The League of California Cities announced that the city of Eureka received the esteemed 2022 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence in Community Services and Economic Development for its one-of-a-kind municipal social services program, UPLIFT Eureka. The award-winning project connects community members experiencing homelessness to vital community services and resources.
UPLIFT Eureka was created in 2018 with the goal of connecting community members experiencing homelessness in Eureka with critical services, employment assistance, and permanent housing, as well as assistance with obtaining employment and permanent housing. UPLIFT Eureka is a comprehensive program comprised of several components which work cohesively together to empower program participants and advance them toward achieving their goals. One of which, the UPLIFT Eureka Housing Assistance Program, has housed over 100 individuals since launching in 2019. Additionally, UPLIFT Eureka’s Pathway to Payday employment workshop has helped more than 150 individuals obtain jobs.
Established in 1982 by the League of California Cities, the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence is given annually and recognizes outstanding achievements by California’s 482 cities. The purpose of the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence program is to promote innovative solutions by city governments. The 2022 winners, recognized for their outstanding programs, were chosen from 155 submissions.
There are 12 award categories, including Intergovernmental Collaboration; Community Services and Economic Development; Economic Development Through the Arts; Enhancing Public Trust, Ethics, and Community Involvement; Health and Wellness Programs; Housing Programs and Innovations; Internal Administration; League Partners Award for Excellence in City-Business Relations; Planning and Environmental Quality; Public Safety; Public Works, Infrastructure, and Transportation; and the Ruth Vreeland Award for Engaging Youth in City Government.