Despite Suffering From Cannabis Industry Fallout Post-Legalization, Kathy Finds a Supportive Community in Humboldt
At the cannabis industry's prime, Kathy Perri didn’t need to worry about housing, healthcare, or feeding her family. The financial repercussions of legalization took away her livelihood and now she’s still trying to pick up the pieces, but high demand for social services makes it hard to actually get reliable help. Through the care of her community she finds the support she needs.
A Thriving Industry
Humboldt has a long history of boom-and-bust industries. Cannabis legalization spurred Humboldt’s most recent bust, leaving folks like Kathy Perri adjusting to a whole new way of life. Kathy moved to Shelter Cove 24 years ago, working at the campground and deli until she was invited to work on cannabis farms. She loved the family-friendly atmosphere.
“It was awesome because I could pick my kids from school and bring them along. There were barbecues, and pools for my kids to swim in during the day when they didn't have school. I brought my mom a few times a month, 30 years older than me. She was in her 70s. She'd go trimming with me too. And it was like a family back then.”
Kathy had done some guerilla growing before she moved to Humboldt, but she found that the local industry really supported her and her family back then.
“I always had money. I was never on welfare or food stamps. I raised my kids with no Medi-Cal. I didn't have to worry about that. It was a good industry, it was easy. I mean, hard work… It was just different because we could make a lot of money and it was more communal back then, way more stable than now.”
“I've never in my life thought I would be homeless.”
Industry Fallout
Kathy noticed the industry changing throughout the years. The camaraderie was dissolving, the market became more cutthroat, and prices were dropping. Eventually she decided it was best to move on, but the transition forced some unforeseen changes into her life. She now barely gets by with two part-time jobs and disability checks.
“It's way different for me now. I get food stamps. I don't have my own place. I'm on Medi-Cal, I barely have a vehicle, I mean, I work hard and I still never have any money. I can't even find a place to live. I just can't even afford to rent a place. I never thought I'd be in this situation, especially at my age. I never, ever thought I'd end up like this. Ever.”
Navigating Homelessness
Whereas Kathy remembers making thousands of dollars off a pound, she now only makes around $500 a week. She’s been on the homeless list for over three years waiting for the opportunity to move into her own apartment, but there are hundreds of others waiting in the same line.
“I'm on every single list that there is in Humboldt County for a place to live. And I haven't got one. And if it wasn't for [my friend], I'd be in my car right now… I'm old, I'm tired, I don’t need this s***. You know, I've never in my life thought I would be homeless.”
“I love Humboldt County. This is my home. I'm very comfortable here. I could make more money somewhere else, but it's not going to make me happier.”
Community Support
While her son moved away, her daughter remained but unfortunately fell in with the wrong crowd and became addicted to drugs. Perri doesn’t have much family to turn to in times of need, but the community she’s found in Humboldt means everything to her and provides her with the care she needs. She has found a lot of respite in Eureka’s Jefferson Community Center.
“I love the diversity. I love that all kinds of people can be here and we all are okay with that. We’re all a bunch of weirdos. On Saturday mornings we have the free produce and all the people come in and they have coffee and we give them danishes or whatever, and they’re all the same when they all sit there and talk. They probably wouldn't even talk at any other time, but they are brought together and are so happy to see each other. I love that a lot of people accept each other here. It doesn't matter what you're doing or how you look or how you dress or what's going on and how weird you are.”
She acknowledges it’s a tough place to live, but the inclusivity and the connections she’s made here mean more to her than opportunities somewhere else.
“I used to think about moving, but I don't think I'll ever get out of here because I don't care how much money I can make somewhere else. I'm happy here. And you know, money's not everything.”
Photos by Amy Kumler