a future which we have one community of strong, healthy, individuals, and families. A place where people with disabilities actively create their futures, have supportive networks, and are safe and thrive in all aspects of their lives. HCAR advocates for a future that provides culturally competent organizations in which disability diagnosis, geographic area, economic status, race & ethnicity, and family configuration are not barriers to service access.
Donate Now
Help Support Bill Spenceley
Our former director, Bill Spenceley, is needing help with his healing journey.
You can learn more and support his family at his GoFundMe.
What's New at HCAR?
Now open: HCAR's food and supplies pantry
Humboldt Community Access & Resource Center is now providing food and supplies to help support people through the winter. To learn more, to request a food bag, or to help support this project, please see our food pantry page.
Eric Lee, an artist at our HCAR Studio site, broadening his art portfolio by using the 'En plein air' method. This term is French for 'outdoors' and is the act of painting outdoors to help an artist learn how to better capture the changing details of weather and light.
Upcoming Events
Pathway to Payday
Thu, Aug 06 at 9:00 AM
In partnership with the Betty Kwan Chinn Homeless Foundation, Pathway to Payday is a FREE four-day Employment Workshop Series, designed so that each day builds upon the next, focusing on the enhancement of application, overcoming barriers, and building interview skills, ultimately resulting in participants having the opportunity to interview with multiple local businesses with open positions.
Learn More
Da’ Yas Park Volunteer Day
Sat, Aug 08 at 9:00 AM
Join us on Saturday, August 8th for a morning of gardening at Da’ Yas Park! We will meet at the California St. Entrance of the park to work on the native planters along the paths. ⏰Drop in anytime between 9am-11am. All supplies are provided. This is a family friendly event, but minors must have a parent or guardian present. Please
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Floating Lantern Ceremony (Make a Lantern)
Sat, Aug 08 at 9:00 AM
The 40th Annual Arcata Lantern Floating Ceremony is an opportunity to offer spiritual consolation for everyone affected by the pandemic, those we miss, departed loved ones, ancestors and all we hold dear. The City of Arcata’s Nuclear Free Zone Committee began this ceremony 39 years ago to commemorate the US atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 and to
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Become a Member
As a non-profit, we rely on donations to help with costs that aren't subsidized by regional center funding. Help make an impact in your community and support the many people served through HCAR by becoming a member.
Member Benefits:
- Support the oldest service provider for community members with disabilities in Humboldt County.
- Help provide equipment, supplies, and representation for our community.
- Exclusive annual events to celebrate our members.
- The right to vote for HCAR board members.
Become a Member
Programs
Bay Center Day Services
Bay Center Day Services provide life skills to help consumers be successful and independent in their communities.
Canvas & Clay Studio
CANVAS + CLAY provides an inclusive studio environment for artists of varying abilities to foster an authentic art practice and professional growth within an inviting art community.
Clinical Services
Fulfilling the emotional support needs of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, their families, and the general community.
Comprehensive Career Services
CCS sets employees up for success by assisting them in job development, interviewing skills and resume writing, cultivating positive workplace behavior and habits, as well as building upon and enhancing job skills and social skills.
Respite Services
Respite Services support family unity by providing temporary relief from the 24/7 responsibility of caring for a loved one with disabilities.
Summit Support Services
HCAR‘s Support Services assists consumers in reaching and maintaining their individual potential in all areas of their lives, their homes, and their communities.