Memorial for Those We've Lost

Too often, people who are homeless live and die without ever being noticed. If they are served by Arcata House Partnership (AHP), however, they are seen and memorialized for the full lives they led. These last months have been particularly difficult for many, and four people that AHP served have passed. In remembrance of their lives, we offer the following:

We wish to celebrate the humanity and life of Sheilah Pouttu, our client and fellow community member, who was born on February 10, 1958, and died on December 13, 2021, at the age of 63. In the time we spent with her, we knew Sheilah as a gentle, quiet, and conscientious woman, who always treated people with courtesy and kindness. Sheilah was a true free spirit, traveling and living on her own terms, and enjoyed connecting with nature and the cosmos. She will be sincerely missed.

Carl Anthony Perry was born on July 21, 1955, and died on December 27, 2021, at the age of 66. After living in his car for some years, Carl came to AHP's shelter program in the fall of 2019 and moved into a home of his own soon after. Carl radiated a jovial kindness that allowed him to be a friend to all. His spirit made him fun to be around. His raspy laugh was infectious, and there was always a smile on his face. He loved to share his experiences and philosophies on life with others, and always found a way to put a positive spin on the world. Carl will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Honoring the happiness and life of Heidi Marie Smith, who was born on October 29, 1978, and died on January 1, 2022 in Arcata, California, at the age of 43. Heidi was raised in Southern Humboldt, and attended Miranda Junior High and South Fork High School. She was a happy, outgoing woman who loved being around people. Overcoming many difficulties in her life, Heidi made her way to Project Roomkey in Garberville, and then to the Arcata House Partnership shelter, where she enjoyed the company of many people and cats. Her love of music and the holidays brought sparkle to the house as she shared her joy. Heidi's kindness and love of life was evident to anyone who knew her.

Danielle Wight- known as Danni- was born on September 19, 1987, and passed away on October 7, 2021, at the age of 34. She was a loving mother to her two daughters, and felt incomplete without them. Everything she did was for her girls. Even though she fell on hard times due to the COVID crisis, losing both her job and her housing, she persevered. Danni was committed to providing a stable home for her children, despite many adversities. She had a friendly, loving way about her and she was quick to laugh, even through tears. She leaves behind two amazing young daughters

In remembrance of these individuals -- and all of our neighbors who are living on the streets without proper housing -- Arcata House Partnership held a memorial on Friday, January 21st, 2022, at 10am. The service was held outside at 501 Ninth Street in Arcata (rain or shine) and was open to all community members who wished to attend.

We hope to honor the memories of those we have lost by continuing to work with and advocate for the most vulnerable members of our community, and we look forward to a future in which everyone has access to a safe and comfortable place to be.