fbpx

Send Me SSP News Monthly

News Archives

Del Norte County, CA

We have partnered with communities in Del Norte County since 2013, and previously in the 1990s. We work with the Del Norte County Senior Center, Open Door Health Clinic, and Sutter Home Health to get the word out to seniors who are in need of repairs to improve the safety of their home. There are limited, if any, organizations that provide home repairs like SSP offers within the County. Almost 20% of residents in Del Norte County are 65 and older, higher than California’s average. Explore Census data for Del Norte County.

Since 2014, we have worked closely with the Tolowa Dunes Stewards to host environmental restoration projects. These full-group service-learning days focus on removing invasive European beach grass, while on other days some work teams remove invasive English ivy. 

In Del Norte County, most of our work is locally led in partnership with community-based organizations with an environmental stewardship lens. However, some projects will focus on typical SSP repair projects such as accessibility ramps, stairs, and painting.

2024 Dates

  • Week 1: No volunteers (prep week for staff)
  • Week 2: starting June 30
  • Week 3: starting July 7
  • Week 4: starting July 14
  • Week 5: starting July 21
  • Week 6: starting July 28

2024 Summer Participant Fees

  • $675 per person
    • Plus flat sign-up fee of $75 for 1-5 people, or $200 for 6+ people
DSC  e

About the Community

 

What are the prevailing needs in Del Norte County?

  • Support for environmental restoration efforts
  • Plentiful hands to aid with community-led initiatives
  • Low-income, older residents in need of otherwise costly home repairs

What does Del Norte County have to offer?

  • Low summer temperatures and a cold coastal climate
  • Redwood National & State Parks
  • Strong commitment to sustainability and Indigenous food sovereignty

Who is a good fit to volunteer at this location?

  • Anyone is welcome! 
  • Groups and individuals looking for projects with community-based organizations
  • Volunteers interested in the intersection of environmental justice and its impact on Indigenous communities

Service Work in Del Norte County

In Del Norte County, the majority of our work is locally led in partnership with community-based organizations, although some projects will focus on typical SSP home repairs such as ramps, porches, stairs, awnings, painting and other general home repairs. No construction experience is needed, and you’ll be amazed at all of the work that your youth teams complete! Most projects take longer to complete than your week at SSP so you may see the beginning, middle or end of a project.

Community-Based Projects

We are thrilled for the community partnership opportunities arising for SSP’s summer program this year! 

Volunteers will rotate through community-based projects, many of which have an environmental focus. These include forest thinning and blackberry bush removal with Elk Valley Rancheria, invasive species removal with the Tolowa Dunes Stewards, and working in the community gardens across Del Norte County. So many enthusiastic partners make for a robust service-learning experience for volunteers!

In 2022, volunteers worked with 13 community partners and built an accessible ramp for a local resident:

  • Elk Valley Rancheria (invasive removal & garden)
  • Yurok Food Sovereignty Program
  • Tolowa Dee-ni’ Head Start (ramp)
  • Tolowa Dunes Stewards (ivy removal, and 6 full group work days removing European beach grass)
  • Bess Maxwell Elementary School garden
  • Crescent Elk Middle School garden
  • College of the Redwoods Food Forest
  • Open Door Community Health Center garden
  • First 5 (paint & garden)
  • Redwood National & State Parks (4 full group work days)
  • St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church (paint)
  • Crescent City United Methodist Church garden
  • Randy Hatfield Disc Golf Course

Community Partners

Adventure Day

Each week the full group volunteers with Tolowa Dunes Stewards on Adventure Day removing invasive European beach grass which threatens the livelihood of native plants and animals. Youth learn about biodiversity and the importance of habitat for bees and other pollinators for the food system.

The day begins with a a one mile hike to the Tolowa Dunes State Park. Teams are encouraged to dig up the longest root (think 6 feet long!) and to make the largest pile of grass. The day is complete with lunch on the beach before heading to the Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park for the afternoon to swim in the Smith River, hike to Stout Grove, and BBQ.

Learn About Del Norte County

Download the detailed SSP Del Norte County Study Guide to learn about the community and get more out of your SSP experience. We suggest that you download the study guide, share with your group and discuss the materials during a planning meeting.

Follow local news: Del Norte Triplicate

Location Details

Climate

The average high during the summer is 65°F and low is 50°F. The area is beautiful and at times the days (and nights) can be chilly! Make sure to bring lots of layers and winter clothes – this is not your typical California summer location! Coats, sweatshirts, long pants and hats are recommended. See SSP’s downloads page for packing lists.

Staff Contact Info

Housing

For the second year, we will be graciously hosted by Crescent City United Methodist Church. All volunteers should be aware showers are off-site from the location where we are housed.

Directions

Crescent City United Methodist Church, 664 H St, Crescent City, CA 95531

Use a navigation system to guide you to our host facility.

Navajo Nation | Chiloquin | Del Norte County